Can i get into canada without a passport

Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

by Jenny
(Dayton, OH USA)

Canadian Flag with Mountains in Background

Question: We are going to Canada for my sister's wedding. My daughter is 3 and is in the wedding.

Answer: There are two things to consider.

Entering Canada: U.S. citizens are not required to present a passport when entering Canada. They must show a government-issued photo ID such as a valid Driver’s License and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport. Children under sixteen need only present proof of U.S. citizenship.

Returning to U.S.: When returning to the United States from Canada, it is very important to note that all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport book to enter or re-enter the United States via air. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.

NOTE: If one parent will not be making the trip, it is recommended that the accompanying parent have a letter of authorization from the other parent to take the child on a trip out of the country.

In summary, if you plan to travel by air, your daughter will need a passport. Otherwise, it is not necessary. If you need to obtain a passport for your daughter, you can click on the link for complete instructions.

How to Apply for a Child's Passport

If you need to get her passport quickly, you can request expedited services to get it in 2-3 weeks. If you need it before then, you can apply at the New Orleans Passport Agency which serves residents of Ohio or apply through a private passport expediting service.

Expedite Passport for Minor

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Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

COVID-19 UPDATE: Mailing delays are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility. Standard service may take between 7 and 10 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 4 to 6 weeks exluding mailing times on the front and back end. Mailing delays may be significant so requesting 1-2-day mailing may greatly help.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:

Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793) Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.

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