Do you need a passport to enter the United States?

Here is Passport Canada's official answer to this very important question.

Starting June 1, 2009, adults will need a passport to enter the United States!

If you are planning a trip to the US and don't have a passport, you had better hurry! 

Canadians Travelling to the United States

Land or Marine Point of Entry

Canadian citizens do not need a passport to enter the United States through a land or marine point of entry until June 1, 2009.

As of January 31, 2008, however, American law requires that Canadian citizens who wish to enter the United States through a land or marine point of entry present:

• A piece of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, as well as a birth certificate or a citizenship card;
  or
  
• A birth certificate or a citizenship card only (if aged 18 or under);
  or
  
• A valid passport.
  
  

Air Point of Entry

As stipulated in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which has been in effect since January 23, 2007, those wishing to enter the United States by air must present one of the following:

• A valid Canadian passport; or
• A NEXUS card (for use at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports). 
  

NEXUS was designed to expedite the border clearing process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. The Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal international airports have already obtained NEXUS kiosks; other major airports will follow suit later in the year.

WHTI is an American initiative that establishes new travel document requirements for entering the United States. These requirements have been implemented progressively.

Travelling to Mexico

Although the Government of Canada recommends Canadians have a valid passport when travelling outside of the country, no passport is required to enter Mexico. However, you must present documents that substantiate your identity and citizenship to Mexican border crossing officials.

For information on travel document requirements, we recommend you contact either:

• Your travel agency; or
• The Mexican embassy or one of the Mexican consulates in Canada.
  

You must bring your Canadian passport with you when travelling to any other foreign destination.

How do I a request a passport for my child?

For the passport request form for children aged 15 or under, click here.

For the passport request form for children aged 16 or over, click here. This is also the form used to request a passport for an adult.

Note that it may take up to 120 days for a passport application to be approved.