Border Question

Moraff

Active member
Nov 14, 2003
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When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you.

(From: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html )

That's assuming you are driving, if flying I am pretty sure you require a passport now.
 

james t kirk

Well-known member
Aug 17, 2001
24,059
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It's the Ameicans who want a passport, not the Canadians.

You can get into Canada with valid photo ID, and have your birth certificate handy just in case. You can still drive from Canada to the US with a birth certificate and valid photo ID, however, a passport is encouraged. Flying into the US, I believe you need a passport at all times.

I don't know about flying INTO Canada.

In short, the Canadian gov't lets Americans in with valid photo ID and a birth certificate.

The US gov't requires Canadians to carry a valid passport to get into the US when flying and may still allow Canadian who are driving to get into the US with valid photo ID and a birth certificate.
 

Dodger

Lives for DATY
Aug 17, 2001
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East of TO
That is exactly what kills me about this subject. I was on another discussion board and the Americans were all up in arms about needing a passport to come to Canada now.

Hello it was the American government that put the procedure in place to enter the US. All about homeland security and all that. Then when you told them they got all pissed off because they haven't needed a passport before and that it is infringing on their rights to travel.

Oh and now it would cost them extra to travel, so alot them said the hell with it and would stay in the USA.

I think I read somewhere that a a very small percentage of Americans held valid passports, something like 10%, which of course is still 25 million + but that about 70% of Canadians held valid passports prior to this law being put in place.

I have used a passport to enter the US by road and air for years. It is easier and smoother. Most times at the Canadian border, when driving, it is just Where are you a citizen of? and How long have you been away. and How much to declare. Thank you and goodbye.
 

spankingman

Well-known member
Dec 7, 2008
3,639
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BEST way is a CANADIAN Passport. Although a Canadian Birth Cert with a photo ID ie: Drivers Lic etc will do in a pinch. Not sure about people from other countries of origin.

They have been telling us for over a year now about the passport need but I will bet as Canadians most will leave it until the LAST minute then bitch about the back log etc.:)
 

Moraff

Active member
Nov 14, 2003
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spankingman said:
BEST way is a CANADIAN Passport. Although a Canadian Birth Cert with a photo ID ie: Drivers Lic etc will do in a pinch. Not sure about people from other countries of origin.

They have been telling us for over a year now about the passport need but I will bet as Canadians most will leave it until the LAST minute then bitch about the back log etc.:)
Since the OP is asking about getting into Canada rather than returning to Canada I think we can assume he is not a Canadian citizen....
 

yaya17

semi-pro
Jul 14, 2007
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If you are flying a passport is 100% necessary. Does not matter if its from Canada to US or vice versa.

In Canada when you check in you must provide a passport. No passport - no boarding pass.

In the United States the same applies although sometimes its the gate agent and not the check-in counter that wants to see your passport.

Either way a passport is a must.

As for land travel I think the passport rule comes into effect this summer. Until then a proof of citenzenship and a matching photo ID will work.
 

LKD

Active member
Aug 6, 2006
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You can still use a birth certificate to enter the US from Canada or vice versa while driving. A passport will be required starting April.
 

pepsiman

New member
Jul 27, 2004
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Local M.P just sent out a flier ; that stated after June 30 ::?? you will need a passport to enter USA even if you are driving .
Why have we not seen this all over the news and T.V. in general.
 

oldjones

CanBarelyRe Member
Aug 18, 2001
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It has been all over; apparently you just didn't pay close enough attention. And your local MP just used tax dollars to send you a fourteen weeks notice, which was very nice of her. Do you need more?

It ain't news—which is what the media broadcast—and it ain't our public policy which is what MPs look after. It's up to the folks wanting to go the the US to find out what their rules are.
 

pepsiman

New member
Jul 27, 2004
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oldjones said:
It has been all over; apparently you just didn't pay close enough attention. And your local MP just used tax dollars to send you a fourteen weeks notice, which was very nice of her. Do you need more?

It ain't news—which is what the media broadcast—and it ain't our public policy which is what MPs look after. It's up to the folks wanting to go the the US to find out what their rules are.
No I do not need more notice :)) I was just replieing to a post .
But on the other hand I was told they were updating the driver liences so Canadians would not require passports :??
Then when Obama got into office and made a trip to Ottawa the news said Obama was more about the economy than 911 . And wanted more cross border traffic to help the US economy .::???
For a mere 87 dollars I can get one and then in a few more years pay again to get ANOTHER .
Hope it helps the economy in the states with more people spending money to get a passport so they can go to the states and spend money.
With so many people crossing the border every day I would think needing a passport would be news though.
 
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