What documents do you need to go through Canada?

Asked by: Kylee Turner  |  Last update: August 24, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (58 votes)

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

What documents do I need to drive through Canada?

U.S. citizens visiting Canada will be required to present one of the travel documents listed here: U.S. Passport. U.S. Passport Card. Enhanced Driver's License (Issued by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington only)

What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car?

Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence. Declare all purchases and have your receipts readily available.

Can you use your driver's license to get into Canada?

U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land are required to possess the requisite documentation, such as a passport, driver's license, and other valid identification documents. They must also meet other criteria, such as passing security measures, before they are allowed entry into Canada.

What are the basic requirements to go to Canada?

You must:
  • have a valid travel document, like a passport.
  • be in good health.
  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
  • convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country.

What Travel Documents Are Required When Crossing Into Canada?

28 related questions found

Do I need a passport to go to Canada if I have a real ID?

Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

Do you need a passport to go to Canada by car?

What Documents Do I Need to Drive into Canada? Besides a valid passport book or another acceptable travel document, you must present a valid driver's license and a visa (if necessary). If you have minors in your car, they must have documentation proving your legal relationship with them.

Can I cross into Canada with just my ID?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

When did Canada require passports from us?

Since June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has required that Americans traveling to Canada by land or by sea carry one of the following documents as proof of citizenship: A US passport book. A US passport card. A NEXUS card, SENTRI or FAST card.

What do you need to pass the border by car?

  1. Valid U.S. Passport or Green Card. ...
  2. Mexico Driving Insurance. ...
  3. Valid U.S. Driver's License. ...
  4. Vehicle Registration Document. ...
  5. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit. ...
  6. Mexico Tourist Card (FMM Tourist Visa)

Can I use my birth certificate to go to Canada?

Canada requires proof of citizenship or resident status to enter the country under §§14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel Documents section of the Immigration Regulations of Canada (enclosed). A birth certificate is one form of proof.

Can I cross the border to Canada with my car?

What You Need to Have When You Cross the Canadian Border. You will be asked to present adequate identification documents for each person in the car when you cross the Canadian border by land. Canadian officials recommend having a valid passport as the best form of identification.

Do I need to get a Covid test to drive to Canada?

Effective October 1, 2022, COVID-19 border entry restrictions were removed. In addition, testing, quarantine and isolation requirements were removed, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status.

Can I use my debit card in Canada?

For example, a United States-issued Bank of America debit card will work at Canadian retailers, but the user does incur a three-percent foreign transaction fee for each purchase.

Can a US citizen cross the Canadian border with an expired passport?

While you may enter Canada with your expired U.S. passport as proof of your citizenship, you need a passport book, card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States. While you will not be expressly denied entry at the border, you may face delays if you cannot present valid travel documents.

Can a US citizen enter the US without a passport?

U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.

Can you travel to Canada while waiting for U.S. passport?

U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter Canada. Canadian Border Patrol agents will ask you to present proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID.

Can I cross the border with my ID and birth certificate Canada?

However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. " But you will need a Passport Book (if traveling by air), or Passport Card (if traveling by land) to re-enter the United States, so the border agents will ...

Can I cross the border with my US birth certificate?

U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.

Can you cross the US Canada border with an ID?

Canadians 15 years old and under can enter the U.S. with an original (or a photocopy) of a birth certificate, or an original citizenship card. Canadians 16 years old and over will require a passport, NEXUS pass, FAST pass, Enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC).

What can I do to get into Canada without a passport?

Enter Canada Without a Valid Passport Book
  1. A U.S. passport card.
  2. An enhanced driver's license (EDL)
  3. A Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS card SENTRI card, FAST card, or Global Entry card)
  4. An enhanced tribal card (ETC)

Can I cross the border with just my ID?

When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License. Resident aliens must possess a green card.

What ID do you need to drive across the US border from Canada?

Travel by land or water

a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card. an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.

How can I travel to Canada without a photo ID?

If you don't have an identification document that includes your photo, full name and date of birth:
  1. Show two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that show your name.
  2. One of these documents must show your full name and date of birth.

How long can a US citizen stay in Canada?

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.