Is it easy to get into Canada without a passport?

Travelling to Canada

If you are not a Canadian citizen, find out what documents you need to enter Canada. Then discover the places you can visit while you are here.

To limit the further spread of COVID-19 in Canada, border restrictions are in place for all travellers entering Canada. Visit COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders to find out if you can enter Canada.

Travel documents for non-Canadians entering Canada

Passports and travel documents

Use a passport for international travel. It is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document.

Permanent residents of Canada should have their Permanent Resident Card with them when they travel to Canada by public transit (plane, train, bus or boat) or when they transit through a Canadian airport.

Citizens and permanent residents of the United States

Citizens of the United States need a valid U.S. passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.

Citizens of the United States coming to Canada by car, bus, train or boat need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

Citizens of the United States who are also Canadian citizens should bring a valid Canadian passport and a valid U.S. passport or travel document to board a flight from the Unites States to Canada. Carrying both documents may help simplify both your entry into Canada and your return to the United States.

Permanent residents of the United States need a valid Alien Registration Card and a passport to enter Canada.

Dual citizens

Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to, or transit through, Canada by air.

If your other country of citizenship needs you to enter and exit that country using a passport issued by its government, you will still need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada. Make sure you carry both passports when you travel.

Visitor visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations

Most non-Canadians need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada, but not both. Some people may only need their valid passport.

Find out if you need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada

You may need to get a visa before arriving in Canada. Visas are issued by Canadian government offices abroad. Not all of these offices have visa officers, but those that do not will direct you to the nearest visa office.

If you don’t need a visa to travel to Canada, you will likely need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.

Find out about Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Visiting Canada

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American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

Ice hockey, maple syrup, and some of the most beautiful nature getaways. You guessed it; I am talking about Canada.

Unfortunately, traveling to Canada isn't as easy as a trip to Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. There are requirements for both U.S. citizens and citizens from all over the globe.

In this post, we'll be looking at the entry requirements for Canada, whether you are a U.S. citizen or a foreign national.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Canada?

The most asked question today is whether or not you need a passport. The passport requirement usually depends on the country you are from and, in this case, the country you are traveling to. Of course, there are other factors, such as dual citizenship, etc., but we'll get to that shortly.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Canada From The U.S.A.?

If you plan to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, American citizens must have a valid U.S. passport card (granted by the U.S. Department of State). Alternatively, citizens of the United States traveling to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat must have proper identification and meet the basic entry requirements.

Do U.S. Green Card Holders Need A Passport To Go To Canada?

It is essential to note that permanent residents of the United States must have a passport and a valid Alien Registration Card to enter Canada.

Do Foreign Nationals Need A Passport To Go To Canada From The U.S.A.?

Traveling to Canada might require additional travel documents if you are not a Canadian citizen or do not have a permanent resident card. Most non-Canadians require either a Canadian Tourist Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but not both. However, some people may only need their passports to enter the country.

Please feel free to use the Canadian Government website to find out if you need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada.

Do Dual Citizens Need A Passport To Travel To Canada?

Suppose you plan to board a flight from the United States to Canada and have dual citizenship from Canada and the U.S. In that case, you must have both your valid U.S. Passport and valid Canadian Passport. Carrying both documents may make it easier to enter Canada and return to the United States.

Dual Canadian citizens must have a valid Canadian passport to fly to or through Canada. For example, suppose your other country of citizenship requires you to enter and exit the country using a passport issued by the government of that country. In that case, you will still need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

As a general rule, always ensure your passport is with you if you travel.

Do Minors Need A Passport To Go To Canada?

As I have previously mentioned, you will need a passport when traveling to Canada. In addition, if you are traveling with a minor, you must provide additional information such as:

• Copies of any legal custody documents or proof that you are the legal guardian (if applicable)

• Consent letter if you share custody of the minor and travel without the other parent or legal guardian and if you are not the legal guardian nor the parent of the minor.

• Birth certificate or naturalization certificate of the minor.

Please remember that border services officers always look for missing children and may ask questions about any minors traveling with you. To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to prove its legitimacy.

You must arrive in the same vehicle as the minor when approaching the Canadian border.

What Documents Can I Present When Going To Canada?

First of all, you should know that you must provide proof of identification when traveling. When arriving at a Canadian port of entry, you must demonstrate to a (CBSA) border services officer (BSO) that you meet the entry requirements. The entry requirements will vary depending on your citizenship and where you are traveling from.

Let me break it down:

What Documents Can I Present If I'm Traveling To Canada And I'm Not A U.S. Citizen?

According to the Canada Border Service Agency, all international visitors must have acceptable identification and a valid visa (if required) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only trustworthy and universally recognized travel and identification document for international travel.

It is essential to note that your entry into Canada may be delayed or denied if you do not have the necessary documents.

The required documents will vary depending on where you are coming from, how you are traveling, and what documents you are carrying. Please use the approved government of Canada website to determine the entry requirements by each country.

U.S. Citizens Required Documents

If you are a U.S. Citizen, you may present the following documentation as proof of identity:

• NEXUS card if you arrive by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

• FAST card only if you arrive by land or marine mode.

• You must submit proof of U.S. citizenship (valid U.S. Passport book or certificate of citizenship that shows your photo ID)

U.S. Permanent Residents Required Documents

Permanent residents of the United States who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport card and proof of permanent residence. They may be required to show these documents to a border officer upon arrival.

All visitors arriving in or transiting through the United States are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the requirements to enter or return to the United States.

Top 10 Travel Destinations In 2022

Before I log off, let me tell you about some countries you need to look at if you're not set on traveling to Canada. According to a new survey conducted by a company, the following countries are the top 10 travel destinations of 2022:

• The United States. More specifically, New York and Florida was the top travel destination in the US.

• Canada

That's All You Need To Know

And that's a wrap. After reading this post, I believe you understand that you need a passport if you want to travel to Canada. I really wish it was as easy as traveling to Hawaii, but unfortunately, it's not. Please refer to our FAQs for more information if you have any other questions.

Can I Use My REAL ID Instead Of My Passport When Traveling To Canada?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your REAL ID when traveling to Canada, Mexico, or other international countries.

Do you have to be vaccinated to go to Canada?

You must continue to use ArriveCAN within 72 hours of your arrival in Canada. Beginning on April 25, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. (E.T.E.T. ). If accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children under 12 are no longer required to provide a valid pre-entry test result.

Can I fly to the U.S. from Canada during Covid?

Travel to the United States via land borders remains restricted. However, foreign fully vaccinated travelers may enter the United States through Canada and Mexico's Northern and Southwest borders.

Do you need to quarantine in Canada?

Suppose you do not meet the requirements for a fully vaccinated traveler. In that case, you will be denied entry into Canada, quarantined for 14 days, or quarantined until you leave the country. You must demonstrate that you have a suitable quarantine plan.

Can I transit through Canada During Covid?

You are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements as long as you remain in the secure transit area for the duration of your connection, which must be completed within 24 hours. You must be eligible to enter Canada if you want to leave the secure transit area due to a flight cancellation or delay.

Can a Canadian cross the U.S. border without a passport?

Canadians aged 15 and under are permitted to enter the United States with an original (or a photocopy) of a birth certificate or an original citizenship card. Passports, NEXUS passes, FAST passes, enhanced driver's licenses (EDL), or enhanced identification cards will be required for Canadians aged 16 and up (E.I.C.).

Can I Get Into Canada With A DUI?

Suppose you have a criminal record (including misdemeanors or alcohol-related driving offenses). You may be denied entry to Canada unless you obtain "approval for rehabilitation" well before any planned travel.