Do i need a Passport to enter via automobile into Canada or re-enter the USA?

Show all answers

roundater

New Requirements for U.S. Citizens

* Media Notes
* Flyers & Fact Sheet
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Federal Regulations

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

* Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
* As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI

Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

* U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
* The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
* DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.

Background

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administrationâ€™s proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.

Media Notes

* 02/22/2007 DHS Announces Proposed Passport Flexibility for U.S. and Canadian Children at Land and Sea Borders
* 11/22/2006 Passports Required for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007
* 10/17/2006 Department of State to Introduce Passport Card

Flyers & Fact Sheet

* Fact Sheet - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (pdfPDF)
* Fact Sheet - WHTI's Successful Implementation (01/30/07) (pdfPDF)
* Flyer on Passport Requirement for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007 (pdfPDF)
* Hoja de Informacion (pdfPDF)
* WHTI Information Sheet - French (pdfPDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

* Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)

Federal Regulations

*
Final Rule - Air Phase (pdf PDF)
*
Proposed Rule - Passport Card (pdf PDF)
*
Comments Submitted in Passport Card Rule Making Proceeding (DOS-2006-0329-0001)

Other Relevant Links

* Department of Homeland Security
* U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Print Printer friendly version Email Email

Pichi

Jaun's answer is correct, most of the others are wrong.

Photo I.D. and proof of citizenship is all you need for land and sea travel until Jan 2008 or later (date not set).

Also, in most cases, only a few questions are asked going in to Canada, such as purpose of trip, how long are you staying. You only get more questions if you appear nervous or something else appears a bit "off".

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

soccerref

Until January 1, 2008 you don't need a passport. However, having one will make life a bit easier when you enter Canada as they tend to ask a lot of questions as you enter without one.

Have a great trip!

JuanB

No you don't need one yet. Most of the answers given are wrong.

Americans and Canadians currently only need a passport if you are flying. Starting some time next year a passport is required for all travel across the border. (I would tell you the date if it was already set - right now it is just next year sometime.) There is no difference in rules between leaving the US or returning to the US for this matter. If you can't get back into the US with the documents you have, Canada doesn't let you in.

Fancy That

you really should have one, yes. I've know people who have had their cars searched and torn apart by canadian or US border patrol. It's a lot harder to get into and out of canada than most people believe.

If you are traveling with children, be sure to bring their birth certificates.

raventattoocare

YES! You are no longer allowed over ANY U.S. border, going in or out, without a passport!!!!!!!!!!

rebel g

You will have to have a passport to re-enter the US.

Hey now!

It is now required by law to have a passport when traveling into the US from any country. You'd better hurry up and get one as an appt. to apply is booked up (at least in the Orlando, FL area). From what I hear, a lot of people are trying to get passports now (myself included) due to this new law that went into affect on Jan 23rd. You'll need to get expedited service to get the passport in about 2-3 weeks; regular service can take up to 10 weeks. Expect to pay $160 on top of the cost for two 2X2 pictures that you must provide.

Another thing you want to make sure you have is your birth certificate. It must be an original copy with an embossed seal of the state you were born in.

Good luck!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: