Do I need a Passport to go to Canada when I live in the U.S.A?

Question

Do I need a Passport to go to Canada when I live in the U.S.A?

Answer 1

Yup and to Mexico to now.

Answer 2

if you are flying then yes

if you are driving, you will need government issued ID (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate).

These rules also apply to crossing back into the US

Answer 3

Not to get there, but you have to have one to get back!

Answer 4

This is probably the question that creates the most confusion and generates the most number of incorrect answers of any current question. The current rules relating to passports for travel between the US and Canada were set down by the US Department of Homeland Security and relate to travel into the US, not into Canada. However similar rules are often enforced at Canadian Border Crossings for the simple reason that if you enter Canada you still have to be able to go back into the US. This is especially true for US Citizens or others residing in the US.

The current regulations for travel into the US from Canada for all citizens, US and Canadian, are as follows:

By Air: A valid Passport

By Land: A valid Passport, OR, a valid government issued ID (i.e. Driver's License) and an official birth certificate. If you are 18 or younger then only a birth certificate is required.

By Sea: Same as Land.

If you are 18 or younger and travelling either alone or with one parent you will require a letter of authorization allowing the person/parent transporting you to bring you across the border. It must be signed by either both parents or the parent not accompanying you.

The best form of ID is a passport however and it is planned to make this the sole ID required for all forms of travel effective as of June, 2009 (by the US Government). In addition there are other forms of ID either available, in the works, proposed or being tested such as a "Passport Card" or enhanced Driver's Licenses that may replace the need for a passport for travel by land or sea into the US.

Answer 5

traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

Also u can apply travel  with  Passport Card:

Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements.

passport card it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

By Air: A valid Passport

By Land: A valid Passport, OR, a valid government issued ID (i.e. Driver's License) and an official birth certificate. If you are 18 or younger then only a birth certificate is required.

By Sea: Same as Land.

If you are 18 or younger and travelling either alone or with one parent you will require a letter of authorization allowing the person/parent transporting you to bring you across the border. It must be signed by either both parents or the parent not accompanying you.

Answer 6

I seen countless similar questions. Why can't people search before ask?