Travelling to Canada by Land - Passport Needed?

Question

I will be traveling to Canada by land - via car/bus and I was wondering if I need a passport? It's going to be a day trip.

I have gotten different answers about this so I don't really know what to think.

Is it true that if you have have a birth certificate and a government issued I.D. or driver's liscence this will be enough to get you into Canada and the back into the U.S?

Answer 1

i've gone to the us from ontario with my drivers licence and birth certificate. u don't need a passport just 2 pieces of id. a couple of days ago i went to Boston, they just asked for id. i have a passport now though just in case. its easier than fishing out your drivers licence and birth certificate.

if your comming from the us however u may need a passport. check with your government offices about this.

be prepared to answer questions with regards to where u are going, why, how long you are going for and the boarder patroll will ask about who ever else u are taking with you.

i suggest u renew your passport after your trip so it may or may not expire if u have to go again.

Answer 2

Only need birth certificate and valid government ID with your picture on it

Answer 3

Just don't cross at the St.Stephens NB and Calais ME border, they like to interrogate ya and it takes up a lot of time. Also they always deny someone.

As for the question you need a Birth Certificate and a photo ID. They like driver's licenses. Student ID's don't work or does health care cards. They don't accept Ontario health care as a photo ID even know you have your picture on it.

Answer 4

you need a passport.... if you're American and/or you don't have a Canadian citizenship. If you are a Canadian then im sure a birth certificate and government issued ID will be fine but to get back to the US you need your passport.  JUST BRING BOTH!!!

Answer 5

As of December 21, 2007 passport requirements have been once again delayed meaning that US citizens arriving in Canada by land or water do not need a passport until at least summer 2009.

Answer 6

Just a birth certificate and photo ID.

Here is the last bulletin from Stockwell Day, Canada's minister of public safety, who is in charge of Canada's border services agency.

http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2...

Answer 7

yeah you only need two forms of ID, one of them with a picture on it. I heard they weren't starting the passport thing until 2009~ have fun!

Answer 8

Land Travel  



Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States.

Note: Children age 18 and under will need to present a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a passport to enter the U.S.

Answer 9

Laws regarding immigration and border crossings change all the time!

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforces rules regarding identification requirements for U.S. citizens and international travelers entering the country. This final rule and first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative establishes four forms of identification—a valid passport, Alien Registration Card, NEXUS Air card, or U.S. Military Orders—required to enter the US by air.

Requirements for all persons arriving through land and sea ports-of-entry (including ferries) are not finalized, but DHS has announced that as of June 2009 all individuals crossing the border via land will be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by DHS. The final rule relating to land and sea travel will be addressed in a separate, future rule making.

So for now, you will only need two valid forms of ID - such as a Birth Certificate, proof of citizenship and/or a Driver's License.

A valid passport would of course be ideal but in your case...

Get yours renewed at once young lady!

Hope this helps!

Enjoy your trip to Canada!

P.S. Where in Canada are you going by the way - if you don't mind me asking?