Do you need a passport if flying into Canada from the US but returning by car?

Question

My friend was possibly going to fly up to Canada from the US this summer (2007) and I would drive them home. When flying into Canada will they need a passport or do the new laws only apply when flying into the US?

Answer 1

Just take your passport just in case. When going internationally, I always recommend taking it. I am pretty sure you'll need it. Better safe than sorry, right?

Answer 2

The new laws only apply for entering the USA. Since you are flying into Canada, you will not need a passport. You will need the same thing as when you drive back, valid government issued picture ID (license) and a birth certificate (original, to show citizenship) If you have a passport, you can use that, but it is not required.

The WHTI that was implemented is an AMERICAN based law for "entry or re-entry" to the USA.
You can see in the article I listed how it only talks about coming back to the USA where the passports are required by flying. (not driving)

Edit: This is from the NW Airlines website:
US Citizens Traveling to Canada from the U.S.
You will need proof of U.S. citizenship such as:

U.S. passport (information on how to obtain a U.S. passport)
Original or certified copy of your birth certificate, plus photo identification

From the Travel State site:
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.

The US government doesnt care who LEAVES the USA. It leaves that up to the country who will be receiving the person. It does care who COMES IN. And that is why you don't need a passport to leave the USA. Coming IN by air you do, but leavinf you dont. Ask any person who has travelled back from the USA to Canada if they needed a passport. They will tell you no. They needed ID, and a passport fell under the rules that they could use it, but it was not required.

This article says it all, even the title:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/76752.htm

Answer 3

I'm glad you asked this question, because the tone in answers about border crossing always get this wrong.

If you look at WHTI the US rule is, you need a passport "leaving the country or returning" when flying. (Alternate wording is "traveling by air between") Canada currently will not let you through customs when flying without a passport. All Airlines follow the rules, you are not allowed on the flight without a passport.

If you buy into their idea of safer skies, what good would it do to be only safer on half the flights?

Answer 4

At present the new laws apply only to entering the US, but Canada will likely conform to them as well. As I understand it, a passport is required now to enter the US by air but for travel by automobile, won't be needed until 2008. It seems to change on a day to day basis so your best bet would be to have your friend phone the Canadian consulate there, and for you to phone the US consulate here, to make sure what the current regulations are, or will be this summer.

Answer 5

i found it particularly unusual. Having to apply a passport to bypass to Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and Alaska simply by fact they do no longer seem to be a area of the continental u . s .. And a similar deal is going with Canada and Mexico, I advise passports. human beings bypass back and forth on a daily basis, it form of feels a extensive hassel.

Answer 6

Yes you do. I would take your passport with you.