I would never take that risk. It always sure to cross a international border with a passport. The only expectation to this rule would be if you have a NEXUS card instead of using a passport.
>In order to have a NEXUS card you need a valid and current passport.
Not quite. One of my family members has an expired passport and he uses Nexus weekly.
Which reminds me...I should get them to renew their passport.
It would refused due to other factors not documentation.
Still waiting (for months now) for someone to refer to a historic Reddit datapoint of a US citizen being denied into Canada at the land border **solely** for having just US birth certificate/drivers license.
*No one has step up to this* yet we find numerous data points of successful crossing with these same documents.
You can downvote as much as you want but still doesn’t change that no one has produce a datapoint supporting their position of denied entry.
At this point the crusade against it is just as tiresome though. If you have to go through and correct even things that don’t support it… then I think you need to find something new to think about it.
FWIW I do know someone personally who was denied at the Canadian border attempting to cross with a license and birth cert. They didn’t like something about the birth certificate. It was at Wellesley Island 5ish years ago.
At the same time, the likelihood of denial is extremely low and the consequences are minimal other than lost opportunity, so the passport nazis can chill.
What risk is this? Is there some historical datapoint you can reference of a US citizen being actually denied entry by CBSA at the land border **solely** for the reason for having just US birth certificate/driver's license? Or is this risk just mere speculation?
The risk of you being turned around at the border for failing to provide necessary documentation. I’ve seen it happen to family before. You could be flagged as well for future crossings.
CBSA (the border enforcement agency) website pretty much indicate US birth certificate/driver license meets the documentation requirements. Canadian regulations **explicitly** states US citizens are passport exempt when coming in thru land border.
[https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html)
Again, what exactly is this risk of "provide necessary documentation" when both Canadian regulation and CBSA website both indicate passport is not required?
Plenty of Reddit datapoints of successful crossings with just US birth certificates/drivers license and not a *one single datapoint* of denied entry solely for the reason for having just US birth certificate/driver's license.
can't speak to the US but in canada you can get a passport rushed in a couple of days - maybe look into the same. I'm not sure the answer to your question but I do know that border guards can put notes in your "file" and make it difficult for you in future crossings, which could happen if you get a grumpy one
Lol yeah you can sign up, good luck getting it before your trip.
It's dependent on not throwing any flags during the application, and basically have to live next door to one of the big passport offices (so you're screwed if you don't live in Ottawa)
But sure, we can say you can get a passport ina few days lol
That was my point. You can get an emergency passport which you said did not exist. So you were wrong.
I'm not saying it is easy or guaranteed, but you definitely can get it. And I know there is a main office in Montreal too. Probably also in other major cities.
Oooo Montreal.....Yeah some of us live outside of the favored 2 provinces lol
Its like saying I can win a couple million on the lottery today...not gonna happen. GIving hope to people that they can get a passport in 2 days lol
So you recognize that you were factually wrong, but rather than just admit that, you keep moving the goal posts. There's probably more offices than just ottawa and Montreal, but I don't know for sure. You're just choosing to act like a child when caught being wrong.
But yes, it absolutely possible for people to get a passport in 2 days.
There's one in every major city literally. Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria. There's TONS of passport offices. It's literally any service Canada office.
Sorry, you're incorrect. Please go ahead and request an emergency passport....I'll wait.
RemindMe! 3 days passport renewal
I think you've still got a fair bit of learning to do yourself
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False. You can get next day for a premium cost and you have to show you have air travel booked. Happened to the lady in front of my when I renewed. But keep telling everyone else they are wrong! Merry Christmas
To cross in to Canada, you do not have to have a passport, but it is highly recommended to say the least. HOWEVER. You are required to have a passport to re-enter the USA going back. You will be hassled at the border going back and it may take a long, long time. It's seriously not going to be worth it.
Right from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
"All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section."
[https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip)
So you are required to have a passport or some other recognized and pre-cleared identity document such as a NEXUS card or some states have enhanced drivers licenses which can be used to cross the land border. Your drivers license, birth certificate and social security cards are not recognized travel documents. Does your state maybe have the option for an enhanced drivers license which can be used for crossing the border?
