Does my newborn need a passport?

[DisneyStitch626]

Hey there!

We are in talks of planning a trip to Disneyland for mid-august. We would be driving down from Calgary, AB. Does anyone know if my (then) 2 month old will need a passport to cross the border? Or does he just need a birth certificate?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

Need the passport... no matter the age.

 

[ccudmore]

If you're driving, children under 15 do not NEED a passport, only proof of citizenship (see http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=308000)

However one is strongly recommended.

 

[mbb]

Yeah, it gets confusing...really, get a passport for the baby.

And take the birth certificate as well.

What if.....you drive down, no passport, and you have to fly home quickly??
Nope, baby can't fly.

Just makes life oh-so-much easier

HTH!! from Gov Can site..
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=308000




___________________________________________________
Air travel

Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through, or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

*
A passport; or
*
A NEXUS card when used at kiosks in participating airports.

This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children.

Canadian citizens intending to fly to, through, or from the United States should apply for a passport, keep it up to date, and carry it with them when travelling.

The NEXUS program offers a simplified and expedited border clearance process to low-risk, pre-approved travellers.

Land and water travel

Canadian citizens must present one of the following valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:

*
a passport; or
*
a NEXUS card; or
*
a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or
*
an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or
*
a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Canadian citizens 15 years of age and under require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or an original Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age and under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.

Canadians who are permanent residents of the United States must comply with special entry requirements. For more information, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Web site.

The most important formality on entering the United States is providing proof of your Canadian citizenship. Your Canadian passport is the best document to prove your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada.

 

[mbb]

This may be helpful as well

Congratulations on your new little one

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/children_enfants-eng.asp

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Thanks everyone!

I did end up finding that site that says 15 and under don't need one. Would love to get one for him, but not sure we will have enough time. We will see what we can do!

 

[candygirlIRE]

I posted this on the other thread as well, but we got our little one a passport in Calgary at the start of June and had it within 2 1/2 weeks. So I think if you leave in a month you should be golden

 

[vikkii19]

Hopefully you get the birth certificate in 2 months, I just got mine 2 weeks ago when my daughter was almost 3 months, but I'm in NB so maybe Alberta's quicker.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Hopefully you get the birth certificate in 2 months, I just got mine 2 weeks ago when my daughter was almost 3 months, but I'm in NB so maybe Alberta's quicker.

That's what I was thinking....birth certificates don't come all that quickly. You would need to have the paperwork in the mail the same day baby is born to even have a hope to get it back in time.

It might be best to delay the trip by at least a month. Then you can get the BC and probably a passport as well. I got new PP's last year and we had them in our hands about a week after applying.

 

[ccudmore]

Relevant news article today:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2011/06/29/ottawa-baby-passport.html?ref=rss

 

[GrtWtNorth]

It might be worth checking the lines at the Harry Hays building downtown. Summer isn't passport rush season, so if your paperwork is in order, you might be in-and-out within an hour. Once processed, a passport only takes about two weeks.

In most passport offices, the busy season is in the fall and early winter, when everyone is planning a winter get-away, so now might be the perfect time to go in person.