Do you need a passport to go to Canada? If you’re planning to travel to Canada, you might be asking yourself this question.
In most cases, yes, you do need a passport to travel to Canada. But it’s not quite as simple as this, as there are some exceptions for U.S. Citizens and Canadian residents.
To help you navigate Canada’s entry requirements, I’ve put together an overview of who needs a passport to go to Canada and what other documents are accepted and required to travel here.
How do I know all of this? I’m a frequent traveller, I’ve lived in Canada since 2018 and I’m an ex-immigration lawyer! However, the below information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Should you require immigration advice, I recommend booking a consultation with an immigration lawyer.
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada?
A passport is an important document that serves as proof of identity and citizenship. Passports are usually required to cross international borders, including Canada.
To travel to Canada, most travellers will need to have a valid passport on them. You will be required to present your passport upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry and the border services officer will determine if you meet the entry requirements before letting you in. However, there are several exceptions.
Some U.S. and Canadian citizens and residents can present alternative government-issued identification documents to enter Canada. But the Canada Border Services Agency has strict guidelines about who this applies to.
Here is an overview of the exemptions which apply to different travellers:
U.S. Citizens
Citizens of the U.S., who are travelling to Canada by land, sea, or from the U.S. by air, may present a valid NEXUS card instead of a passport to enter Canada. However, when travelling by air from other countries, U.S. travellers will need to have a passport to board their flight.
Alternatively, U.S citizens can also use a Passport Card or a FAST card instead of a passport, but only when travelling to Canada by land or water.
U.S. children under the age of 16 are also exempt from needing a passport to travel to Canada by land or sea. However, they must show proof of U.S. citizenship at the port of entry, by presenting an original copy of their birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
It’s also worth noting that Canadian-American dual citizens can travel to Canada on either a U.S. or Canadian passport. But, if using a U.S. passport, you will be required to show additional proof of Canadian citizenship.
Find out more about the requirements to travel to Canada as a U.S. Citizen here.
Residents of Canada
Canadian Citizens
Just like U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens who are returning to Canada by land, sea, or from the U.S. by air, can use a valid NEXUS card; or a FAST card if travelling by land or water.
Alternatively, Canadian citizens may also use a Canadian temporary passport, Canadian emergency travel document, certificate of Canadian citizenship, an enhanced driver’s license or identification card, or a Canadian birth certificate in combination with another government-issued photo ID.
However, certain transport companies, such as airlines, may deny boarding if you’re unable to present a passport. Therefore, you should contact your carrier and closest Canadian government office for advice and assistance before travelling, if you don’t have a passport.
Canadian Permanent Residents
Permanent residents returning to Canada need to present a valid Canadian permanent resident (PR) card instead of a passport upon arrival. Although you will normally only need to show your PR card at the port of entry, it is still recommended that you carry a passport. And, you will likely need to show a passport at your place of departure, such as to board an international flight.
An alternative to a PR card is a permanent resident travel document, which can be obtained in emergencies. However, you will need a passport to obtain one.
The only exception to needing a PR card or PR travel document is when driving back to Canada from the U.S. in a private vehicle. At the border crossing you will need to show your passport AND proof of your status in Canada, such as your Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence, a NEXUS card, and/or or your expired PR card plus a copy of a pending PR card application.
If you’re a permanent resident travelling back to Canada without a passport, make sure to also bring as many other government-issued ID documents as possible with you!
Registered Indian Status
All persons registered under Canada’s Indian Act may enter Canada with a Status card (also known as a Secure Certificate of Indian Status), without needing to present a passport.
You can find out more about returning to Canada as a Canadian resident here.
All other travellers will need to show a valid passport to travel to Canada.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Canada?
In addition to having a valid passport, most non-residents will also need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to come to Canada.
However, this doesn’t apply to U.S. citizens, who can visit Canada as tourists for up to 180 days without a visa.
You can find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada here.
Plan Ahead Before Travelling to Canada
For hassle-free entry into Canada, make sure your passport is up to date and valid before you travel.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months, except for U.S. and Canadian passport holders. U.S. citizens can travel to Canada up until the expiry date on their passport, but cannot stay in Canada beyond this.
You should also check for any additional entry requirements or travel advisories before travelling to Canada. If you need a visa or eTA, you must obtain this in advance. And keep in mind that travel regulations can change, so staying informed about the latest updates from official government sources is recommended.
You can visit the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to find out more about your visa and other entry requirements for Canada.
If you’re unsure about whether you need a passport or visa to enter Canada, I recommend speaking to a Canadian immigration lawyer about your unique circumstances.
FAQs
How long must a passport be valid for to enter Canada?
With the exception of Canadian and U.S. passport holders, your passport needs to be valid for 6+ months to enter Canada.
What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car?
To cross the Canadian border by car you will need to present the relevant travel documents, such as a passport and visa if applicable. The driver will also need to have a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Is there a fee to enter Canada?
No, there is no fee to enter Canada. However, if you require a visa or eTA you will need to pay application and processing fees. You can find the full list of IRCC fees here.
Can I travel to Canada with my U.S. Birth Certificate?
Only children under the age of 16 can travel to Canada with a U.S. birth certificate, if travelling by land or sea.
What is proof of U.S. citizenship?
The most common documents to demonstrate U.S. citizenship are a U.S. passport, birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Can I enter Canada with a REAL ID?
No, you cannot use your REAL ID card to cross any international borders, including into Canada.
Can I enter Canada with a U.S. driver’s license?
No, you cannot use a U.S. driver’s license to enter Canada. However, if you are driving across the border you must have your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you in addition to your passport or other travel documents.
Can you get into Canada with an enhanced license?
Canadian citizens may use an enhanced driver’s license or enhanced identification card instead of a passport to enter Canada. However some international transport companies, like airlines, may not allow you to board without a passport.
Can I drive in Canada with a U.S. driver’s license?
You can drive in Canada with a U.S. driver’s license for up to 3 to 6 months, depending on the province or territory. If you’re planning to be in Canada for longer than 90 days, you should check with the relevant transportation department to find out if you will need to obtain a local driver’s license for the duration of your stay.
How long does it take to cross the border into Canada?
Border crossing times will vary by port of entry and time of day. If there’s no traffic, it may take just a couple of minutes to cross the border. However, it’s usually recommended that you allow around 30 minutes, or more during peak times.
Do you need a passport to go to Niagara Falls?
If you’re coming from the U.S. and want to visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls then you will need to show the applicable travel and identification documents, such as a passport, at the border. The same applies for travellers coming from Canada who want to visit the American side of Niagara Falls.
Is it worth going to Niagara Falls without a passport?
Both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls are spectacular. However, Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of Niagara is the largest and most impressive of the three waterfalls, with 90% of the water flow!
If you’re travelling to Niagara from the U.S. and you aren’t able to cross the border, you will miss out on seeing the full panoramic view of Horseshoe Falls. But the American side also has lots to offer, so for many it’s still worth going.
From the U.S. side you will be able to explore Niagara Falls State Park and see all three of the falls from several close-up vantage points, including Terrapin Point and Prospect Point.
Wrap Up – Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada?
So, do you need a passport to go to Canada? In most cases yes, you do need a passport to enter Canada. The only exceptions are for certain U.S. citizens and Canadian residents who are travelling with an alternative form of accepted identification, such as a NEXUS card.
Want to Speak to an Immigration Lawyer?
I recommend booking a consultation with Cedric Marin at Marin Immigration Law.
Having personally worked with Cedric, I trust his expertise, professionalism and patience across all different types of immigration matters. I know he will give you the best chance of success in your immigration process! Book Here
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