Update: New passport laws for Canada are now in effect as of June 1, 2009. Please see this updated post for the latest information.
US travel regulations have changed a lot over the past few years, making questions like “Do you need a passport to go to Canada?” somewhat complicated to answer.
Right now, whether or not you need a passport to go to Canada depends on how you are traveling. Our neighbor to the north is included in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, aka the WHTI. Currently, American citizens traveling by land or sea to companies covered by the WHTI do not have to have passports. However, you will need to show a government-issued photo ID to prove your identity and a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship to prove that you are an American citizen. You do need a passport to go to Canada if you are traveling by plane.
Just when you thought you had it figured out, the rules are changing again in just a few short months. Effective June 1st, 2009, most land and sea passengers will have to have US passports to re-enter the country as well. There will be a few exceptions for certain people crossing the border by land or by sea:
- Children under the age of 16 can use their birth certificates. Either the original or a copy is fine.
- Children ages 16 to 18 can use their birth certificates if and only if they are traveling with an organized, chaperoned sports team, school group or church group.
- US citizens on closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the same US port will still be allowed to use photo ID and a birth certificate to get back in. However, you should check with your cruise ship company, as some ports may require a passport for you to get off the ship during the cruise.
Everyone traveling to Canada by plane will still need a passport. No exceptions!
Travel experts recommend that you apply several months in advance, especially considering that changes in travel regulations typically lead to increased numbers of passport applications being submitted and longer wait times for passports to be issued.
If you need to get your passport quickly and don’t have time to wait in line, your best bet is to use a private passport expediting service to submit your passport application. These companies deliver your application to the US Passport Agency and put it at the “top of the stack.”
RushMyPassport.com has a variety of different processing options to meet your needs-everything from 24-hour processing to more affordable options that take just a few days longer. Expedite your passport with us today!
Tags: Canada travel, Do I need a passport?, WHTI
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Hi my name is Cinthia Hernandez, i live in Mexico i would like to know what kind of documents do i need to travel to Canada i have my mexican Passport. i that all i need or do i need a Visa ?
Regards,
Cinthia Hernandez
May 12th, 2009 at 2:39 pmHi Cinthia,
Good question! I did a little bit of research for you, and it seems that Canada’s entry requirements vary greatly depending on why you’re visiting and possibly also on where you’re from. This tool may help:
http://www.goingtocanada.gc.ca/CIC/display-afficher.do?id=0000000000079&lang=eng
Just to be on the safe side, you may also want to contact the Canadian Visa office in Mexico City:
May 13th, 2009 at 7:12 pmhttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions/mexico.asp
Dear manager of this wb adn this program!
thaks of yuor programming to help and be as the guider between the people.
June 28th, 2009 at 1:41 ami want get some more info about th ehow can i get the passport of canada
and i am fianance officer of mof office
have nice time
Hey my name is Heba
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:04 pmMy brother has a green residency card and he wants to travel to Canada
by land for about a week. will he be able to get back to the U.S.A with
the green card or does he need a passport or something?
thank you
ok for starters i have a passport, my sister does not. i was wondering
if she needs a passport to cross into windsor ontario canada by car.
we are just going for a concert and its directly across the border.
also will she be let back into the us?
July 6th, 2009 at 7:41 pmHe can get back into the US with his green card, but check here to see what kind of ID he needs to get into Canada:
July 7th, 2009 at 12:44 pmhttp://www.goingtocanada.gc.ca/CIC/display-afficher.do?id=0000000000079&lang=eng
me and my aunt are planning to go to canada. me 15 and my cousin 2 months dont have a passport. what do we need to get inorder to enter canada and come back into the US.
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:55 amwhat do i need to do for a canada visa and working permit from Nigeria,
August 11th, 2009 at 12:30 pmI have a question,
I am currently a legal alien in USA serving in the armed forces,
I have a Canadian passport but it is expired,
does this leave me unable to fly to Canada and back on the states?
V/R,
Chad Thomas
November 13th, 2009 at 6:31 am