While a U.S. citizen's government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, are sufficient to cross into Canada, you'll need additional documents to re-enter the United States, according to Liz Jones of Leaf Group.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land are required to possess the requisite documentation, such as a passport, drivers license, and other valid identification documents. They must also meet other criteria, such as passing security measures, before they are allowed entry into Canada.
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.
International visitors to Canada
All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.
As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and. a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
Do you need a passport to go into Canada by? U.S. citizens do not require a passport to go into Canada. However, they must present a valid passport card (such as an Enhanced Driver's License), NEXUS card, or FAST pass/card to gain entry in its stead.
Enhanced Driver's License / Enhanced Identification Card. Enhanced Driver's Licenses or Enhanced Identification Cards (known as EDLs) are documents that can be used instead of a passport for purposes of cross-border travel into the USA at land and water ports of entry.
Yes, a valid U.S. Passport is required for all U.S. Citizens traveling to Canada by car. For citizens that live in, or work near the United States and Canadian border the passport card can be permitted.
No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
While these REAL ID licenses and ID cards are accepted for flying domestically, they cannot be used to enter the United States by land or sea when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. For that, you'll need an enhanced license or ID card.
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.
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 ...
Important Information on Entry to Canada
All travelers eligible to enter Canada must submit contact and travel information in the ArriveCAN system within 72 hours before arrival to Canada. Fully vaccinated travelers must also enter their proof of vaccination.
That is, if you're a US citizen and you lose your passport abroad, you should still be allowed to return to the US, since it's your country, right? Technically, yes. Any US citizen can present themselves at a US border crossing without a passport and should be granted entry (after thorough checks and questioning).
Documents You Will Need
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
In most countries, you can travel anywhere within your nation's borders without a passport. The only exception is when you leave your home country to enter a foreign nation. However, even if you travel nationally, you will always need photo ID, such as a driver's license or National ID card to board a flight.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to Canada with it as your only form of identification. An Enhanced Driver's License or EDL can enable a US citizen to visit Canada for both leisure and business purposes.
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.
Best Places to Travel Without a US Passport
Puerto Rico. US Virgin Islands. Northern Mariana Islands. American Samoa.
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.
Currently, Canadian borders are open to all U.S. citizens wishing to enter regardless of vaccination status. However, the requirements for entry will vary based on your vaccination status.