If you are a US or Canadian citizen, you do not (yet) NEED a passport to enter Canada. They will still accept birth certificate and valid photo ID (driver's license, military ID, or passport only) as documentation.
However, as a Canadian or US citizen entering the US by air (after January 2007), a valid passport is the only acceptable documentation method.
After December 2007, a Canadian or US citizen entering the US will require a valid passport regardless of the means of transportation. Other identification will NOT be accepted.
If you are not a Canadian or US citizen, you MUST have a valid passport to enter either country - even at the present time.
If you are an American visiting Canada, it's probably a good idea to get one. If you are flying, YES, you definitely need one to get back in to the U.S. If you are driving over the border, they will still ask you for your passport (every time I have crossed at Niagara, the line is, "Passports, please.") Until the end of 2007, you can still substitute a notarized birth certificate and photo ID, but just a driver's license is not enough.
Getting a passport is not that difficult; since they last 10 years and you will DEFINITELY need one in 8 months, do it now. Most post offices can get the paperwork for you. The bonus of having a passport is that it is a standard national identity card. I started using it for domestic travel, as well. Airline security is much quicker if the screener in Florida doesn't have to scrutinize your North Dakota driver's license.
If you're asking about travel from the United States to Canada, then you will need to have a passport if you are flying. You don't need one at the land border crossings yet, if you are a US or Canadian citizen.
Technically, the passport requirement is for people who are flying FROM Canada TO the United States. Canada will still accept other documentation from persons flying into Canada from the US. It's just that the US now requires a passport from all passengers who fly into the country.
Passports are not yet required at the land borders, and will not be made a requirement until 2008 at the earliest.
I am driving into Canada from the US...what if I have an expired passport to use? Will that work? I have a valid drivers license also, but the birth certificate is only a xeroxed copy...not an original.
NO you don't just your State ID and bring a few other pieces of ID or birth certificate just in case. But as of Jan. 1st 2008 you will need one. That is if you drive in but if you fly you will need one. The wait is longer to get one now cause of the back log of everyone freaking out over this as well as the amount of kids that now have to get one. Kids used to not have to get one but now they are going to need one as of the 1st of the year. So I suggest you get started on getting them for your family (that is if your married and have kids at all) cause most people are waiting for the last minute or even waiting way longer then they were told so get your passport now cause the wait can be as long as 4 months.
Comments
If you are a US or Canadian citizen, you do not (yet) NEED a passport to enter Canada. They will still accept birth certificate and valid photo ID (driver's license, military ID, or passport only) as documentation.
However, as a Canadian or US citizen entering the US by air (after January 2007), a valid passport is the only acceptable documentation method.
After December 2007, a Canadian or US citizen entering the US will require a valid passport regardless of the means of transportation. Other identification will NOT be accepted.
If you are not a Canadian or US citizen, you MUST have a valid passport to enter either country - even at the present time.
If you are an American visiting Canada, it's probably a good idea to get one. If you are flying, YES, you definitely need one to get back in to the U.S. If you are driving over the border, they will still ask you for your passport (every time I have crossed at Niagara, the line is, "Passports, please.") Until the end of 2007, you can still substitute a notarized birth certificate and photo ID, but just a driver's license is not enough.
Getting a passport is not that difficult; since they last 10 years and you will DEFINITELY need one in 8 months, do it now. Most post offices can get the paperwork for you. The bonus of having a passport is that it is a standard national identity card. I started using it for domestic travel, as well. Airline security is much quicker if the screener in Florida doesn't have to scrutinize your North Dakota driver's license.
If you're asking about travel from the United States to Canada, then you will need to have a passport if you are flying. You don't need one at the land border crossings yet, if you are a US or Canadian citizen.
Technically, the passport requirement is for people who are flying FROM Canada TO the United States. Canada will still accept other documentation from persons flying into Canada from the US. It's just that the US now requires a passport from all passengers who fly into the country.
Passports are not yet required at the land borders, and will not be made a requirement until 2008 at the earliest.
I am driving into Canada from the US...what if I have an expired passport to use? Will that work? I have a valid drivers license also, but the birth certificate is only a xeroxed copy...not an original.
NO you don't just your State ID and bring a few other pieces of ID or birth certificate just in case. But as of Jan. 1st 2008 you will need one. That is if you drive in but if you fly you will need one. The wait is longer to get one now cause of the back log of everyone freaking out over this as well as the amount of kids that now have to get one. Kids used to not have to get one but now they are going to need one as of the 1st of the year. So I suggest you get started on getting them for your family (that is if your married and have kids at all) cause most people are waiting for the last minute or even waiting way longer then they were told so get your passport now cause the wait can be as long as 4 months.
When I come from Germany with the plane then yes I need a passport.And I come every year because I love Canada.
yes, if traveling by air, it became mandatory jan.2007
no, if traveling by land, a birth certificate will be sufficient, as of june 1rst, 2009 a passport will be mandatory
No; under the new U.S. law regarding passports, you don't need one to get into Canada for another two years, BUT you do need one to return to the U.S.
only when flying
no I don't i live here