do i need a visa to go canada.I am a american citizen?

Answer 1

Okay it appears that there has been a change in the ruling because earlier thie year it was reported on the news that you would need a passport to enter Canada. You still do not need a passport but it appears it would behoove you to have one. Here is the text from the US Dept of State:

New Requirements for Travelers

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

* December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
* December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

Answer 2

You do NOT need a visa or a passport to visit Canada if you are a US citizen.

You do NEED proof of citizenship and photo ID.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1170.html
1.
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 driver’s license, voter’s registration card or Social Security card is NOT valid proof of citizenship.
2.
Photo identification, such as a current, valid driver’s license.

All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport.

Answer 3

You don't need a visa or a passport to come to Canada, if you are
only planning on visiting. Just have some sort of photo ID with you when you cross over the border into Canada. If you plan to
live in Canada then you will have to apply for a visa

Answer 4

Yes you will need a passport.It is up to the border patrol.But hearing from people trying to get in with just driver license and birth certificate (No Way). So, do yourself a favor and get passport.

Answer 5

If I'm not mistaken, you will need a passport starting January 2007.

Right now you just have to show ID, and Birth Certificate.

Answer 6

I just want to back up "anglehimm" You don't need a passport if you are just going for a visit. I always take a photo id, birth certificate and ss card. I don't think you need all three, but it never hurts to be prepared.

Answer 7

It's common sense to have at least some ID handy. Just take your passport, there's no better ID than that. Depends also on the Canadian customs officer at the border. Oh and I know Customs on US border is no joke...so better be safe than sorry...

Answer 8

yes you'll need a passport

Answer 9

You need a U.S. passport...

Answer 10

YOU DO NOT NEED A PASSPORT.....