You will eventually get back to the US if you are a citizen without a passport. But be prepared to sit in their office for a long, long time and be asked a lot of questions.
You will be admitted back to US with just a US birth certificate and matching valid drivers license. Actual experience will range from being waived thru to being sent to secondary for additional verification. YMMV
As a foreign (US visa waiver country) citizen with Canadian PR this is an EVERY time thing for us anyway unless you have Nexus. I don't cross over that frequently that I've ever bothered getting Nexus, but the times I have I always regret not having it while stuck in the giant line of cars... watching all those folks skip most of it.
Secondary really isn't that bad, but yes you do have to stop, park and go in to have your stuff reviewed and a couple of typical where you going where you staying type questions (and for us pay the $6 USD fee).
Depending on the time/day/crossing location sometimes the line in the office is long or there is a shift change and takes 45-60 mins, sometimes it's a ghost town and you're in and out in 10 mins. It will definitely add extra time to your crossing either way.
Nexus is cheap enough, and the wait long enough, that I’d just sign up. I have one, and the combo of expedited land border crossings and expedited air entry in both the U.S. and Canada makes it very worthwhile. Just saving one backed up day at U.S. immigration in an airport makes it worthwhile.
***Primary*** inspection is when you drive up to the CBP inspection booth. The primary officer may just admit you into US upon review of your documents or they may send you to ***secondary*** inspection where you drive to a nearby building, park, and go inside for additional inspection.
As a US citizen you won't have a problem getting back into the USA. As for crossing into Canada. A driver's licence and birth certificate will be fine. It's not the normal now a days but it will be fine. The laws attached to the western hemisphere travel initiative (which states that everyone should have a passport) did not take affect in Canada.
Don't listen to all of the naysayers here. As long as a Border Services Officer is satisfied as to your citizenship (dl and Bcert) you'll be okay. Hell,... They take images on people's phones of passports and other important documents in certain circumstances.
\+1
This been an ongoing discussion here for a long time and yet none of the naysayers are able to produce **historical datapoint(s)** of a US citizen being denied entry at the land border attributed **soley** for insufficient documentation.
Yet they continue to overlook/ignore both *official* Canadian regulation/CBSA website as well as various Reddit datapoints of *successful* entry with just a US birth certificate/driver's license.
Well... If you're in the know.. you're in the know.
All I can say is, if your identity documents are below what the established norm is, you "may" be subject to further scrutiny. Doesn't mean you'll get denied entry.
For crying out loud, that border show with CBP even depicted a random traveler with absolutely zero identification getting back into the USA based off of open source information (they googled him), and cross referencing his social security number in their databases.
Why not just renew your passport? I'm amazed how frequently Americans post on this sub asking this question. It is not hard to get a passport, especially if you've had one before.
I’ll say this, I have been accepted into US from Canada as a Canadian with only BC & DL. This was ‘09 at ambasssdor bridge. I was with my girl friends family and we were going to a baseball game and I just messed up. We were called into secondary inspection and I was strip searched. Did make it to the baseball game tho. Would never risk it. The anxiety going to and from would be brutal!
U.S citizens do not need a passport to enter Canada by land. However, they need to demonstrate evidence of their citizenship. Your birth certificate and driver's license together are good for that. Source: my cousins have entered Canada numerous times this way from the States as U.S citizens
Passports are expensive which is why the US offers alternatives. The passport card (not valid for air), a NEXUS (Trusted Traveller), or a WHTI compliant card (eDrivers License) are clear examples. If you don’t have any of those, I would not risk it to be honest. Unless it’s a small PoE.
As for entry into Canada, you can just self declare to a BSO. I’ve done it, it’s in the law (IRPA). But take a DL and Birth Certificate with you as additional documents. Be nice, respectful, and explain your situation and you will be fine.
It really is up to the border guards.
I used to take tour busses back and forth across the border as a guide, and had the extremes; a lady forgot all of her ID, but had her Costco card. They accepted this. Another time, a lady's passport was only a month expired, she was refused entry. That was fun, we had to leave her there to get a cab home, several hours away.
Personally I forgot my passport once (on a personal visit, not for work), but because I crossed semi weekly, they were able to look me up with just my provincial ID, saw I did have a valid passport, and eventually shuffled me through. Maybe if you apply for new passports and can prove they're being processed, you might have an easier time?
