If I am a U.S. Citizen can I get my passport while in Canada, so that I can come back?

Question

I am going to canada this month and I won't be coming back until 3 or 4 months. I won't get my passport in time even if I apply for it now, so is there a way I can get it while in canada? because after January 1st they require a passport to come back to the U.S.. Can anyone give me a number to call or a site? or suggestions help please.

also im 18 and have never got a passport.

Answer 1

The passport is only required if you are travelling by air. If you are driving then you have another year to get the passport.

However if you are travelling by air you can expedite your passport application. This can shorten the time to two weeks.

Answer 2

The passport regulation does not come into effect until 1/24 I beleive. However, call teh American State Department and tell them your problem. You could also do the sme thing while in Canada and go to the US Embasy in Ontario and apply for a passport there so you may get in. I'd also bring a copy of yoru birth certificate with you in case you have to come home in case of an emergency.

Answer 3

As someone mentioned, if you're coming back by car you don't need a passport yet. If you are coming back by plane you may be able to get it in time to come back and have it mailed to you. It would likely be best to apply at least. If it doesn't come in time, you can go to the nearest consulate and they will work things out for you.

Answer 4

There are US consulates in Canada, as well as US Customs and Immigration officials at a number of Canadian airports (Vancouver and Calgary are two). You can check with any of these. On the other hand, if you apply immediately, you may get it before you leave -- even without expedited processing, I've gotten turnaround in less than two weeks.

Answer 5

Apply for a US passport in a US embbassy in Canada so that you could return without being mistaken as an illegal entrant.

Answer 6

Apply now, have somebody pick up your mail, and forward the passport to you in Canada when it comes to your US address.

Answer 7

hope this helps. might also contact the nearest US embassy or consulate for further assistance.

New Requirements for Travelers


Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

Beginning January 23, 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. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI

Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.
Background

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration’s proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.

11/22/2006 Media Note - Passports Required for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007

10/17/2006 Media Note - Department of State to Introduce Passport Card

Fact Sheet - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)

Final Rule - Air Phase ( PDF)

Other Relevant Links

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection