Is a passport needed for this?

Question

My 16 year old son wants to go to Canada in about two weeks or less and has no passport, I am not sure that he can acquire one in that short a time, do you absolutely need a passport for entry or can he us some other official forms of I.D. for passage. He is going with an organized group that had attended summer camp together. I'd like to see him go as he is a good kid. Thanks to all who answer!

Answer 1

This is information I have found...

Effective January 8, 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 driver’s license, voter’s registration card or Social Security card is NOT valid proof of citizenship.
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. Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called a “Green Card.”

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, [phone], 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.)

Answer 2

As long as he is returning home before Jan 8 2007, he doesn't need a passport, just a photo ID and proof of citizenship (such as an official certified copy of birth certificate). You can check the Department of State site to read all the details: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Why not go ahead and apply for a passport so he'll be ready for the next trip! Here's the info on that from the state department: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html

Tell him happy travels!
http://www.mousetourstravels.com/

Answer 3

probably so, however you can go to the clerk of courts and explain your situation, there is a way that they can rush the process of his passport and you will have it in 10 days ( i had mine done that way) there is an extra fee though

Answer 4

very last time I checked Louisiana is a US state; Hawaii is a US state. so that you at the instantaneous are not likely to a distinct u . s . a .. the in basic terms type of id you'll want will be your motive force's license.

Answer 5

If he is in any country other than Canada, Yes

Answer 6

if your son is not a canadian citizen then he will require a valid passport and a canadian visa too.

Answer 7

it would be prudent and wise to have a passport