Yes - you do need a passport - even if flying out of Buffalo

[yellownovawife]

Even flying out of Buffalo - you need a passport for air travel if you are not American. I know you are not crossing a border during the flight but you still need it. A lot of people seem to be posting that they do not need it because they just need a BC to drive to Buffalo. The US gov't website clearly states that as of Jan. 23rd. non-Americans will need a passport for air travel. This is still air travel. I hope some people are not left in a lurch by the confusion!

 

[runner26.2]

This is much different than I'd been led to believe. Where did you find this on the US government website. I spent some time looking and can't seem to find this. All I can find is that effective this month passports are required for travel between Canada & US (and other Western Hemisphere countries) but I can't seem to find an announcement about a requirement that non US citizens must produce a passport to fly domestically within the United States.

 

[OntFamily]

Can you post a link to this? I think you are mistaken.


If all air travellers in the USA (including domestic travellers) were required to have a passport, air travel would grind to a halt. A relatively low % of the US population has a passport. In Michigan, only 30% of citizens have a passport.


http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/FEATURES07/701190397/1025/FEATURES


Also, note the info update at the homepage of the Buffalo Niagara Airport:
http://www.buffaloairport.com/

New Travel Rule:
As of January 23, 2007 citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda will be required to present passports when they enter the United States by air travel from any part of the Western Hemisphere.

There are no new restrictions taking effect on American or Canadian citizens entering the country by land or sea. But it is highly recommended that travelers from the U.S. and Canada be prepared to present documentation such as a passport, naturalization certificate or birth certificate, accompanied by a driver’s license or other form of government-issued identification when reentering the U.S.

 

[OntFamily]

I googled your quote, to find the US gov't website (gotta love google).

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html

The website talks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The quote you gave is in reference to this initiative (which governs entry into the USA), and not domestic air travel.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

You only need a passport flying into the U.S. as of January 23rd. If you're flying within the U.S. or flying out, you don't need a passport yet. That's because they've relaxed the rules for the snowbirds. There are many Canadians who flew down south for the winter. They'd be stranded when they try to get back into Canada without a passport. So hence, the U.S. government does not require Canadians to have a passport flying back to Canada yet.

 

[RainbowsMist]

This is definitely not what the US Embassy told me as well as Delta. They both said when "flying WITHIN" the US you are considered "Domestic" therefore no passports. I explained our situation to the US Embassy and they confirmed driving in the US only requires Birth Certificate and Photo ID. They said it would be up to our individual airline regarding what they want for air travel. Delta then told me NO passport when flying domestic if you're Canadian. Delta said they would only need a photo ID of DH and I and NOTHING for our kids.

 

[son3disfan]

This is definitely not what the US Embassy told me as well as Delta. They both said when "flying WITHIN" the US you are considered "Domestic" therefore no passports. I explained our situation to the US Embassy and they confirmed driving in the US only requires Birth Certificate and Photo ID. They said it would be up to our individual airline regarding what they want for air travel. Delta then told me NO passport when flying domestic if you're Canadian. Delta said they would only need a photo ID of DH and I and NOTHING for our kids.

You are correct... no worries. All this conterversy is why I went ahead and got them for this trip. The Buffalo and Niargra web site states that Canadians flying in Buffalo do not require passports to fly ..only when flying ACROSS THE BORDER!

 

[pooksma]

JMHO- I still think its easier to have, just for peace of mind. (mine anyhow)
I always took my passport even when driving. And who knows when I might win Lotto 649 and need to jet away????No time for scrambling for a passport then!

 

[lordnamis]

I went and got my passport and then was told by the U.S that if I was flying iin the United States it is considered domestic and it will not be needed till 2008. You have been considered cleared because you drove through the border and have already been checked. Good to get one now though because next year will be crazy.

 

[dsneygirl]

To the OP you should really check and triple check your facts because causing people to panic. As you can see it's for entry into the US by air, not air travel within the US. Also at Buffalo airport the SW, or Delta or whoever agents are not affiliated with Customs or Homeland Security in anyway. They just want to see a Photo ID not a proof of citizenship.

 

[yellownovawife]

To the OP you should really check and triple check your facts because causing people to panic. As you can see it's for entry into the US by air, not air travel within the US. Also at Buffalo airport the SW, or Delta or whoever agents are not affiliated with Customs or Homeland Security in anyway. They just want to see a Photo ID not a proof of citizenship.

I am not trying to cause panic - only trying to help because the way I read it it does say passports would be required for ALL air travel:

January 23, 2007 – Passports, Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs) or NEXUS Air cards would be required for all air travel from within the Western Hemisphere for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.

I am sorry if I have upset people. I read ALL AIR TRAVEL to mean well... all air travel. I am just trying to help!

 

[son3disfan]

I am not trying to cause panic - only trying to help because the way I read it it does say passports would be required for ALL air travel:

January 23, 2007 – Passports, Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs) or NEXUS Air cards would be required for all air travel from within the Western Hemisphere for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.

I am sorry if I have upset people. I read ALL AIR TRAVEL to mean well... all air travel. I am just trying to help!

" WOULD BE REQUIRED" , and it will be , not until 2009 ( right now, that could change too).
Thanks for the warning , good intentions, but it's not required...not yet.

 

[dsneygirl]

I understand you were trying to help but you stated yourself "how I read it to mean" rather than checking other sources for clarification. Especially with it getting down to the wire for people FLYING to the states there are enough people flustered as it is

 

[OntFamily]

I am not trying to cause panic - only trying to help because the way I read it it does say passports would be required for ALL air travel:

January 23, 2007 – Passports, Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs) or NEXUS Air cards would be required for all air travel from within the Western Hemisphere for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.

I am sorry if I have upset people. I read ALL AIR TRAVEL to mean well... all air travel. I am just trying to help!

From what I found, the website you quoted from outlines travel into US. I know the one clause you quoted here mentions "all air travel", but all the other clauses on the same website clearly state it is only for international travel.

I don't think you've upset anyone, but I think people are trying to ensure misinformation is not being spread (so others do not become needlessly worried).

 

[damo]

From what I found, the website you quoted from outlines travel into US. I know the one clause you quoted here mentions "all air travel", but all the other clauses on the same website clearly state it is only for international travel.

I don't think you've upset anyone, but I think people are trying to ensure misinformation is not being spread (so others do not become needlessly worried).

I agree. The passage quoted by the OP is all about re-entering the United States (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)), not travelling within the US.

"The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States."

 

[OntFamily]

The passage quoted by the OP is all about re-entering the United States (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)), not travelling within the US.

"The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States."

Exactly. Which was my point.

 

[riu girl]

So when in 2008 will Canadians require passports to drive from BUF to Ontario? We will be going to Florida in 12/2007 but will be coming home 01/2008?

Thank you

 

[SaraMc]

When I went to get DS passport they told me that they normally would turn it away because we are flying out of buffalo and only did it because of Birth certificate issues we are having. The lady at the passport office said to me you dont need a passport to fly out of buffalo. You dont need to show proof of citizenship to fly domestically, its when your crossing borders that its needed.

 

[Weezyreid]

What do your children need to cross the border...a birth certificate or just a photo id?
Louise

 

[MisunderstoodLilo]

So when in 2008 will Canadians require passports to drive from BUF to Ontario? We will be going to Florida in 12/2007 but will be coming home 01/2008?

As early as January 2008. Of course, it's subject to change but that is what they say right now.

I drive between both countries quite frequently and I'm getting my passport just in case!