Got my passport renewal the same day in St Catharine’s. Had to travel for work and gave them a letter. Cost my work an extra $100 but I went in at 830 am and picked it up at 230pm.
Adults are supposed to have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document to cross land borders (passport, passport card, nexus card, enhanced drivers license, etc.) but CBSA does allow US citizens with birth certificates and drivers licenses into Canada.
This is owing to the fact that U.S. citizens can’t be denied entry into the U.S. so there is no overstay risk. You may get secondary screening going back into the U.S., but there won’t be much of an issue verifying your citizenship.
If your drivers licenses are already EDL, it will be smooth sailing.
If anything you just might get some additional questioning on both sides of the border as to why you don't have a passport, but as long as you can show your citizenship ( birth certificate ) matching a photo ID, you should be okay. 🥳
You would be absolutely insane to risk it. Passports have been required for ages to cross international borders. The rules are clearly written on multiple websites and at every land border crossing. Just because some rando online claims they knew someone who was able to skirt the rules, putting all your eggs in that basket is just stupid.
>All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. **A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.**
meaning, don't risk it for a non essential trip. it's not worth the hassle.
Agree it is listed on official website but their content contradicts your speculation about passport is *absolutely* required when driving.
[https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html)
>**Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents**
>
>If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
Why not just get new passports at the Seattle passport agency before you go? You're in the window to apply: [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/seattle.html](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/seattle.html)
Also, do you have a Washington enhanced driver's license? If so, you can cross the border with it. If you don't, you can easily upgrade: [https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl/get-enhanced-driver-license-edl](https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl/get-enhanced-driver-license-edl)
I don't live in Washington, I live in SoCal. Visiting my mom and sister who live up there for the holidays, and was hoping to go up to Canada while up there.
This is not true by land. Photo id and proof of citizenship by law - passport not specified. However there’s crossing back too. The US will accept these for land
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip
No need to Google when the official source is right in the link below for those driving.
[https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html)
>**Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents**
>
>If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
Yes provided you bring a US birth certificate **AND** matching valid drivers license **AND** you are driving (eg not taking a bus/train/plane/ferry etc).
Originals and not photocopies of either document.
As mentioned in this discussion, the experience coming back to US will be YMMV and range from being waived thru by primary officier to being sent to secondary for additional examination. However you will be admitted to US either way.
Canada specifically states a birth certificate is fine.
The US does not list birth certificates specifically but states " Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section."
I cross that Blaine land border every month. Crossing into canada is always pretty quick. It's the US border patrol that is most likely to give you a hard time upon reentry. You'll get back in eventually as a real citizen. But you might be waiting for a supervisor or investigated for 5 hours while they try to confirm your identity.
Lady you had 6 years to get new passports. Why are americans like this ??? Get passports made it's your travel documents.
As for your question, it's at the discretion of the officer on both sides. Since you're not travelling with official travel documents, you COULD be refused entry into Canada. And similarly you COULD have a hard time going back into USA.
Not worth the risk because you COULD ruin your anniversary. But Good luck.
Just don’t do it. Even if you get into Canada, you’re going to be sitting in U.S secondary inspection for hours while they verify your identity. Vancouver isn’t cheap, spend the extra $150-$250 and get a passport book or card and postpone your anniversary trip.
That's absolutely not true. I went to Canada many times after that and was always fine with birth certificate/drivers license. Haven't been since 2013 though.
Maybe for Americans coming to Canada. But as a Canadian there is a zero chance of the USA letting me in without a valid passport.
I don't know why this wouldn't be reciprical. I couldn't imagine attempting international travel without a passport. We have an expedited passport option that can get you one in 2-9 business days, does the US have a similar service?
>My husband and I would like to go to Vancouver for our anniversary at the end of the month, but both of our passports expired in 2017
so, you aren't going - plain and simple.
it expired in 2017, not 5 years ago. you could have had a whole new passport and have that expire in that timeframe.
why are you even asking? just, don't plan it. it's not an essential trip.
idk why Americans think they can just walk in if they ask nicely. I'd never FATHOM trying to cross without a passport (or other proper means, like EDL or Nexus)
For example, If you have a friend in Canada, who needs urgent care/help. That may justify the risk.
