Do we seriously need a passport just for Canada & Mexico already?

Question

(I thought that it was only going to be for flying this year--and not until next year for driving, bus and train).

Answer 1

i just came back from niagara falls. all i had was my drivers license and another picture i.d. no passport or birth certificate required until january 1st, 2008. however be warned that i was pulled over and searched and i think this is done more frequently post 9/11.

Answer 2

Here you go!
The answer to the question, "Do I Need a Passport to Visit Canada?" depends on how you are planning to cross the Canadian border and when.
US Citizens Visiting Canada by Air
Until September 30, 2007, American citizens flying to Canada do not need a passport if they can show the following:

1. Department of State official proof of passport application

AND

2. Government-issued photo identification.

The US government announced June 8, 2007, that it had relaxed earlier stricter requirements due to a backlog of passport applications. Thus, until September 30, 2007, visitors to Canada arriving by air need only present proof of passport application rather than a passport itself. These requirements are less strict than those originally mandated in January 2007 by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

(In February 2007, the new passport requirements were relaxed for children. Read Crossing the Canada / US Border with Children.)
US Citizens Visiting Canada by Land or Water
The other date, which is when the WHTI will require citizens to present a passport when crossing the Canadian border by land or water, is yet to be determined. The deadline for the changes to take place, however, is June 1st, 2009. The deadline was previously January 1, 2008.

Don't wait! Apply online for your American passport now (PDF file).

Also, read our article on How to Rush Your Passport Application

Necessary ID to Enter Canada by Land or Water before the WHTI Dates:

Until the WHTI land and water dates go into effect, American citizens crossing the border into Canada by land or water need ID that proves two things: 1) Citizenship, and 2) Identity by way of a photo.

A driver's license on its own or a Social Security Card on its own are not valid ID to cross the Canadian border.

I hope that answers your question. it is from this web site.

http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatraveloverview/qt/uscitizenborder.htm

Answer 3

I know that I want to go to Maine and I live in Canada so we don't need a passport to go to the US., yet.

Answer 4

When I crossed the Canadian border while traveling back in 2004, we had to show our drivers license, and either a passport OR birth certificate. We called ahead and were told we would be asked for these..and we were.

Answer 5

you're right. right now we only need a passport for flying. You wont need it until 2008 for driving.

Answer 6

yes surey and their a pain an the a** to get on time when flying and 2008 for driving

Answer 7

yes