Do you need a passport to visit Canada?

Question

My Fiance said when he drove over the border the last two times he didnt need a passport.

Answer 1

The law has been passed, but I am not sure when the implementation date is for driving across the border.  Canada will let you in, but you will have a hard time getting back without one!!

Answer 2

if your an american resident and driving across the border you need government issue ID (drivers license) and a birth certificate, if you fly in you need a passport

as from June 2009 a passport will be required to enter Canada and return to the states

Answer 3

To go into Canada by LAND or SEA you need a Valid Government Issued Photo ID & Birth certificate if you are over 16.  Those under 16 require just the birth certificate.

To go into Canada by AIR you do need a valid passport.   This is a law that has been in place since January 2007.  

Starting next year you will need a passport to go into and out of Canada all 3 ways.  This also includes going into the US, Mexico, Bermuda and 19 Caribbean countries.

Answer 4

Some people have answered parts of this question correctly and some just have it completely wrong.

You do NOT need a passport to drive into Canada, you don't even need a passport to FLY into Canada. Where your issue is, is that you you need a passport to get back into the US when you FLY. Driving into Canada, you will only need your birth certificate (no photocopies, must have the seal) and a government issued photo ID. If you live in a state that borders Canada and have an enhanced drivers license, you can use that also.

The US has implemented something called a passport card, which you can get for $20 is you already have a passport, or $45 is you don't. This will allow you to travel back and forth by land from Canada to the US and vice versa, without an actual passport.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Yes.  He went over when the lenient border agents were on duty then.

Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada must carry both proof of citizenship and identity.  A valid U.S. passport or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.  If U.S. citizen travelers to Canada do not have a passport or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport.  Children under sixteen need only present proof of U.S. citizenship.  

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Answer 6

Best thing is to read the law for yourself below.  If you FLY to Canada, you must have a passport.  If you travel by LAND or SEA, you do not need a passport until June 2009.  You do need a photo I.D. and birth certificate.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Americans can drive over the boarder without a passport but they do need them for crossing over by boat or plane.

Eventually Americans will need a passport when crossing by car as well - but probably around Jan this year it will change if not sooner.

Other countries do have to have a passport as far as I know.

Answer 9

yes you do