What can I use instead of a passport to get into Canada?

Asked by: Monty Terry  |  Last update: September 18, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (39 votes)

NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes. FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only) Canadian emergency travel document. Canadian temporary passport.

Can you get 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.

What documents can I use instead of a passport?

Entry Into the United States by Land and Sea
  • U.S. Passport.
  • Passport Card (see below)
  • Enhanced Driver's License (see below)
  • Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
  • U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.

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 Canada border without passport?

Citizens of the United States need a valid U.S. passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. Citizens of the United States coming to Canada by car, bus, train or boat need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

How to travel to Canada without a passport

29 related questions found

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 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.

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)

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.

Can you cross the US Canada border with a birth certificate?

If traveling domestically, a passport is not needed but If you are driving into the United States (U.S.) and have not yet received a birth certificate for a U.S. or Canadian citizen infant, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will accept: the birth record issued by the hospital, a letter on hospital ...

What if I don't have 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.

Can you 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.

Is Social Security card proof of citizenship?

Unacceptable Documents

The following will not be accepted as secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship: Voter registration card. Army discharge paper. Social Security Card.

Can you enter Canada 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 I come back to the US without a passport?

All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa. You must apply for a visa before you start your trip.

Can a US 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.

What ID do I need to cross the US border from Canada?

Canadian Citizens entering the United States by air are required to present a valid passport, or a NEXUS card when departing from Canada.

What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border?

Required identification
  • Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
  • NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
  • Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes.
  • Canadian citizenship card.
  • Certificate of Indian Status.

What do I need to cross the US Canada border?

Canadians must meet and follow all of the same entry requirements. All travellers must use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada.
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If qualified as fully vaccinated:
  1. exempt from pre-entry test.
  2. exempt from arrival testing.
  3. exempt from quarantine and Day-8 test.

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.

How can I prove my citizenship without a passport?

Early public or private documents
  1. Baptism certificate.
  2. Hospital birth certificate (often shows baby's footprints)
  3. U.S. Census record.
  4. Early school records.
  5. Family Bible record.
  6. Doctor's records of post-natal care.

What documents are proof of citizenship?

You are a U.S. citizen if you have a:
  • Birth certificate showing birth in the United States;
  • Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization;
  • Form N-560, Certificate of Citizenship;
  • Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of United States Citizen; or.
  • Valid unexpired U.S. passport.

Does an expired passport count as proof of citizenship?

The following must be accepted as sufficient documentary evidence of citizenship: (1) A U.S. passport, including a U.S. Passport Card issued by the Department of State, without regard to any expiration date as long as such passport or Card was issued without limitation. (2) A Certificate of Naturalization.