Do my US Citizen sons need a US passport to travel to Canada?

Question

I am a Canadian Citizen and permanent US resident. I am married and have two US born sons. My parents from Canada are coming for a visit and would like to take my sons back to Canada for a couple weeks. I need to know if my sons need a US passport to travel to Canada. I know they will need them to get back into the US, but I'd rather not pay to have their US passport applications expedited if they don't need them to get into Canada. If I can just have the applications processed at the routine time and mail them to my parents so they have them to come back into the US, I'll be able to save money. Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

Here are the rules:

By Car: No passport is required just proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate if born in the US) and a secondary piece of ID. As well, if neither biological parent is travelling with them, a letter will be needed giving the person who is bringing them over the border permission to do so.

By Air, a passport is required.

In June 2009, everyone will need a passport to cross the border irregardless of the mode of transportation. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

the new rules are www.trave.state.gov

to visit canada go to www.cic.gc.ca see visit

Answer 3

Gottalov's answer is spot-on.  

If you're driving, you should be okay without passports (although this is supposed to change next year at some point).  Not sure where you're crossing, but good luck!

Answer 4

Your sons will only need a passport to get back into the US if they are flying.  So if you are looking to save money they don't need passports mailed to them at all.  There aren't different rules for getting in and out.  Canada doesn't let in US Citizens if they figure they wont be able to get back home and we will be stuck with them.

You also need to provide a letter to your parents signed by you and your wife with full contact information allowing you children to cross the boarder with them.

Answer 5

Are they crossing border by car, or by plane?

IF by car, they don't need a passport yet, just birth certificate and ID I think. It's only some time in 2009 that the passport will be needed at the borders on land. By plane, they do need the passport.

Also, your parents will need a notarized (not sure if I spelt it right) letter stating they can take your underage sons accross the border.

Answer 6

If your parents are taking them by LAND or SEA then birth certificates are fine.  They will also need a permission letter from both of you allowing them to go.  If they are going by AIR then a passport is required for both of them.  For a US Passport both parents need to be there for the application process and it usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks.

Answer 7

If you are flying into canada they will need a passport.  If you are driving, just birth certificates are fine.  The passport rule for ground travel doesn't kick in until summer 2009 (it may even be pushed back further than that as it seems to have a new date every few months)