Why do we need a passport just to visit Canada? How can I obtain one?
2007-03-07 06:01:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
Where are you visiting from and how are you getting here?
If you are an American and coming to Canada by car, you do not need a passport yet. If you are coming by plane or boat, then you do. They are changing those rules because of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative created by the American government.
Everyone else has had to have a passport to come to Canada for awhile.
2007-03-07 06:06:57 · answer #1 · answered by Molpatrol 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'll go on the presumption that you're a US citizen, since you don't specifically say so.
Actually, the requirement isn't that a passport is needed to visit Canada. The US is implementing a requirement for travellers to have a passport in order to enter the US from Canada.
The passport requirement is being implemented as part of the United States' Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Currently, it only applies to air travel and it went into effect on January 23, 2007. Persons travelling through the land border crossings or by boat do not yet, need a passport to enter the US.
The passport requirement will go into effect at the land borders as early as January 1, 2008.
2007-03-07 09:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by Steve 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The entry requirements to Canada have not changes. You do NOT need a passport to enter Canada. (assuming you are American)
The Westerm Hemisphere Travel Initiative is an American based law. That means it controls "entry and re-entry" to the USA. Not Canada. We have our own government to administer laws in this country.
Here is why people are confused: you do not need a passport to enter Canada. BUT, things are changing/changed to go HOME to the USA. (the "entry or re-entry" part)
If you are flying to Canada after January 23, 2007, you will be asked to provide government issued photo ID (eg driver's licesnse) and an original birth certificate. (citizenship). On the way HOME (this is called your "re-entry") you WILL be asked for your American passport.
By land and sea the same sort of idea will apply. This part doesn't come into effect until January 2008 at the earliest. (Congress did recently amend this to possibly take effect June 2009; if needed, but so far the plan is January 2008)
2007-03-07 22:56:36 · answer #3 · answered by Cariad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The new passport laws went into effect last year I believe. This year, they were expanded to include everyone who goes on a cruise outside of the country (like even Miami FL to the Bahamas).
You can apply for a passport at many local postoffices. Some of the larger post offices have the photo equipment there too. If I remember, its not cheap. I think I was going to pay over $100 for all the fees plus the rush fee.
Here is the link to the passport office.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
2007-03-07 06:07:31 · answer #4 · answered by SamIam82 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You only need a passport for Canada if you fly there. If you drive, you can still get in and back with drivers license and/or US birth certificate. That will change to requiring a passport next year even for driving into canada and back.
See http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for all the detailson how and where to get a US passport.
2007-03-07 06:10:00 · answer #5 · answered by Winger 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because that is a new law that came into effect on Jan 9th of this year. You can go to the post office and purchase one there. But it will take 6-8 weeks to get your passport so I would get on it.
They are $108.
2007-03-07 06:05:32 · answer #6 · answered by raindog312 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are flying in from the states then u needed one as of Jan 07. if you are driving it will be in 08. Anyone else has had to have one for some time now
2007-03-07 14:07:20 · answer #7 · answered by Marie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