Traveling to Canada for the First Time?

Question

I'm going to Canada for the New Years and I've never left the country before. I'm from the US and was wondering what sort of ID do I need to get accross the boarder? Is there an offical webpage or place to call for conrete details?

Answer 1

a drivers license should be good enouigh. As the states say we let anybody in

Answer 2

Citizens of the USA do not need a passport or visa to enter Canada, unless they are arriving in Canada from somewhere other than the USA. They do need to have on them proof of citizenship plus photo identification, although this is not often asked for. More information for U.S. citizens crossing into Canada can be found on the Consular Information Sheet for Canada at the web site of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, of the U.S. Department of State.

Americans in particular will need to be aware that Canada has strict gun laws. Generally, all weapons without legitimate sporting or recreational use are prohibited, and guns used for hunting or competition may be brought in with a permit. Undeclared firearms are confiscated, and criminal charges may be made.

For more information about going into Canada, phone the border-crossing post directly. For answers to Canadian customs enquiries, or to locate the nearest Canadian customs district office, call the following telephone numbers: From within Canada, call: (toll-free) 1-800 461-9999, but it might work from some areas in the USA. From outside Canada, call: 204-983-3500; or, 506-636-5064.

Answer 3

the last time i went over the border, which was about 6 months ago, all i needed to have was my birth certificate and my driver's license.

that is changing within the next year or so tho. if you are looking to be a frequent visitor, then you need to get a passport.

New Requirements for Travelers


Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

On January 8, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Answer 4

You can get across the border with a birth certificate and drivers licence. If you do not have both of those you will need to apply for a passport. When you enter Canada you go through Canada Customs. You are not to bring in food (meats, vegetables or fruit - packaged foods are fine), no firearms are allowed. They ask you where you are staying and how long you are staying and that is it. You'll do fine. On your way back to the United States you go through US customs to declare and purchase you are takinghome with you. Keep your receipts from everything you buy as there is a 6% federal tax in Canada that you get back on your trip home if you take in your receipts.

http://www.discovercanada.com

Enjoy your visit!

Answer 5

Simply said: if you're flying, you'll need a passport to RETURN to the U.S. If you're driving, proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate AND photo ID (drivers license) will be OK for one more year. Canada will accept these proofs, no problem- the U.S. is very strict. Here's a reference page for you: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Hope that helps!

Answer 6

A lot of your answers are out of date...things keep changing.

Here is a website for you

http://www.explore.canada.travel/ctc/ke/things_to_know_2.jsp?cat=4004&localeId=16

Oh...and the GST rebate for Americans was cancelled in the last budget. I dont know the effective date of that yet.

Answer 7

if your driving across the border, birth certificate, drivers license, flying across the border, passport... check out the website.. oh hope your drivers record is clean... canada doesn t allow dwi's

Answer 8

all u need is a drivers license
abirth certificate would b nice and a passport is perfect but not necessary

Answer 9

drivers lisence but i always use a passport