US Passport requires for traveling to (and from) Canada

[Hurmoth]

Planning a trip to Canada and I'm curious if I need a passport to get into Canada and back into the US? I remember talk of requiring a passport for this, but I never heard it if was passed and put into place.

[Matthew S.]

By air, yes. By land, no, you just need a valid recent drivers license.

If I wanted to go to the states via Niagara Falls I would need one of those new Ontario drivers license (the one with the new security features) or a passport, both of which I don't have >.< ...

[x3lumin8x]

If you're going to Canada, air or land, you don't need a passport. Coming back to US, you do need a passport.

[Klownicle]

You need a drivers license and a orignal birth certificate, if you can't get the orignal you need a norterized copy.

I wasn't able to get to the candian side of the falls couple weeks ago. Passports will work also.

However, I think the American Side was way cooler. The Candians really can't touch it like the americans can. Yeah they can see it better, but remember there are helicoptor rides, and maid of the mist so you can still see them headon without going on the candian side.

That is 100% confirmed, but not sure about getting back in.

[Hurmoth]

Thanks for the responses (Y)

[markwolfe Veteran]

You need a drivers license and a orignal birth certificate

(Y)

In the past, I know a driver's license would get you through (and it wasn't always looked at, except at times of worker strike/slow-downs when they would require all documentation and check everyone). I used to just get through after answering the usual verbal questions - no documentation required.

Times, alas, have changed. A driver's license doesn't show citizenship, whereas a birth certificate does. So ensure you have your birth certificate in addition to photo ID (like your license). Of course, a passport also does the trick.

[Fred Derf Veteran]

Thanks for the responses (Y)

Don't forget that the requirements for Canadians to get into and out of the U.S. is not necessarily the same as the requirements for Americans to get in and out of Canada.

This seems to provide an answer:

http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelo...tizenborder.htm

[OhMuffin]

When are passports suppose to come into effect for land/boat?

I drive to the states every 2 weeks to go grocery shopping and to fill up my car and a spare red gas tank ( $4/Gal is cheap :) ). I'd have to have to get a passport to continue doing this.

[Dane]

I dont know, I was to got up to Toronto in January, and I called the state department who deals with passports and they told me for me drive to Canada and back I needed a passport. After January 1st 2008 you need a passport, a drivers license wont do. So people on here said DL will do. I dont know who to believe now.

[shakey_snake]

Why not check just the state department's website?

:p

[gnuman]

I dont know, I was to got up to Toronto in January, and I called the state department who deals with passports and they told me for me drive to Canada and back I needed a passport. After January 1st 2008 you need a passport, a drivers license wont do. So people on here said DL will do. I dont know who to believe now.

A drivers license and birth certificate is what you need when going to the US from Canada and it should be the same only by CAR by air you need a passport.

I still didn't apply for my passport yet... I don't feel like taking a pic for the passport then take another pic for license...

[exppi]

Check here. This was the rule that went into place that caused the massive rush on passports.

[Joel]

When are passports suppose to come into effect for land/boat?

2009, unless they delay it (again).

[iZoom]

If you're going to Canada, air or land, you don't need a passport. Coming back to US, you do need a passport.

Incorrect.

As others have already stated, a passport is required to travel to and from Canada via AIR. There isn't much fuss leaving the country with a passport, but CBP (Canada Border Patrol) does ask for it at the entry point, so its best you have one. Most, if not all, major airports that fly back to the U.S. from Canada have U.S. Preclearence which is basically U.S. Customs checkpoint in the Canadian airport.

Passports for Land & Sea are going to become required as well, baring any further delays. I travel to Canada to see my fiance and I had to learn this stuff.

[Fred Derf Veteran]

I travel to Canada to see my fiance and I had to learn this stuff.

Are you stealing one of our lasses?

[PermaSt0ne]

just remember to hide your laptop with those cheap drugs you are getting

the boarder patrol can confiscate it for no reason at all :crazy:

[Zirus]

You could just get a passport and not have to worry about it. ;)

[iZoom]

Yeah, she's a keeper. Marrying her this fall :)

Hence, my avatar

<----

[j.r.l.]

Wow, and you're from Florida? That's a nice distance to be engaged!

[Hurmoth]

You could just get a passport and not have to worry about it. ;)

Not in two weeks unfortunately. I just decided late last week that I was going to Montreal.

But I have my birth certificate and a driver's license, so that should be ok.

[tsupersonic]

US Government website on info about traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean region.

Keep in mind that after June 2009, you might need a US Passport Card or book.