
If you're planning a trip to Canada, you'll need to make sure your passport is in order. A valid passport is required for travel to most countries and is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad. Along with your passport, you may need a travel authorisation such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada. So, is your passport good to travel to Canada? Read on to find out.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is a passport required to enter Canada? | Yes, a passport is required to enter Canada. |
Are there any alternatives to a passport? | Yes, alternatives include a passport card, NEXUS card, enhanced driver's license, and more. |
Is a passport required for US citizens? | Yes, US citizens need a passport or alternative document to enter Canada. |
Is a passport required for Canadian citizens? | Yes, Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada. |
Is a passport required for permanent residents of Canada? | Yes, permanent residents of Canada need a passport and proof of permanent residence. |
Is a passport required for minors? | Yes, minors need a passport or other acceptable identification. |
Is a passport required for all types of travel? | A passport is required for air travel. For land or sea travel, other forms of identification may be accepted. |
Is a visa required for US citizens? | No, a visa is not required for US citizens visiting Canada for up to 180 days. |
What You'll Learn
What documents do I need to travel to Canada by plane?
If you're travelling to Canada by plane, you'll need to carry a valid passport from your country of origin. This is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad.
- A visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Consent letters and other legal documents if you're travelling with minors.
- Proof of funds for your stay in Canada.
- A Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence if you plan to borrow a gun or rifle while in Canada.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to rent or purchase a vehicle in Canada.
Please note that additional documents may be required depending on your country of origin. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your travel to Canada.
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What documents do I need to travel to Canada by land?
To enter Canada by land, you must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements. If you are a US citizen, you need to present a passport book, passport card, or WHTI-compliant travel document. This includes US passport cards, enhanced driver's licenses from certain states, trusted traveller program cards, and more. These documents are only accepted at land or sea ports of entry and are not valid for international air travel.
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US, you must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:
- A valid passport from your country of nationality or an equivalent acceptable travel document.
- A valid green card or equivalent proof of status in the US.
If you are a Canadian citizen, including dual citizens, you need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or US passport. Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.
In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. It is recommended that travellers apply for an eTA before booking their flight to Canada, as processing times can vary.
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What documents do I need to travel to Canada by sea?
To enter Canada by sea, you must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad.
If you are an American citizen, you must carry a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa, or an eTA. However, if you don't have a passport, you have the option to use a WHTI-compliant travel document. These are the only passport alternatives Americans can use to both enter Canada and re-enter the United States via a land or sea port of entry. A birth certificate and driver's license are not good enough.
The following items are considered valid WHTI identification documents for travelling to Canada:
- A U.S. passport card
- An enhanced driver's license (EDL)
- A Trusted Traveller Program card (NEXUS card, SENTRI card, FAST card, or Global Entry card)
- An enhanced tribal card (ETC)
- A military identification card (only for members of the U.S. armed services on official maritime business)
- A Military ID with official orders that require travel to Canada or through the country's borders
If you are travelling with a minor, you should carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, and arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor. If you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you, or if you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor, you must carry a consent letter.
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What documents do I need if I'm a US citizen?
As a US citizen, you need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. A valid US passport is sufficient to enter Canada and is the standard document for international travel.
If you don't have a passport, there are some other documents that can be used to enter Canada as an American citizen. These include:
- A passport card (cannot be used for international flights)
- A NEXUS card (can be used for air, land, or sea transportation)
- An enhanced driver's license (available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
- A valid permanent resident card issued by the United States
- A valid enhanced driver's license issued by the United States
Please note that the documents required for travel may differ depending on your country of origin and your mode of transportation. It is always good to carry a valid passport when travelling outside your country.
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What documents do I need if I'm a Canadian citizen?
As a Canadian citizen, you have the right to enter Canada and must carry proper identification. Here is a list of documents that you can use to denote your identity and citizenship:
- A valid Canadian passport: This is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves your right to return to Canada. It is recommended to carry this for all visits abroad, including visits to the US.
- Canadian emergency travel document
- Canadian temporary passport
- CANPASS authorisation
- Commercial driver registration program card
- FAST card (Free and Secure Trade)
- NEXUS card: This can be used for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers via air, land, or sea transportation.
- Citizenship and immigration documents:
- Canadian permanent residence card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to the present)
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of naturalisation (issued before January 1, 1947)
- Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
- Provincial or territorial documents:
- Birth certificate (for individuals born in Canada)
- Enhanced driver's license
- Enhanced identification/photo card
- Health insurance card
- Vehicle registration
- Other valid documents:
- Canadian Forces identification
- Employment or student card with photo and signature
- Police identification
- Firearms acquisition certificate
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card
- Vehicle insurance certificate
Please note that some documents, such as the Canadian passport, citizenship certificates, and permanent residence cards, are only issued to those who meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Additionally, the list of acceptable documents may be updated periodically, so it is recommended to check with official sources for the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a passport is required for all international travel by air. If you are travelling by land or sea, a passport card, enhanced driver's license, or NEXUS card are also valid forms of identification for US citizens.
Processing times can vary, but it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to get a new passport or renew an existing one. It is recommended that you apply for or renew your passport well in advance of your travel plans.
In addition to a valid passport, you may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The requirements depend on your country of origin and your purpose for visiting Canada. US citizens, for example, do not need a visa for visits of up to 180 days.