passport for kids

[normmo]

Hi - thinking of doing a quick march trip (if I can convince my DH) and we would be driving. My understanding is that our children (3 and 7) would only need birth certificates to get across the border - is this correct?
Thanks!
Mo

 

[Tiggs14]

Yes that is correct.

 

[fnkyyellow]

As of june 1, 2009 ALL Canadians need a passport to enter the USA

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/planification/usa.aspx?lang=eng&region=Canada

I just received ours for the kids, it took less than 4 weeks by sending them in by mail.

Holly

 

[normmo]

Do they really need one after June 1st? Right now all it says is "Canadian citizens aged 15 years or under are only required to present proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or an original citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone." If it is changing then we'll be okay for March but we're planning on going again in November 2010.
Mo

 

[PanamaMike]

As of june 1, 2009 ALL Canadians need a passport to enter the USA

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/planification/usa.aspx?lang=eng&region=Canada

I just received ours for the kids, it took less than 4 weeks by sending them in by mail.

Holly

The link provided states:

"The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a US law that requires all travellers, including US and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport OR OTHER APPROVED SECURE DOCUMENT when entering the United States.

For information on travel documents required for travel to, from or through the United States, please consult the website of the Canada Border Services Agency, http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/child-enfant-eng.html

There you will find the following information:

All Canadian citizens (including children) travelling into the USA by AIR must present either a passport or a NEXUS card.

When entering the USA by land or sea (and since the OP stated they are driving, this applies to them)

"Canadian citizens aged 15 years or under are only required to present proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or an original citizenship card, when entering the United States by land or water. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone".

 

[PanamaMike]

Do they really need one after June 1st? Right now all it says is "Canadian citizens aged 15 years or under are only required to present proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or an original citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone." If it is changing then we'll be okay for March but we're planning on going again in November 2010.
Mo

It was June 1, 2009 that the rules changed, and as you've discovered, when crossing by land or sea children need only their birth certificates.

 

[webworm]

You should be checking US Customs and Immigration. When entering by land or sea a birth certificate is fine for children under 16.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/legally_admitted_to_the_u_s.xml

 

[normmo]

Great links - thanks so much!
Mo

 

[cdnsunseeker]

We travel across often by car to Buffalo and kids do only need a passport but my question is do kids that fly within US (Buffalo -Orlando) need a passport?

Thanks.

 

[rjan67]

No.