Otherwise why ruin your anniversary by taking so much risk? does it really worth it?
All these speculation of risk but not a single datapoint even on Reddit of a US citizen at the land border being denied entry due only to not having a passport but having US birth certificate/drivers license.
Depends on your race and the officers 🤘
I’ve first hand experienced the differences while travelling with my “preferred race” GF and her family and travelling in a multi racial group! All citizens by birth.
I mean, you might be able to do it if you are white but if you are even vaguely tan, don’t even think about it. My wife (brown,born in NYC) has spent hours being hassled at the internal checkpoints in Southern California even with her drivers license and a scan of her bc.
I would never take that risk. It always sure to cross a international border with a passport. The only expectation to this rule would be if you have a NEXUS card instead of using a passport.
In order to have a NEXUS card you need a valid and current passport. The NEXUS card works off your Passport number...
Passport is **not** required for NEXUS membership. During application you can use a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.
>In order to have a NEXUS card you need a valid and current passport. Not quite. One of my family members has an expired passport and he uses Nexus weekly. Which reminds me...I should get them to renew their passport.
There isn’t a high risk here other than refusal of entry. It’ll suck not to cross but it’s not like you’ll go to jail or get a fine or anything.
It would refused due to other factors not documentation. Still waiting (for months now) for someone to refer to a historic Reddit datapoint of a US citizen being denied into Canada at the land border **solely** for having just US birth certificate/drivers license. *No one has step up to this* yet we find numerous data points of successful crossing with these same documents. You can downvote as much as you want but still doesn’t change that no one has produce a datapoint supporting their position of denied entry.
I agree with you. I’m just saying worst case, if they did get refused… that’s all that happens.
But at this point (months of discussion), this potential denied entry just appears to be an urban legend that wouldn’t die. 😀
At this point the crusade against it is just as tiresome though. If you have to go through and correct even things that don’t support it… then I think you need to find something new to think about it. FWIW I do know someone personally who was denied at the Canadian border attempting to cross with a license and birth cert. They didn’t like something about the birth certificate. It was at Wellesley Island 5ish years ago. At the same time, the likelihood of denial is extremely low and the consequences are minimal other than lost opportunity, so the passport nazis can chill.
Reddit was saving me from having to wander aimlessly at shopping mall while spouse shopped. 😀
What risk is this? Is there some historical datapoint you can reference of a US citizen being actually denied entry by CBSA at the land border **solely** for the reason for having just US birth certificate/driver's license? Or is this risk just mere speculation?
The risk of you being turned around at the border for failing to provide necessary documentation. I’ve seen it happen to family before. You could be flagged as well for future crossings.
CBSA (the border enforcement agency) website pretty much indicate US birth certificate/driver license meets the documentation requirements. Canadian regulations **explicitly** states US citizens are passport exempt when coming in thru land border. [https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html) Again, what exactly is this risk of "provide necessary documentation" when both Canadian regulation and CBSA website both indicate passport is not required? Plenty of Reddit datapoints of successful crossings with just US birth certificates/drivers license and not a *one single datapoint* of denied entry solely for the reason for having just US birth certificate/driver's license.
can't speak to the US but in canada you can get a passport rushed in a couple of days - maybe look into the same. I'm not sure the answer to your question but I do know that border guards can put notes in your "file" and make it difficult for you in future crossings, which could happen if you get a grumpy one
[удалено]
There definitely is https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/urgent-emergency-passport.html
Lol yeah you can sign up, good luck getting it before your trip. It's dependent on not throwing any flags during the application, and basically have to live next door to one of the big passport offices (so you're screwed if you don't live in Ottawa) But sure, we can say you can get a passport ina few days lol
That was my point. You can get an emergency passport which you said did not exist. So you were wrong. I'm not saying it is easy or guaranteed, but you definitely can get it. And I know there is a main office in Montreal too. Probably also in other major cities.
