Do you need a passport to leave the US to canada then come back into the US?

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jargent100

Not until 2008. If you travel by car.

Currently, as a US Citizen, you can cross into Canada and re-enter without passport. But that's changing soon.

State Dept website with travel info linked below, and a site talking about the 2008 change.

I've crossed over the border via car many times without a passport.

Cariad

Sometimes.

What you are refering to is what is called "re-entering" the USA. According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) you require a passport to "enter or re-enter the USA" by air. That took effect January 23, 2007.

This same law will take effect for driving and water as soon as January 2008 and as late as June 2009. Keep your eyes on the news for info for these two modes of transportation.

You can always use a passport even when it isn't required as ID yet...it will make things easier. (Border guards at land crossing may "ask" for it....it makes their job easier but isn't required like when you fly back to the USA)

uuhhmmmm........ YEA.

wheelintheditch

This advice is only for U.S. citizens. The rules are different for citizens of other countries. Right now, if you are driving into and back out of Canada, you only need a U.S. driver's license. Same for Mexico, I believe. If you are flying, you don't need a passport right now, as long as you can prove to the U.S. authorities on your way back into the U.S. that you have already applied for a passport. However, this rule will not be good for much longer, and eventually you will need the actual passport in hand in order to re-enter the U.S. by air. There is also recent movement in the congress to require passports for car travel. You still don't actually need a passport to enter either Mexico or Canada, but as I say the rules are different for re-entering the U.S.

Elizabeth R

It depends on your travel method. If you are driving across the border then no you will only need your birth certificate and valid state issued or military id. If you will be flying then, yes you will need your passport.

ladyballa

yes you do

Explorer

Yes you do.
Otherwise, we assume you are Mexican and send you to Tijuana

Derek F

of corse you need a passport to exityour courntry
to go to another.

sharpie68

I believe you do now... (didnt have to before)

Visas and Travel Documents
New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and Canada: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Canada are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. American citizen travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport or the passport card when it becomes available, well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

Current Requirements for Entry Into Canada

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada from the U.S. You will, however, need:

proof of your U.S. citizenship such as your U.S. passport (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with one of the regional passport agencies located throughout the U.S.) or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county or state in the U.S. where you were born. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driverâ€™s license, voterâ€™s registration card or Social Security card is NOT valid proof of citizenship.
photo identification, such as a current, valid driverâ€™s license.
All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called a â€œGreen Card.â€

If you are a dual U.S./Canadian citizen you should always present yourself as a Canadian citizen when entering Canada. However, U.S. citizens should use their U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States.

Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.) Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays at the port of entry.

For further information, including information on student or business travel, visitors can contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 682-1740, see their Internet home page at http://www.canadianembassy.org or contact the nearest Canadian consulate. (A list of Canadian consulates is at the end of this brochure.)

link below..

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