Do i need my birth certificate or a passport to visit canada

Question

Do i need my birth certificate or a passport to visit canada

Answer 1

What you need depends on your method of travel and where you are coming from.  I assume you are from the US and, to be honest, the requirements for ID are stricter going into the US than into Canada.  However since you have to return home you will find that the US requirements will also be the same as the US's.

If you are travelling by land, are 19 or older, you will require a government issued photo ID and an official birth certificate.  If you are 18 or younger then a birth certificate is all that is required however if you have photo ID it is a good idea to bring it.  If you are a minor travelling with people other than your parents, or just one parent, a notarized letter authorizing the person you are with to take you into Canada and back should be included signed by both parents or the parent not travelling with you.

If you are travelling by air you will require a passport.

Effective June 1, 09 a passport, passport card, NEXUS Card, or enhanced driver's license will be required for all cross border travel.

A passport is the best for of ID so if you have one, bring it.

Answer 2

Thank you, Jim B...it is tiresome, isn't it?

And for the previous poster who thinks you should take photo ID, as well as a Passport - the Passport IS photo ID.  If you have a passport, you don't need ANYTHING else, EVER.  Unless you are going to a country that also requires a VISA.

Answer 3

Actually, the correct info is that , as of now, the date for passports to be required for LAND travel to and from Canada is June1, 2009.  Until then you need a birth certificate and photo I.D.  To FLY, you need a passport now.  See site below to read the law for yourself.  " Mark " said his 14 yr old sister only needed her birth ccertificate...this is true for minors..they are not required to have the photo iID.

Answer 4

As of this year you need to have a passport to enter Canada. I would take my Birth certificate, just in case it's needed. Make sure you have your ID also.  

Answer 5

your passport is  everything you need to get across the border but you can phone a travel agency they would be able to help  

Answer 6

I think all you need is your birth certificate. My 14 year old sister just visited canada and only needed her birth certificate.

Answer 7

People :

If you are going to give information, make sure it is the CORRECT information, please.

Until January 2009, American citizens, entering Canada, by LAND crossings, only need to produce a US Birth Certificate, PLUS a state issued photo ID , such as  a driver's licence.

IF you are flying into Canada TODAY, and from now on , from the USA, you must have a Passport  , to get ON  the airplane, in the USA. NO exceptions.

Jim B. . Toronto.