Do you need a passport to drive into Canada?

Question

I hear sometimes that you do, or that you dont. I've also heard that to get into Canada, you dont need one, but to re-enter the US you do.

Answer 1

you don't need a passport to drive into Canada, or back into the US. The passport requirement is only for flying (at this time). However, a passport is the best form of ID when you are crossing between the 2 countries. If you dont have a passport, a birth certificate, and governement issued photo ID (ie. drivers licence) should be enough,.

Answer 2

Straight answer: under Canadian law, you need basic, government issued ID, like a driver's license. BUT..... To get back into the USA, under American law, you need a passport, enhanced driver's license, or NEXUS card for everyone 16 or older. The trouble is, without a passport, you could be stuck in Canada, so, the Canadian authorities will generally want to see a passport, and may deny you entry without, despite the lack of legal requirement. There is another Canadian law that says if you cannot return home (a law that was to ensure that potential economic migrants didn't come here, and stay), then, you cannot enter. With no passport, technically you can't leave, so.... that law may come into play. So, it's an American requirement for passports, not a Canadian one.

Answer 3

The visits "into" Canada are not what is the concern now or for the near future. As you mentioned, it is for the "entry or re-entry" to the USA.

As of January 23, 2007 you need a passport for flying to "enter or re-enter" the USA.

For driving (or by sea) they are saying January 2008 "at the earliest" for needing a passport to "enter or re-enter" the USA.

Until then your basic government issued photo ID (drivers license) and proof of citizenship (original birth certificate) will do. That is also what you need to get INTO Canada.

Here is an article from CNN.com that talks about the new requirements.
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/01/23/new.passport.rules.ap/index.html

You can see in there it talks about going home to the USA being the problem, not going to Canada. As well, the WHTI is a "US based" initiative so it has no effective on Canadian requirements to come here. Just to go back home. (as much as we would like you to stay longer) ;)

Answer 4

Not for right now. Just a valid driver's license but the levels of paranoia/security are in fact talking about passport requirements. If you got to Mexico, it's the smartest thing you can do. Assuming you really want to go there. Licenses can be faked, and you never know what goes on in the general vicinity of the southwest totally. So a passport is a good bet to have anyway.

Answer 5

I have driven across the Canadian-US border many times. You do not need a passport going either way, but you should have a valid picture ID and a birth certificate.

Answer 6

That's right. Last I heard, you could go into Canada with a valid US drivers license with a photo, but you must have a valid US Passport to come back into the US.

Answer 7

No. If you are an American Citizen, or an American (Legal) Resident, you do not require a passport. Unless they ask you for ID, is always wise to keep something than can prove that you are a legal resident of the USA.

Answer 8

No. you do not need a passport to go to Canada but you will need a photo ID the return to the U.S.

Answer 9

NO right now you only need one if your travelling by air or sea and making a stop in the United States.
I believe you will need one however as of Jan 2008.

Answer 10

It's alot less hassle if you have one. But no. Any photo ID and personal identification showing residency (birth certificate) should work. I've done it and made it through with no hassel.