Do we need a Passport to go to and from Canada from the US?

Question

I will be traveling this January 2007 to Canada and I heard that Canada will no longer accept just a birth certificate. Is there any truth to this?

Answer 1

Starting in January you'll need a passport. I think it was extended to the end of January, but I just don't know.

To be the safe side, get the passport. You'll need it after January anyway.

"The NAFTA countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, although after an announcement on September 2, 2005[7] (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative), all persons entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, will be required to have a passport, even from Canada and Mexico, starting January 23, 2007 for air travel. On January 1, 2008, the passport requirement will also be extended to all sea and land border crossings.[8] The Canadian Government has responded to this by stating that soon U.S. citizens will be required to have a passport to enter Canada.[9] A passport is not generally required to enter Mexico. As of January 1, 2008 (January 23, 2007 for air travel), citizens of the United States will not need a passport to enter into Mexico, but will be required to show their passport when leaving Mexico and re-entering the United States."

Answer 2

Basically, what Fazizzle said.

Border crossings by AIRPLANE into Canada or back to the US will require a passport as of January 23rd, 2007 (I believe - it was, in any case, pushed back from 1/1 since people travel at that time).

By 2008, ground crossings (Car/train/bus) will need it, too.

Only 10% or so of Americans have a passport, so people who want to go to Canada need to get one soon. It's about $100 and requires solid, verifiable ID (drivers' license or state ID) and also requires photographs, which need to be a very particular size and can usually be taken at most major places that have a photo developing area. Check the Post Office for forms and complete guidelines.

Answer 3

January 23, 2007, which is when the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require American citizens to present a passport when crossing the Canadian border by AIR So, all airports in Canada will ask to see passports from all people traveling from outside of Canada, including from the US, as of January 23, 2007.
June 1, 2009, which is when the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require American citizens to present a passport when crossing the Canadian border by LAND OR WATER (The June 1st date was previously January 1, 2008).
good info to know if your driving

Answer 4

When you enter Canada, a border services officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, when necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you. For more information on admissibility into Canada, read the fact sheet called Managing Access to Canada. It is available on our Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Answer 5

As long as you are a citizen of either the US or Canada you don't need one yet. Passports do make things easier but a birth cert. plus picture ID will currently work. I live on the border and travel across frequently with just my B.C and my license.

Answer 6

Yes, recently they've changed the laws. You need a passport now. If your a US citizen, go to the post office and get one. It'll arrive soon. With Prayers, Smitha

Answer 7

after January 1, YES.

Answer 8

You need one to come back home. Be prepared for rudeness from the US border official. Very sad.

Answer 9

New Requirements for Travelers

* Media Notes
* Flyers & Fact Sheet
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Federal Regulations

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.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

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.

Media Notes

* 11/22/2006 Passports Required for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007
* 10/17/2006 Department of State to Introduce Passport Card

Flyers & Fact Sheet

* Fact Sheet - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (pdfPDF)
* Flyer on Passport Requirement for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007 (pdfPDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

* Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)

Federal Regulations

*
Final Rule - Air Phase (pdf PDF)
*
Proposed Rule - Passport Card (pdf PDF)
*
Comments Submitted in Passport Card Rule Making Proceeding (DOS-2006-0329-0001)

Other Relevant Links

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

Answer 10

sure, incase the peope request that you need it