Do I need a passport to go to the USA if I am Canadian?
So, you've prepared everything for your trip to the United States. Your flight is booked, your suitcases are packed, accommodation is well-planned out. But before you get too excited about trekking all the national parks, you need to ensure that the other essential details, such as your passport, are catered for. It is crucial to consider all the requirements and documents needed to travel to the USA. In this blog, we'll discuss whether a Canadian citizen needs a passport to have a safe and successful trip to the USA.
- Do I need a passport to travel to the USA?
- Do minors traveling to the USA need a passport?
- What other entry documents do I need to present to U.S. Customs?
Do I need a passport to travel to the USA?
The United States and Canada have been good neighbours for so long that most Canadians forget that they are separate countries with different laws. Canadian citizens travelling to the USA by air must present a valid passport when departing from Canada at the airport. A current valid passport proves both identity and citizenship; no other document carries as much weight as a passport. Canadian passports must only be valid up until the date of their intended departure.
Not only is a passport required for entry into the USA, but it is also needed for re-entry into Canada. If the traveller is a permanent resident of Canada, but not a citizen, they must also present their permanent resident (PR) card.
If you are entering the USA by land or sea, it is not mandatory to bring your passport. You may require other forms of identification, such as an Enhanced Driver's License/ID card, NEXUS, FAST/EXPRES and SENTRI enrollment cards. This means your passport is not the only acceptable piece of identification, but it may speed up the process of crossing the border.
Do minors travelling to the United States need a Passport?
- Canadian citizens under the age of 15 arriving in the USA by land or sea: Present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card instead of a passport.
- Canadian citizens 16 and older: Must present a valid passport, unless they are travelling as part of an organized group.
Children under the age of 19 travelling by land or sea in an organized group such as a religious group, school group, social/cultural organization, or a sports team can present original or copies of their birth certificates. The group must be supervised by an adult and they should carry a letter from the organization. The message in the letter must contain the name of the group as well as the supervising adult, the children's names, and a written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that they have obtained legal guardian consent for each participating child. The written and signed statement of consent also applies to children under 18 travelling alone, with only one parent, or an accompanying adult.
What other entry documents do I need to present to U.S. Customs?
Other than having a passport, there are situations where you will need a visa to go to the USA. A visa is the second most common foreign entry requirement and is granted according to the purpose of your trip. Canadian citizens visiting the USA for tourism purposes do not require a visa for the first 180 days in the country. However, if you extend your visit for more than 180 days, you will need a visa.
If you’re a permanent resident visiting the U.S., you will need a non-immigrant visa and present it with your passport to the U.S. Customs officials, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). But, all citizens that are part of the VWP countries are required to have advanced approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before entering the USA by air or sea. To get one, you will need to pay $21 USD to apply and be accepted. The process can take up to 72 hours. If you are a Canadian passport holder working, having a medical procedure, or marrying an American, you will need a visa.
The usual requirements of getting a tourist visa include a valid passport, passport photos, completed application form, and payment. The other types of visas (business visas, work visas, resident visas) have additional requirements such as medical examination.
Searching for cheap domestic flight deals within Canada?
Look for both domestic and international flight tickets or click on the banner below and book now through BudgetAir Canada.