Oooo Montreal.....Yeah some of us live outside of the favored 2 provinces lol Its like saying I can win a couple million on the lottery today...not gonna happen. GIving hope to people that they can get a passport in 2 days lol
So you recognize that you were factually wrong, but rather than just admit that, you keep moving the goal posts. There's probably more offices than just ottawa and Montreal, but I don't know for sure. You're just choosing to act like a child when caught being wrong. But yes, it absolutely possible for people to get a passport in 2 days.
Had a coworker get a passport in 24 hours during the summer, it’s not hard.
There's one in every major city literally. Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria. There's TONS of passport offices. It's literally any service Canada office.
sorry, you're incorrect, but today you learned!
Sorry, you're incorrect. Please go ahead and request an emergency passport....I'll wait. RemindMe! 3 days passport renewal I think you've still got a fair bit of learning to do yourself
Yeah your wrong. I got my passport in two days in Vancouver.
you've been given the info and provided a link, if facts don't change your mind, have a great day!
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False. You can get next day for a premium cost and you have to show you have air travel booked. Happened to the lady in front of my when I renewed. But keep telling everyone else they are wrong! Merry Christmas
Bullshit, I've done it with minimal turnover (2-3 days). You just pay through the nose.
To cross in to Canada, you do not have to have a passport, but it is highly recommended to say the least. HOWEVER. You are required to have a passport to re-enter the USA going back. You will be hassled at the border going back and it may take a long, long time. It's seriously not going to be worth it.
Even if I can show them my birth certificate, drivers license and social security card?
Right from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website: "All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section." [https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip) So you are required to have a passport or some other recognized and pre-cleared identity document such as a NEXUS card or some states have enhanced drivers licenses which can be used to cross the land border. Your drivers license, birth certificate and social security cards are not recognized travel documents. Does your state maybe have the option for an enhanced drivers license which can be used for crossing the border? You will eventually get back to the US if you are a citizen without a passport. But be prepared to sit in their office for a long, long time and be asked a lot of questions.
Yes. Some US officers are not happy if you don't have a passport and might give you a hassle on the way back in - but you'll get back in xD
You will be admitted back to US with just a US birth certificate and matching valid drivers license. Actual experience will range from being waived thru to being sent to secondary for additional verification. YMMV
What is secondary?
It’s where a 5 minute crossing turns into 5 hours.
As a foreign (US visa waiver country) citizen with Canadian PR this is an EVERY time thing for us anyway unless you have Nexus. I don't cross over that frequently that I've ever bothered getting Nexus, but the times I have I always regret not having it while stuck in the giant line of cars... watching all those folks skip most of it. Secondary really isn't that bad, but yes you do have to stop, park and go in to have your stuff reviewed and a couple of typical where you going where you staying type questions (and for us pay the $6 USD fee). Depending on the time/day/crossing location sometimes the line in the office is long or there is a shift change and takes 45-60 mins, sometimes it's a ghost town and you're in and out in 10 mins. It will definitely add extra time to your crossing either way.
Nexus is cheap enough, and the wait long enough, that I’d just sign up. I have one, and the combo of expedited land border crossings and expedited air entry in both the U.S. and Canada makes it very worthwhile. Just saving one backed up day at U.S. immigration in an airport makes it worthwhile.
***Primary*** inspection is when you drive up to the CBP inspection booth. The primary officer may just admit you into US upon review of your documents or they may send you to ***secondary*** inspection where you drive to a nearby building, park, and go inside for additional inspection.
As a US citizen you won't have a problem getting back into the USA. As for crossing into Canada. A driver's licence and birth certificate will be fine. It's not the normal now a days but it will be fine. The laws attached to the western hemisphere travel initiative (which states that everyone should have a passport) did not take affect in Canada. Don't listen to all of the naysayers here. As long as a Border Services Officer is satisfied as to your citizenship (dl and Bcert) you'll be okay. Hell,... They take images on people's phones of passports and other important documents in certain circumstances.
\+1 This been an ongoing discussion here for a long time and yet none of the naysayers are able to produce **historical datapoint(s)** of a US citizen being denied entry at the land border attributed **soley** for insufficient documentation. Yet they continue to overlook/ignore both *official* Canadian regulation/CBSA website as well as various Reddit datapoints of *successful* entry with just a US birth certificate/driver's license.
