Canada has spectacular cities like Montreal and Toronto. It has natural wonders like the stunning Niagara falls and its many mountains. Canada’s charm and diversity may have convinced you to vacation there. Maybe you’re wondering if you need a passport to travel from the U.S. to Canada because it is so close.
A passport is required for all international travel. Although Canada is our neighbor, traveling there is still considered international travel, and you will only get in with a passport. There are a few exceptions when it comes to cruises and certain minors.
Entering Canada
To enter Canada, acceptable forms of identification include a passport book, passport card, or a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card. Though these are all acceptable forms of identification, it is always recommended you plan to travel to Canada with a passport book. Carrying a passport book with you is the best way for you to avoid any denial of entry into Canada. This is because it is the most universally accepted form of travel identification.
Passport Validity
Luckily, there are no passport validity requirements to enter Canada. When trying to enter Canada, your passport must be valid, meaning not expired. However, it is a universal travel rule to have at least six months’ worth of validity on your passport before traveling internationally. If your passport is soon to expire, consider applying for a passport renewal.
Most hold this rule because life is unpredictable, and you never know what might happen on an international trip that may cause you to stay abroad longer. Having validity to spare provides a safety net against being denied entry back into the U.S.
Flying to Canada
To travel to Canada by plane, you are required to use a passport book for entry. This requirement applies to anyone traveling to Canada by air. A passport card is not an acceptable form of travel identification when traveling by plane.
Driving to Canada
Even though you are not on a fancy plane, you still need a passport to drive into Canada. It would be best if you used a passport book when crossing the American border to get to Canada. However, you can also use a passport card in most cases. Passport cards are meant for land and sea travel out of the U.S. If you want to skip the book this time, that’s perfectly understandable.
Cruising to Canada
The answer to if you need a passport book to travel to Canada by cruise can be a yes or no, depending on the cruise. If you are attending a cruise that does not start and end at the same U.S. port, you will need a valid passport book at the time of entry.
If you are attending a “closed-loop” cruise to Canada, then no, you do not need a passport book to travel there. A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port. So, if your cruise is heading back to where you started and not staying in Canada for a prolonged period, you may not need a passport book.
If you are traveling to Canada via a closed-loop cruise, you still have some identification you must bring. U.S Customs and Broder Protection requires you to bring one of the following:
- A state-issued driver’s license
- A government-issued birth certificate
- Passport, in combination with a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID
Unless the documentation is for a minor, minors under 16 can travel using a notarized or certified copy of their birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth.
Why You Should Always Bring Your Passport Book
You can travel to Canada on certain closed-loop cruises without a passport book, but it is not recommended. The U.S. Department of State recommends always bringing your passport book for international travel. Once again, travel is unpredictable, and you may need to fly back to the U.S. for several reasons. If your vacation is cut short and you need to fly home, you won’t be able to do so without your passport book.
Planning Your Trip to Canada
Now that you know that you need a passport book to travel to Canada, except for a few exceptions, you should consider if your passport is still valid for entry. Processing times for a passport can range from 6-10 weeks from submitting your passport application. That doesn’t include the time required to gather all the required documents to apply.
If you want to travel to Canada and need a valid passport, you should account for the time it takes to receive your passport before booking your trip. If your trip is coming up a little sooner than 6-10 weeks, consider getting your passport expedited. Normally expediting your passport can take 3-6 weeks.
Getting Your Passport Expedited and Passport Renewal Services
If you prefer not to wait for long processing times, you can get your passport expedited traditionally at a court office or post office. This process can take up to a month and a half. Suppose you would like to receive your passport faster. Consider applying to a private courier like The Passport Office for passport renewal services. They have turnarounds in as little as three days.
Let The Passport Office get you on your way to Canada!
