Can I get across the border into Canada now without a passport?

Question

I heard they changed the regulations so now you "may need a passport" to get into Canada. "May?" Has anyone crossed the border very recently? Did they demand a passport?

Answer 1

I actually crossed the border (both ways) today and was not asked for a passport. I cross weekly, and only once in the past 5 years have I been asked for a passport on either side, and when I gave the documentation I had, no problem.

The law does not change for land/sea border crossings until Jan 2008 at the earliest.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Answer 2

The passport requirement isn't for getting into Canada. It's for returning to the United States.

Anyway, the reason the requirements say "may" is that whether a passport is needed depends on how you travel.

If you fly, then you do need a valid passport.

If you enter the US at a land border crossing, then US and Canadian citizens can continue to use a birth certificate and a piece of photo ID, or other proof of citizenship, but they don't necessarily need a valid passport.

Passports are not going to be required at the land border crossings until January 2008 at the earliest.

Answer 3

You don't need a passport to go into Canada, but you sure do to come back to the USA. You can still drive without one this year, but need onif you fly.

"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."

Answer 4

You can still cross the land border but not the airports. Airports have the strict passport law now although I've heard from a few people that they haven't turned many people away yet. Not sure how true that last part is because it could be just rumor. You are definitely supposed to have your passport for the airport borders.

Answer 5

By car you do not need passport until 2008. I'm Canadian and I travel been the US and Canada often enough to say this without a doubt.

As of right now you need a passport ONLY to fly between the countries unless you're on your way back to your home country then it's not needed.

I hope this helps and as a Canadian I can say it's very beautiful here and I wish you a great visit!

Answer 6

The problem is not getting into Canada, it is getting back into the USA. As of Jan. 1, 2007 it is mandatory to have a passport to get into the USA from any other country. All of us California people need one just to drive back in from Tijuana Mexico these days.

Answer 7

No not anymore! They have changed the laws now. You have to have a passport to enter Mexico and Canada now. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

Pretty sure it's changed so you need a passport to enter Canada if you're flying. It's not changed if you're driving through... but it's supposed to change to that in a few years.


http://www.baylor.edu/Lariat/news.php?action=story&story=44531

Answer 9

I know that you'll need it if you take any sort of mass transit (air, rail, etc). I don't believe you need one if you plan on driving across.

Answer 10

If you fly in...yes!