Do I need a passport to travel to Canada by car or bus?

Question

I'm going to Canada next week.I don't have a passport,so I'm travelling either by car or bus.Can I get into Canada without a passport by land?Please help!!

Answer 1

Yes you do need a passport to cross the border.Be sure to go prepared or they won't let you cross.

Answer 2

Yes ma'am, you sure do.  My sister-in-law travels back and forth often.  Getting your passport is a pain in the butt because of the process.  But it's a requirment!

Answer 3

Okay here are the rules:

Travelling EITHER way between canada and the US by car bus or by sea you only need proof of citizenship (papers or birth certificate) and government issued ID (driver's licence, military ID etc).

No passport is required until June 2009.  If travelling my air, a pasport IS required and ONLY by air right now.

Answer 4

If you are going to Canada via the U.S., you currently don't need a passport. (This will change on June 1, 2009). What you currently need are two pieces of identification such as a drivers license (or other state issued picture ID) and birth certificate. You can confirm this by calling the Customs and Border Protection Inquiries (877) CBP-5511  

From the Canada Border Services Agency

"If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you."

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-secu...

I've been through the Canadian border several times this year.  While I do have a passport, several of my travelling companions did not.  They did have their drivers licenses and birth certificates with them and got through without any problem.  They used the same ID to get back into the U.S. without a problem as well.

For future travel (from the US Customs & Border Protection web site)

On June 1, 2009 all travelers including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), will be required to present a valid passport or other alternative documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

http://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/...

Answer 5

You don't need a passport as of yet, you must have some type of photo I.D. and bring your birth certificate with you as well.

Answer 6

  I have been fantasizing about a trip to Novia Scotia for awhile.  I was told that in the U. S. A. you could leave our borders without a passport.  But, to get back in, you have to have a passport.  That is what the people at the Postal Service told me.  If you have a military ID, that rule doesn't apply.  Have a wonderful time!  Good Luck & Blessings