What will my friend need to get to and from Canada?

Question

I am going to Port Colburne with my family an my friend. My friend cannot find a photo I.D. anywhere but he has his birth certificate and a notarized letter. I know that you're supposed to have a passport...but I just went to Canada the other week and didn't need one, and never have. In the past all we needed was a notarized letter and a birth certificate when bringing a friend. Is there anything we should bring? My friend is 17. Is photo I.D. absolutely necessary? I know it won't be to get into to Canada...but perhaps to get back to the States, haha.

Answer 1

Canada does not let Americans into the country if they think they can't get back home.  That is a big myth.

Your friend has all they need - under 18 and traveling with adults (with all their proper ID) and with the notarized permission and birth certificate.

But if traveling without adults you would need photo ID.  And if traveling starting next summer, you will need passports.

Answer 2

Minors under the age of 18 only need their original birth certificate as of yet to cross the border.

And yes he will need the notarized letter. The letter should state who he is going with, how long he will be gone, where he will be staying, when he will be back and all the contact info for his parents, including phone numbers where they can be reached in case border officials have any questions.  

Answer 3

are you flying or driving?

driving doesnt need passport until June 2009

flying is a must to have passport

so if you are driving, your friend can use birth certificate and any other identification like school or blah blah whatever is in his wallet is fine.