The Age-Old Passport Question

[mtmbyck]

I know there have been a million threads on this but DH wants reassurance that we can still cross the border with photo ID (liscense, birth certificate) and we do not need a passport if we cross by LAND. We are flying out of Detroit and it was no issue last year. Please assure my DH.

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Although the rules are changing on January 31, 2008, a passport is still not required (apparently will be required in 2009).

Here's the information that is on the www.canada.gc.ca website

Travel Documents for Entering the United States

Land

What documents do Canadian citizens currently need to enter the United States by land?

Currently, Canadian citizens, including children, DO NOT require a passport to enter the United States by land.

Canadian citizens should, however, carry documents that demonstrate their identity and citizenship. The following documents are some accepted forms of identification:

A birth certificate; and
A driver's licence.
A valid Canadian passport, an enhanced driver's licence, a NEXUS card or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card are acceptable travel documents to enter the United States by land.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin transitioning to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative secure document requirement on January 31, 2008, with full implementation in place as early as June 1, 2009.

As of January 31, 2008, if you travel to the U.S. by land or water, a U.S. law will require you to present:

a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card;

OR

A valid passport;

OR

A NEXUS or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;

OR

An enhanced driver's licence;

OR

An Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card;

OR

For those 18 and under, a birth certificate.

Canadian citizens flying to or through the United States must present a valid Canadian passport. A NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at participating airports is also acceptable.

 

[OntFamily]

For even more assurance, here is the link to US Custom's website detailing the requirements for Canadian Citizens

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/#2


Note - the rules have not changed (The US has always required proof of citizenship), however, they have not strictly enforced this rule. They advise as of Jan 31/08 they will strictly enforce this rule.

 

[busterblue]

If you have time it is worth getting the passports for the whole family. It is a cost item but they are good for 5 years and make any travel a lot easier.

Take the ID noted above and you can cross by LAND with minimal hassles. It really speeds things up if you just hand them a passport. I can't recommend it highly enough.

 

[Ham Ham]

Get a passport. Make your life easy. Carry it with you when traveling.

If you can go on a holiday you can afford a passport.

Look he had one.