Do you need a passport to cross the USA-Canadian border by car in 2007?

Answer 1

Q. When will the travel initiative be implemented?

In the proposed implementation plan, the initiative will be implemented in two phases. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

* January 23, 2007 – Passports, Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs) or NEXUS Air cards would be required for all air travel from within the Western Hemisphere for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.
* January 1, 2008 – It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, 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 U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.

Q. Originally, the proposed date of implementation for the air phase was January 1, 2007. Why the change?

The Departments of Homeland Security and State proposed a later date in response to comments from the airline industry in order to help facilitate holiday travel. The requirement will go into effect on January 23, 2007 , 60 days after publication of the Final Rule in the Federal Register.

Answer 2

Since 9/11 you've only needed a Birth Certificate, but a passport does make things go faster.
January 2007 you'll need a passport to enter by air. It won't be until January 2008 that you will need a passport to enter by car, so you can still just use a Birth Cerfiticate until then. We live in the metro Detroit area and cross over to Windsor for shopping/dining all the time and we've never had a problem entering either country w/just a birth certificate. But also have your license out as well. If you have these waiting to show customs when you enter, you'll be fine.

Answer 3

If you are a Canadian or American Citizen, you only need a birth certificate and proof of identity(Drivers Licence) by land. In 2008, you will need a passport to go by Air or Sea, you can still go by car without one, they are pushing that back till 2009, though it would be an idea to get one anyway.

If you want more info on the PROPOSALS(this site isn't confirmed law, merely what is being proposed, it'll give you more info.)
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

BTW, the word coming from Canada seems to indicate that coming into Canada may not be the same as going into the US, you may still be able to use Birth Cert and Photo ID.

Answer 4

I don't know the rules about crossing on a bicycle. But as far as documentation and paperwork, a driver's license won't work any more - you need proof of citizenship. A birth certificate may work yet, but the authorities were planning to stop accepting them at some point. A passport is best.

Answer 5

I'm hearing that yes, beginning in mid-January, you pretty much need a passport to leave/re-enter the US to/from every country.

Edited to add:

Here's the US Dept of State Website link:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
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, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

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.


So I'm sorry, I lied to you. This January, you need a passport if travelling by air. You need one by next January (2008) if travelling by land. Have a great trip!

Answer 6

A valid US passport is not required to go to Canada by car. It is required by air travel, starting January 23, 2007. You do require proof of citizenship however. (i.e. birth certificate, expired passport)

Answer 7

Yes! It's been required since 9/11.

Answer 8

I know that going from the USA to Canada does not requrie anything, but to get back accross I needed my US Drivers License.

Answer 9

not sure, I know that my grand-mother went to Niagra Falls from the US, with no passport and that was in October of 2006, I am not sure though if you are Canadian and coming to the US.

Answer 10

I don't think so. I think a birth cert. and drivers license would be just fine. But a passport would just be easier.