Do I need a passport card or can I use a birth certificate to enter Canada?
I'm confused because it says
"If you are a U.S. citizen, ensure you carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card." on Canada Border Services Agency.
I've also read that you need a passport card to RETURN to the US, but I've never seen anything about ENTERING Canada?
Update:We are travelling by car since we live somewhat close to the border.
Comments
You CANNOT get into Canada If you DO NOT have something with you that allows you to exit Canada.
In your case Return to USA. Canada does not want you stranded and begging on the streets for food.
Are you a CHILD? then you could use your Birth Certificate.
A Passport Card is acceptable when driving Across the Border.
Canada Border Guard Decides if you can enter Canada. It is more than just showing your ID Card.
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html
U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
Basic requirements
To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as:
have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
be in good health,
have no criminal or immigration-related convictions,
convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,
convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
have enough money for your stay.
If you are travelling by air, you need a passport book. If you are travelling by land you can use a passport book, a passport card or an enhanced driver's licence. You can only use a birth certificate if you are 15 or younger.
That is what the US requires of anyone entering the US, so you need one of those to get home again. Canada does not require those for US citizens to come in but if you don't have the proper ID to leave again, Canada doesn't have to let you in.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/74/~/...
You USED to be able to use a birth certificate and driver's license but those days are gone. You now need a passport or an enhanced driver's license.
Note: Only a couple states offer enhanced driver's licenses and you can only use them for auto travel...not for air travel.
This is what I am wondering. Everyone says something different.
I'm pretty sure you can just use a passport card?
You're looking on the wrong site. The issue is not so much what Canada says you need to enter, but what the US says you need to come back. Check the US Homeland Security website.
You need the passport or passport card to return to the USA
Passport , then no problem.
you dont need anything to ENTER canada (you can just walk across the border. but to get back into the USA you need the information they provided