No Comments Yes, a passport is now required for all international travel, including trips to the United States. However, there are exceptions for minors and certain cruises. While there might be some instances where a passport isn’t required, the smart and safe traveler will carry a valid passport for all travel outside of Canada.
The Long-Standing Friendship Between Canada and the US
Canada and the United States have a long tradition of being good neighbors. At one time, Canadians could cross the U.S. border with nothing more than a driver’s license. However, since June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has required that Canadians traveling to the United States by land, sea, or air carry one of the following documents as proof of citizenship:
- A Canadian passport book
- A Canadian passport card
- A NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card
- An enhanced driver’s license (available in certain provinces)
Passport Validity Requirements
Does the United States have passport validity requirements? Fortunately, no. The US only requires that your passport is valid on the date you enter the country. However, it is generally a good rule of thumb for your passport to be valid for six months after your intended departure, in case of any complications or unexpected delays while on your trip.
Do You Need a Passport to Drive to the United States?
Yes, a valid Canadian passport is required for all Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by car. For citizens who live near the US-Canada border, the passport card can be used. A passport card is similar in size to a driver’s license and can fit conveniently in your wallet. A Canadian passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to the United States, Mexico, or the Caribbean. It can also be used for domestic air travel within Canada but not for international air travel. Click here for help on filling out a new passport or renewal application.
Exceptions to the Passport Requirements for the United States
The only exceptions are for children and people on “closed-loop” cruises. Children under the age of 16 can use their birth certificates, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship instead of a passport if they are traveling by land or by sea. However, this is not recommended by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. If there is an emergency and you need to fly home, you will not be allowed to board an airplane without a passport book.
Children under the age of 19 can use birth certificates too. Birth certificates are accepted with an organized group such as a school group, church group, sports team, volunteer group, or cultural organization. The group must be supervised by an adult and carry a letter on organization letterhead. The letter must contain the name of the group, the names of the supervising adult and the children, and a signed statement certifying that parental permission has been obtained for all children on the trip.
Canadians traveling to the United States on a closed-loop cruise (one that begins and ends in the same US port) can travel with their driver’s licenses or provincial ID cards and their birth certificates or naturalization certificates.
If you are traveling to the United States by plane, the rules are different. You need a passport book, as the passport card won’t suffice. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions, even for children. Even if you are traveling by land or by sea, it’s a good idea to use a passport book in case you have to fly home unexpectedly. Check with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs anytime you plan to leave the country.
Passport Processing Times
Standard passport processing times when applying directly with a passport agency or post office can average 10-20 business days. If you need a passport to go to the United States and need assistance with your application for a new passport, passport renewal, and child passport RushMyPassport can help. We make getting a passport quick and easy by providing a helpful checklist and personal assistance with the application. You can then download your packet when prompted, using Adobe Acrobat, or call us if you need assistance or have any questions regarding the process.
Get Your Passport for US Travel
RushMyPassport.ca simplifies and helps avoid delays in the passport application process. We assist you with your application and provide the necessary tools to ensure you have everything required to send your documents via a traceable mail service or by going in person, reducing delivery time and protecting your documents.
If you have any questions at any point in the process, please call us at (833) 436-7065 for guidance. Standard processing times are currently 10-20 days. For travelers needing assistance with their passport application process, we are here to help!