Does a U.S. citizen need a passport to visit Canada at this time?

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Jeff H

Due to new regulations established by the US Department of Homeland Security, as of June 1, 2009 all travel into the US will require a valid passport or other approved ID. This is applicable to both citizens of the US and those of other countries. To be consistent with these regulations Canada Customs and Immigration will be enforcing similar regulations for people crossing from the US into Canada for a visit. Although there are exemptions they, in general, relate to children travelling with their parents or on a school activity and they must provide authorization from their parents as well as other acceptable ID.

The current regulations are:

Air Travel - A valid passport

Land Travel - A valid passport OR;

- Valid government issued photo ID and an official birth certificate for individuals 19 years of age and older;

- An official birth certificate for those people 18 years of age and younger although photo ID is always a good idea.

Sea Travel - Same as for Land

Effective June 1, 2009 the following rules apply:

Air Travel - A valid passport

Land Travel - A valid passport or passport card or approved alternative such as an enhanced driver's license (one containing citizenship data).

Sea Travel - Same as for land.

Although a passport is not currently required it does make things much easier when crossing the border.

Eclectic Mind

Hi there -- On and after June 1, 2009 you will need either a passport, a passport card, or an enhanced driver's license also denoting the citizenship.
Until May 31, 2009 you are good to go with the birth certificate and a driver's license.

Here is the website

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbp

Å‹oÑThÎµÑÅ‹

You don't need it IF you're driving "till JUNE 09".You need a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license and your US birth certificate. Keep in mind that on or after June 09 you must present a VALID PASSPORT regardless of your nationality and how you get in here "by land,air or sea"

nez777

It depends on how you are planning to travel... are you going by air or by ground/sea?

Regardless of where you are coming from, if you are going by air, you will need a passport, no exceptions. If you are going there by ground of sea (for instance, driving or a cruise), then a passport card is what you need.

Personally, I think it's always a good idea to have a passport. You certainly don't want to pay a rush fee in the future if you ever want to travel abroad. Besides, it's also the one solid ID that proves everything.

cupidtoo

AIR TRAVEL

All persons traveling by air are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Securityâ€™s website.

CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.

Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driverâ€™s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

NWIP

No you don't need a passport to enter Canada via Land or Sea or go back into the US or Mexico. You can use a birth certificate and a Government Issued Photo ID. Starting June 1st is when everyone will be required to have a passport or passport ID card.

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