Passport for Canada? Of the 70,000 members here, someone must have crossed from the USA into Canada. Was a passport required? I read online that I would not need a passport, but when I...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Of the 70,000 members here, someone must have crossed from the USA into Canada. Was a passport required? I read online that I would not need a passport, but when I asked about getting one at the post office, the woman said I would need a passport to enter Canada. I should have kept mine current. If I get a new one, it will cost me $150.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

You may not need it to get into Canada. But you will to get into the USA.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I did.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

MichaelH wrote:

You may not need it to get into Canada. But you will to get into the USA.

They wanted a passport to re-enter the US 10-15 years ago so I would think even more so today.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Yes - this explains it - from U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/3618/kw/U.S.%20citizen%20travel%20to%20canada

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

You should contact the American authorities for authoritative information about re-entering the USA. There are several valid options but you WILL need to be able to prove your citizenship or legal residency. As for entering Canada, if the Canadians don't happen to care that day then you may not need one of those documents but they likely will care simply because they won't want you getting stuck in Canada. I offer this link as an example of reliable information but be smart.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/canada-mexico-travel

If you travel by air you will need a real, book-type passport to get on the airplane and you will need it to return to the USA. Even a "passport card" is not valid for air travel. If you drive, then a passport card or, for some states, an enhanced driver's license is OK. For a ship or a private aircraft or a private boat there are special rules.

There are other options, too but unlikely to apply to you since you are not a frequent border-crosser.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I grew up on the Canadian border and have Canadian relatives. In the OLD days you could pretty much stroll across the border (at a check point). Now days you must have a passport. Depending on the state that you live in you will need a passport for domestic airline travel in the near future.

Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay

Going forward a Passport is absolutely necessary for all travel out of the USA...

WetCoaster

A passport is required for entry to Canada. The only exceptions are a Nexus pass and WA State Ready drivers license. The special drivers license only works for border crossings as far as I know.

Don

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

a6k wrote:

...if the Canadians don't happen to care that day then you may not need one of those documents but they likely will care simply because they won't want you getting stuck in Canada....

Rest assured, if you appear to not be able to sustain yourself during your visit, they will not let you in. They do not want people who may not be able to sustain themselves during the visit. They are more strict than the US.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

jerryc41 wrote:

Of the 70,000 members here, someone must have crossed from the USA into Canada. Was a passport required? I read online that I would not need a passport, but when I asked about getting one at the post office, the woman said I would need a passport to enter Canada. I should have kept mine current. If I get a new one, it will cost me $150.

The US State Department says PASSPORT VALIDITY: Valid at time of entry (as in YES)
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/canada.html

And Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

BlackRipleyDog

jerryc41 wrote:

Of the 70,000 members here, someone must have crossed from the USA into Canada. Was a passport required? I read online that I would not need a passport, but when I asked about getting one at the post office, the woman said I would need a passport to enter Canada. I should have kept mine current. If I get a new one, it will cost me $150.

The short answer -yes. Not so much going into Canada but really important if you want to come back into the USA. Get a Pass Card instead of the full book. Much cheaper. Cannot be used for air travel though.

richosob Loc: Lambertville, MI

jerryc41 wrote:

Of the 70,000 members here, someone must have crossed from the USA into Canada. Was a passport required? I read online that I would not need a passport, but when I asked about getting one at the post office, the woman said I would need a passport to enter Canada. I should have kept mine current. If I get a new one, it will cost me $150.

We've been to Canada several times a few years ago and no passport was needed at that time, but since then we've been informed that if we want to go there we will now need a passport. It's a beautiful country and the fact that you now need a passport shouldn't stop you, it's well worth the effort.

Rich

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

jerryc41 wrote:

Of the 70,000 members here, someone must have crossed from the USA into Canada. Was a passport required? I read online that I would not need a passport, but when I asked about getting one at the post office, the woman said I would need a passport to enter Canada. I should have kept mine current. If I get a new one, it will cost me $150.

We went Canada a few years ago and I do not recall having to present it either going or coming. But do not quote me on that because they tell me it is necessary. So we took ours.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Yeah Jerry. you look like a suspicious character. now that we have Trump you'll NEVER get back in.

MichaelH wrote:

You may not need it to get into Canada. But you will to get into the USA.