By Alyssa Owens
U.S. citizens visiting their neighbor to the north are not required by the Canadian government to present a passport. However, the
Canada Border Services Agency requires that travelers present identification documents upon arrival, so make sure you and the children you are traveling with have the proper forms. You must also consider the trip home. Stricter identification regulations apply to U.S. citizens returning from Canada. Plan accordingly to avoid conflict with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials on your return trip.
Traveling Solo
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. citizens and residents do not need to be valid U.S. passport or visa holders to enter Canada. However, the agency recommends that all travelers bring along photo identification, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID card, and proof of U.S. citizenship. Suitable proof of citizenship includes a birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization. Green cards will be accepted from permanent U.S. residents.
Traveling with Children
When traveling with children, bring along at least one of the following identification forms: their passport, birth certificate, citizenship card or permanent resident card. Pack custody documents if you share custody of the child or children you are bringing to Canada. In this case, CBSA also advises that the parent bring a letter of authorization signed by the other custodial parent. The letter should clearly state that the child is permitted to go on the foreign trip and must also include the parents' names, addresses and telephone numbers. To be on the safe side, get the letter notarized. Since CBSA agents are trained to look for missing children, carrying these documents removes any suspicion that the children are entering Canada against their will.
The Trip Home
Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, effective June 2009, all U.S. citizens who travel to Canada must bring along a valid U.S. passport to present to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials on the return trip. If you are traveling by land or sea, you may present a U.S. passport card at the border or seaport instead of a passport book. A passport card, which is a less expensive, wallet-size alternative to a passport book, can be used only for international land and sea travel to Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Mexico. The only other forms of secure ID that will be accepted for land and sea travel from Canada are enhanced tribal cards, an enhanced driver's license, U.S. military ID, a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document, trusted traveler cards, a Form I-872 American Indian card or a Native American Tribal photo ID card. A U.S. passport book is always required for international air travel into and out of the U.S., regardless of the traveler's destination.
About the Author:
Alyssa Owens is a travel writer with experience as a columnist and reporter. She regularly contributes to community newspapers and online outlets. Owens earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from Penn State University.
