U.S. Passport to enter Canada?

Question

I understand the requirement to have a US passport to enter Canada in 2008 has been deferred due to to a huge backlog. Is this true.

I have a passport but several fishing buddies do not and are hesitant to pay the fee to go to Canada next year. 2008

Are the passport requirments for Mexico the same?

Answer 1

This is a big misunderstanding of the WHTI...which is the law that started the passport issue.

To enter Canada, nothing has changed. No passport needed from the USA. (it "can" be used, but not necessary) You need a birth certificate (or something like that to show citizenship from the approved list) and government issued photo ID (generally a drivers license)

The "problem" with traveling to Canada, where most people think they need a passport, is your return to the USA. If you are starting from the USA on your trip, that is called "re-entry to the USA" according to the WHTI. For us in Canada (or elsewhere) that begin our trip "to" the USA...that is called "entry".

If you are driving, the WHTI requirements are to be in full force in the summer of 2008. This was changed from January 2008. If you read the link I listed, in January 2008, you need the same documents I have already listed. Starting in that summer, that is where they are currently saying you will need the passport for your "re-entry" to the USA.

The same things I have mentioned apply for travel to Mexico as well...since they fall into the WHTI. Please remember the WHTI is an American based law. That means the USA does NOT control what comes into Canada or Mexico...that is the responsibility of those governments.

Some key parts of the link I gave:

WHTI Land and Sea Transition: Beginning Jan. 31, 2008, DHS plans to begin initial elements of WHTI implementation at land and sea ports of entry by ending the routine practice of accepting oral declarations alone. At that point, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children in January, whereby children ages 15 and younger would be required to present certified copies of their birth certificates. Groups of U.S. and Canadian children ages 16 through 18, traveling with public or private school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or teams associated with youth athletics organizations would also be able to enter, under adult supervision, with certified copies of their birth certificates.

(what is currently required...no real changes)

WHTI Land and Sea: At a date to be determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and State expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice

(what will change...they say summer of 2008 in this recent article)


Have a good trip!

Answer 2

I haven't heard of this being extended, but that doesn't mean they won't. Plus I looked at travel.state.gov and found nothing to support an extension beyond Jan. 2008 for drive in vacations. If you are flying in though you do need a passport. Unless traveling prior to Sept. 30th 07 and can print a receipt showing proof of purchase of a passport. It says it is taking 7 - 10 days to track, but I have clients who have said differently!

Many don't know either that you will not be allowed into Canada if you have a DUI, except if it is so many years old then it's ok. I'm just not sure how many years this is.

Answer 3

Canada doesn't require that you have a passport, your driver's license and other ID are sufficient. The US is the one requiring the passport to return to your country, and yes, you have until next summer to get one.

Answer 4

The best thing to do is apply for the passport NOW and then you won't have to worry about it.

Answer 5

the restrictions have been delayed, but you may be expected to show proof that you've apllied for one.

yes, same for Mexico - or the Carribean.