Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

Has anyone done this very recently ??

I was told by Canada Borders Agency that we do NOT need a passport (also says so on their website). so I feel confident about that.

But re-entering the US, I was told that although it IS required, no US CItizen will be denied re-entry into their home country. It will just take longer to verify, it can take extra time, minutes or hours...

has someone driven to Canada recently without a passport ? (and returned to US)
with drivers license and birth certificate?

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

I haven't and wouldn't. You can get an enchanced license though, which will suffice.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

I did years ago and needed a passport. I would never leave the ccountry without it.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

In 2007, yes. But the rules have changed since...and while they do say that no US citizen will be denied entry to their home country, it might not be the most pleasant experience. It might be a 15-minute thing...or a day-long wait, KWIM?

I agree with a PP about the enhanced license...probably will come quicker than a passport (especially if the government is going to shut down).

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

I have been to Canada a few times I always bring my passport.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

thx for the feedback everyone.

I called both US and Canada Borders agencies 3x each to confirm and have been told by differnt people each time, that no passport is needed by US Citizens.
as well as we can return into US with just drivers license and birth certif.

eta: we planned this last minute and dont have passports. I may even get an enhanced drivers license to be safe.

Message edited 4/8/2011 5:43:16 PM.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

I copied this from the passport web site:
"For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens will need to 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."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html

So it sounds like you need a passport or enhanced drivers licence to re-enter the US.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

Posted by 3monkeys

thx for the feedback everyone.

I called both US and Canada Borders agencies 3x each to confirm and have been told by differnt people each time, that no passport is needed by US Citizens.
as well as we can return into US with just drivers license and birth certif.

eta: we planned this last minute and dont have passports. I may even get an enhanced drivers license to be safe.

Message edited 4/8/2011 7:34:52 PM.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

A couple of years ago they changed it. You NEED a passport to go to Canada or the Carribeans. You did not need to a few years prior to that.

It was all over the news that you would need a passport to go to Canada now.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

you need a passport. I recemtly went and asked a few boarder agents directly (i work for feds) and all told me I would be stuck in Canada if I tried.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

thx for the feedback everyone. I will def get an EDL this week, just to play it safe.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

Don't mess around with that. Bring either a passport or 2 forms of ID with birth certificates.

This wasn't recently but when we were younger we were vacationing by the border and my parents thought we would do a day trip to Canada. It was last minute so they didn't have our birth certificates. They detained us in customs for hours and kept my brother and I in a separate room from our parents with guard dogs and men with guns. They questioned my parents forever. My mom was crying because they wouldn't let her by us. Basically they were trying to determine if we were kidnapped but it was very traumatic. So based on that, I would never leave without the proper identification.

Re: Driving to Canada (and re-entering US) WITHOUT passports ?

Just to echo what everyone has said, I'm a Canadian living in NY and my father works in immigration between the US and Canada. DH and I regularly cross the border (both land an air). You MUST have a passport or Enhanced Driver's License. Definitely worth it to get one or the other before going, or you may have some unpleasant experiences.