How do I cross the Canadian border without a passport?

Asked by: Rose Rohan  |  Last update: September 10, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (40 votes)

Crossing the Canadian border by car doesn't require showing a passport, but this is the easiest way to do so.
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To do that you can use one of the following documents:
  1. driving license,
  2. a U.S. birth certificate,
  3. certificate of citizenship or naturalization,
  4. permanent resident card,
  5. certificate of Indian status.

Can you cross into Canada without a passport?

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.

Can I use my birth certificate to go to Canada?

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.

Can you cross the Canadian American border without a passport?

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 documents do I need to cross the US border from Canada by car?

Driver's license: The driver of the car must have a valid license. Vehicle registration: Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles, or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased out of country. Proof of insurance: It's recommended that you bring your vehicle's insurance paperwork.

How To | Canada Border Crossing | No Passport

23 related questions found

Can I cross the border with an 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.

Can a U.S. citizen enter the US without a passport?

A passport is not required. Citizens of Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a valid passport from their country to travel to the U.S. by air. When traveling by land or sea, they must provide the necessary travel documents outlined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Can I enter Canada with a real ID?

Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

Do you need a passport to cross the border by car?

U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

What do I need to get back into the US from Canada?

All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States. In addition, fully vaccinated foreign nationals may also enter the United States at land ports of entry (POE) and ferry terminals.

What do you need to get into Canada by car?

Travelers driving into Canada from the U.S. must have a valid I.D., such as a U.S. passport.
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The following forms of identification are accepted for U.S. citizens:
  1. U.S. Passport.
  2. U.S. Passport card (for land and marine travel only)
  3. NEXUS card.
  4. Enhanced Driver's License (for land and marine travel only)

Can you cross the Canadian border with an expired passport?

While Canadian law allows all American citizens entering Canada to show 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 to enter, the United States does not accept these documents.

Can I go to Canada without a passport 2022?

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)

Can US citizens drive to Canada?

Travel requirements and exemptions. Travellers entering Canada by land, air or water, regardless of citizenship, must meet COVID-19 requirements: Canadians must meet and follow all of the same entry requirements. All travellers must use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada.

Can a U.S. citizen be denied entry to the US?

If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

Can I cross the border with a copy of my naturalization certificate?

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. If you were not born in the United States, you can use your original Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.

Can I travel without a passport?

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.

What can I use instead of passport?

Primary ID (submit one)
  • Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card.
  • In-state, fully-valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo.
  • Certificate of Naturalization.
  • Certificate of Citizenship.
  • Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal)
  • U.S. military or military dependent ID.

Can U.S. citizens come back to US with expired passport?

If you are overseas and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until June 30, 2022.

Can a U.S. citizen return to the US on an expired passport?

U.S. citizens will not be allowed to use their expired U.S. passport for direct return to the United States after June 30, 2022. Home | News & Events | U.S. citizens will not be allowed to use their expired U.S. passport for direct return to the United States after June 30, 2022.

Can you cross the border with a photocopy of your passport?

The return to the USA you need your passport or enhanced drivers license. Photocopies of passports are not legal documents for crossing a border, as they could be easily forged.

What documents can you use to cross the border?

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.

When did you start needing a passport to go to Canada?

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.

Can you get into Canada with an enhanced license 2022?

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.