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[Pembo]

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[OntFamily]

If you are an American citizen, crossing into Canada from the USA is simple. All that is needed is proof of American citizenship. Technically, a photocopy of a birth certifiate is not acceptable. However, if you "look" American, a driver's license usually suffices.

 

[Pembo]

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[OntFamily]

We do "look" American however is it worth taking the chance?

You have a 99.5% chance of success (especially if at least one of you have proof of citizenship, and you both have the same surname). Nothing is guaranteed -- you may get a customs officer on a bad day...... I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[101DalmFan]

I don't think your concern is coming into Canada as much as it might be for your return to the US. The US is getting very strict about those coming into the states, and if you're driving a car with US plates you may be asked to produce US passports for re-entry. I know we have American friends who took a road trip last year and made it all the way to Detroit and thought about coming across the border to see us, but had not brought their passports with them and so couldn't even consider coming to see us as they didn't think they would be allowed back across the border into the US without a major hassle.

 

[myasmum]

Hi my husband is American and when he use to drive up here he ONLY used his Drivers Liscence and nothing else so I think that should be ok, I know when I go to the US I am Canadian and need a BC as I dont have a drivers liscence

 

[pha1226]

We're traveling from the US to Ottawa next week so I've been researching this issue. According to both official border sites, US citizens need a certified copy of a birth certificate (with raised seal) and a government issued photo id (such as a driver license). Children need a certified birth certificate or baptismal certificate. I haven't crossed the border in quite some time so I'm not sure how strictly this is enforced. I've also read that you should have your car registration as they sometimes check for stolen cars.

The passport requirement for US citizens driving into Canada will not go into effect until at least Summer 2008 (pushed back from 1/08).

 

[Pembo]

We just came back from our trip to Niagara Falls. Going into Canada, we needed no id. Coming back to the US, they looked at our drivers licenses and asked some questions.

Thanks OntFamily--we left for our trip on Thursday am as planned.

 

[ironz]

So, Pembo...they didn't ask for the birth certificate to get back into the US? just the drivers licenses? Not that I would count on it for mine and BF's trip next week, but since his birth certificate is missing (he gets 2 more days to find it), I'm worried that the whole trip is ruined.

thanks!