Do I need a passport to travel through canada?

Question

My family and I are taking a vacation in British Columbia, Canada, and I was wondering if I need to take a passport with me for port of entry. What official documents or passports do I need to bring if so?

I'm from Washington.

Answer 1

no one can help you if you don't say where you are from

Answer 2

To travel from province to province you dont need anything. (there are no border crossings between provinces)

If you mean between Canada and the USA; you will need a passport after January 23, 2007 to return to the USA by air. If you are driving, you dont need one until the earliest January 2008.

If the passport info doesnt apply to you; you need at least 2 pieces of ID, one being a picture. For most people they use their drivers license and their birth certificate. (for proof of citizenship) Please remember you need your original documents not photocopies. A passport, if you do have one, will make things easier though.

Have a good trip and keep an eye on the weather. BC has had some nasty storms in the past month!

Answer 3

It'll depend on if you're driving up to Canada or flying there:

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.

Answer 4

Within Canada, NO. You do not need a passport to travel. At the border, when you cross from Washington, an ID will do - which must show your citizenship, for e.g., a birth certificate. A drivers licence will be helpful.

If you do have a passport bring that along. At present it is not a requirement. Rules are changing rapidly.

Answer 5

whilst you're utilising you do no longer desire a passport (till June a million, 2009), in case you fly you're able to choose one(useful Jan.23, 2007). this is authentic.. Ipersistent via from Port Huron to Buffalo often. however the waiting can kill you (border risk-free practices) so I switched to utilising below the Lake and that's a million greater hour of utilising yet greater relaxing & greater convenient i hit upon..

Answer 6

Please READ !! Before you did not need a passport between the two countries as they person stated above but effect jan 23/2007
these rules have now CHANGED !!!
this info can be found on both the american and canadian website

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1170.html

Visas and Travel Documents
New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and Canada: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Effective January 23, 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.)