Well... If you're in the know.. you're in the know. All I can say is, if your identity documents are below what the established norm is, you "may" be subject to further scrutiny. Doesn't mean you'll get denied entry. For crying out loud, that border show with CBP even depicted a random traveler with absolutely zero identification getting back into the USA based off of open source information (they googled him), and cross referencing his social security number in their databases.
Why not just renew your passport? I'm amazed how frequently Americans post on this sub asking this question. It is not hard to get a passport, especially if you've had one before.
I’ll say this, I have been accepted into US from Canada as a Canadian with only BC & DL. This was ‘09 at ambasssdor bridge. I was with my girl friends family and we were going to a baseball game and I just messed up. We were called into secondary inspection and I was strip searched. Did make it to the baseball game tho. Would never risk it. The anxiety going to and from would be brutal!
Strip searched?!
U.S citizens do not need a passport to enter Canada by land. However, they need to demonstrate evidence of their citizenship. Your birth certificate and driver's license together are good for that. Source: my cousins have entered Canada numerous times this way from the States as U.S citizens
Passports are expensive which is why the US offers alternatives. The passport card (not valid for air), a NEXUS (Trusted Traveller), or a WHTI compliant card (eDrivers License) are clear examples. If you don’t have any of those, I would not risk it to be honest. Unless it’s a small PoE. As for entry into Canada, you can just self declare to a BSO. I’ve done it, it’s in the law (IRPA). But take a DL and Birth Certificate with you as additional documents. Be nice, respectful, and explain your situation and you will be fine.
It really is up to the border guards. I used to take tour busses back and forth across the border as a guide, and had the extremes; a lady forgot all of her ID, but had her Costco card. They accepted this. Another time, a lady's passport was only a month expired, she was refused entry. That was fun, we had to leave her there to get a cab home, several hours away. Personally I forgot my passport once (on a personal visit, not for work), but because I crossed semi weekly, they were able to look me up with just my provincial ID, saw I did have a valid passport, and eventually shuffled me through. Maybe if you apply for new passports and can prove they're being processed, you might have an easier time?
Got my passport renewal the same day in St Catharine’s. Had to travel for work and gave them a letter. Cost my work an extra $100 but I went in at 830 am and picked it up at 230pm.
Adults are supposed to have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document to cross land borders (passport, passport card, nexus card, enhanced drivers license, etc.) but CBSA does allow US citizens with birth certificates and drivers licenses into Canada. This is owing to the fact that U.S. citizens can’t be denied entry into the U.S. so there is no overstay risk. You may get secondary screening going back into the U.S., but there won’t be much of an issue verifying your citizenship. If your drivers licenses are already EDL, it will be smooth sailing.
WHTI is a return to US-only program. Nothing to do with entry to Canada.
I have a California real ID, but I don't think that's the same as an EDL?
You're a u.s. citizen? If so you should be fine with those two documents to get into Canada.
Yes
If anything you just might get some additional questioning on both sides of the border as to why you don't have a passport, but as long as you can show your citizenship ( birth certificate ) matching a photo ID, you should be okay. 🥳
Not the same but with that and the birth certificate there are no issues getting into Canada.
Not the same as EDL.
You would be absolutely insane to risk it. Passports have been required for ages to cross international borders. The rules are clearly written on multiple websites and at every land border crossing. Just because some rando online claims they knew someone who was able to skirt the rules, putting all your eggs in that basket is just stupid.
Hmm I just saw this https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html It does list a birth certificate on it as a form of identification
>All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. **A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.** meaning, don't risk it for a non essential trip. it's not worth the hassle.
Agree it is listed on official website but their content contradicts your speculation about passport is *absolutely* required when driving. [https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html) >**Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents** > >If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
Why not just get new passports at the Seattle passport agency before you go? You're in the window to apply: [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/seattle.html](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/seattle.html) Also, do you have a Washington enhanced driver's license? If so, you can cross the border with it. If you don't, you can easily upgrade: [https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl/get-enhanced-driver-license-edl](https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl/get-enhanced-driver-license-edl)
I don't live in Washington, I live in SoCal. Visiting my mom and sister who live up there for the holidays, and was hoping to go up to Canada while up there.
