Some family is heading our way, and we’re kicking around the idea of visiting America’s hat. I’ve heard a lot of confusingly variable information about what documentation we need in order to get in, and, ideally, back out of Canada into the US. The adults are mostly passported already, and the few who aren’t have time to get one if needed. There would also be a handful of children under the age of 5. I’ve heard that kids all need passports as well, and I’ve also heard that passports aren’t needed for anyone under 12, and I’ve heard that birth certificates are needed.
Allow me to provide you with the link to the US State Department web site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html#entry_requirements
For adults, all you need is a US passport. Technically proof of identity and proof of citizenship, both of which is covered by the passport. Kids under 16 just need proof of citizenship…which is a passport or possibly a birth certificate.
Back in the day, all you needed was a driver’s license each way- but to get into Canada you had to have X amount of money to cover a stay of Y days.
I don’t know if they still ask, or maybe you won’t look as poor as I did at the time. But be prepared in case they do.
Visit us in Toronto, and we’ll show you a good time. Um, I mean, roll out the red carpet. Er, have a pretty-good meal? (Watch out for the construction.)
One other issue with kids is that Canada is pretty serious about kidnapping and human trafficking, and so if both parents on the birth certificate aren’t there you need to have a letter (preferably notarized) from the other parent granting permission for you to take the kid into Canada or some sort of explanation for why you can’t get one. I’ve heard different things about whether the letter needs to cover a specific trip or if the person can just give blanket permission, but we’ve always done the former. Also, if your name isn’t the same as it is on the birth certificate (because of a marriage or divorce or whatever) you should have the documentation to show you are the person on the birth certificate even though the name doesn’t match your current documentation.
And, just to reiterate, a kid needs proof of citizenship (usually a birth certificate) AND a photo ID.
When I crossed at Niagara Falls in 2004, the lady asked where I was going and why, and what did I have with me in the car. She didn’t ask for any kind of documentation at all; she just waved me through.
Adults need a passport (book or card) or a type of drivers license most states don’t offer. The kids need a birth certificate. (Canada also “strongly recommends” a letter of consent from any parents/guardians not present.)
Children under 16 just need a birth certificate according to both countries.