Do you need a passport if you're traveling from CA to Alaska?

Question

My friends and I are planning on going to Alaska for the summer. We live in California. One of them says we need a passport. Another one says we don't. We are confused, since we are flying there, but aren't sure if the "flying over" Canada would require us to. We won't stop in Canadian territory. Is the passport necessary since we're going by air, or what exactly do we need?

Answer 1

It's really amazing that some Americans knows so little about their own country!!! We Europeans knows more about the U.S. than you do!!!! I am really amazed!

Answer 2

I don't mean to sound rude, but I'm wondering if you and your friends should be traveling anywhere that's more than a few blocks from home. Both Alaska and California are part of the United States. You only need a passport when you are traveling out of the country. Take the next few months to become a little more savvy before you leave to spend the summer on your own.

Answer 3

You need a passport to enter Canada by air.
You do not need a passport to enter Canada by land or sea (until atleast Jan. 2008)

Examples:

If you fly to Alaska non-stop (or make any number of stops in the US) then you will not need a passport

If you drive to Alaska you will not need a passport to go through Canada.

If you take a cruise to Alaska and stop in Canada along the way you do not need a passport.

The only way you will need a passport is if you fly to Alaska, and stop in Canada. I don't know if many of these flights even exist, so you should be okay regardless of your method of getting there..

Answer 4

This is one of the most confusing issues in the recent history of Alaska and our Canadian neighbors. The issue is confusing because it is very fluid; it seems to change as frequently as the stock exchange. The following notice was taken from a recent State Department advisory issued through our senior Senator Ted Stevens office:

"Important update regarding travel to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda:

On January 23, 2007, ALL passengers, 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 U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

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."

In a nutshell, traveling to Alaska, via Canada; technically you DO NOT need a passport for 2007...

Again, it is fluid, and this could change...Play it safe... GET A PASSPORT!

I am a tour director here in Alaska, and have made 1377 trips up and down the Alaska highway. Oh the places you'll go, and the things you will see!

Plan your trip carefully, and if you need some ideas, give me a shout.

Answer 5

No, you don't need a passport to fly from California to Alaska, as they're both US states. In fact, you don't need a passport to fly from anywhere in the US -- including territories or possessions -- to anywhere else in the US. Even though Puerto Rico is on the other side of Cuba, for instance, and practically all the way to South America, you don't need a passport to go there.

However, if it makes you feel better, bring your passport, so you can duck into Canada and sample the culture while you're in Alaska.

Have fun.

Answer 6

No. After all, Alaska is a part of the United States =) You are only required to have a passport if you are traveling from one country to another.

Have fun on your trip =)

Answer 7

No, I was there in the military. I drove through Canada and you do not need a passport to eneter Canada. Only need to declare certain items yu are brining in. It is very simple, and you should have a great time. Alaska is the most beautiful state you will ever see.

Answer 8

Alaska is part of the US it doesn't matter how you get there you don't need a passport. You can even go to Mexico without a passport, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Island, Samoa, etc.

Answer 9

Plane Ticket, and Warm clothes. Why would you need a passport, except to use as a photo Id, which i mean you could use a drivers license. I mean if you were to fly to New York you wouldnt need a passport, so why would you need one if you are flying directly from one state to another.

Answer 10

All you need to do is drop $50 out the window of the plane as you're flying over Canada. We'll make sure you get your change when you land.

Answer 11

going to alaska takes a bunch of common sense---if there is a paved trail in the woods, do not step off of it--get someone local to show you around---there are many beautiful sites there and many are deadly without the proper leadership. You will see people you have never seen before and lots of wild life and much of it is very graphic.