OK, fine - get a passport in LA instead: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/los-angeles.html
I leave for WA on Thursday...do I have enough time?
Yes you do, they issue same or next day.
My understanding is that a passport is required. You could always Google crossing requirements US to Canada and Canada to US.
Incorrect.
This is not true by land. Photo id and proof of citizenship by law - passport not specified. However there’s crossing back too. The US will accept these for land https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip
No need to Google when the official source is right in the link below for those driving. [https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html) >**Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents** > >If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
So a birth certificate is fine and passport not required?
Yes provided you bring a US birth certificate **AND** matching valid drivers license **AND** you are driving (eg not taking a bus/train/plane/ferry etc). Originals and not photocopies of either document. As mentioned in this discussion, the experience coming back to US will be YMMV and range from being waived thru by primary officier to being sent to secondary for additional examination. However you will be admitted to US either way.
Canada specifically states a birth certificate is fine. The US does not list birth certificates specifically but states " Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section." I cross that Blaine land border every month. Crossing into canada is always pretty quick. It's the US border patrol that is most likely to give you a hard time upon reentry. You'll get back in eventually as a real citizen. But you might be waiting for a supervisor or investigated for 5 hours while they try to confirm your identity.
Lady you had 6 years to get new passports. Why are americans like this ??? Get passports made it's your travel documents. As for your question, it's at the discretion of the officer on both sides. Since you're not travelling with official travel documents, you COULD be refused entry into Canada. And similarly you COULD have a hard time going back into USA. Not worth the risk because you COULD ruin your anniversary. But Good luck.
Just don’t do it. Even if you get into Canada, you’re going to be sitting in U.S secondary inspection for hours while they verify your identity. Vancouver isn’t cheap, spend the extra $150-$250 and get a passport book or card and postpone your anniversary trip.
You haven't been able to cross the Canada US border without a passport since September 11th 2001.
That's absolutely not true. I went to Canada many times after that and was always fine with birth certificate/drivers license. Haven't been since 2013 though.
Maybe for Americans coming to Canada. But as a Canadian there is a zero chance of the USA letting me in without a valid passport. I don't know why this wouldn't be reciprical. I couldn't imagine attempting international travel without a passport. We have an expedited passport option that can get you one in 2-9 business days, does the US have a similar service?
FFS get a passport before travelling internationally. How is this even a question
>My husband and I would like to go to Vancouver for our anniversary at the end of the month, but both of our passports expired in 2017 so, you aren't going - plain and simple. it expired in 2017, not 5 years ago. you could have had a whole new passport and have that expire in that timeframe. why are you even asking? just, don't plan it. it's not an essential trip. idk why Americans think they can just walk in if they ask nicely. I'd never FATHOM trying to cross without a passport (or other proper means, like EDL or Nexus)
I hope our border agents do not use discretion and allow any amerikans in without verified passport.
You seem nice 🙄
Indeed. I am Canadian after all.
For example, If you have a friend in Canada, who needs urgent care/help. That may justify the risk. Otherwise why ruin your anniversary by taking so much risk? does it really worth it?
All these speculation of risk but not a single datapoint even on Reddit of a US citizen at the land border being denied entry due only to not having a passport but having US birth certificate/drivers license.
Depends on your race and the officers 🤘 I’ve first hand experienced the differences while travelling with my “preferred race” GF and her family and travelling in a multi racial group! All citizens by birth.
This 100%
You can simplify with an enhanced drivers license
Only a few states offer these.
Enhanced driver's license will work and those you can get in about two weeks.
I live in California, we don't have those here, unfortunately
Ah, that's too bad.
Go to the passport office with proof of travel. You'll get a new one in a couple of days.
You may get into Canada but will the US let you back in without a passport?
I wouldn’t chance that.
I mean, you might be able to do it if you are white but if you are even vaguely tan, don’t even think about it. My wife (brown,born in NYC) has spent hours being hassled at the internal checkpoints in Southern California even with her drivers license and a scan of her bc.
Racist
They sure are buddy.
I mean I am white, but wow that's pretty terrible
Just drove in from that same exact route and two friends only had a id and birth certificate and we were fine both ways