Do I now need a passport to get in and out of Canadia ? I think ther has been some new laws passed by the US or Canada that requires a passport. I usually drive up and cross into Mannitoba.

From the U.S. Department of State web site at http://www.state.gov/ :

CANADA – Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else's custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor's record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2701), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1375). Internet: http://www.canadianembassy.org
from: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html

HOWEVER:

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere

Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Proposed Timeline for Implementation for Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Requirements

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed implementation timeline is as follows:

* December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
* December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
* December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2224.html
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Visit the links I listed for more information.

-Bob F.

quote:

Originally posted by hard luck:
Do I now need a passport to get in and out of Canadia ? I think ther has been some new laws passed by the US or Canada that requires a passport. I usually drive up and cross into Mannitoba.

I HIGHLY recommend it. I was not going to get one before I went last month but I'm glad I did. Keep in mind, if you only have your drivers license, that is your only picture ID. What will you do if you lose it?

While in Canada, I was advised that you will have to have one by 2007, but now it seems as though that has changed to Jan. 2006. But, you will definitely need one to get back home soon.

I was just at the Dayton CBP office and found this out when I was registering my rifles.

You'll have to have one eventually going to Manitoba. Get it now, that is my strong recommendation.

Yup, the US govt no longer trusts it's own citizens. Leave the US without a passport and they won't let you back in. Doesn't sound like the land of the free anymore to me. NOT that Canada is much(if any) better! derf

The passport is not yet required, but that is what they ask you for first, both going and coming!

I would get one just to prevent any problems. They are getting very picky about other forms of ID and proof of citizenship.

I recently acquired a new document for passing between the two countries from Cdn Immigration. I'm an American living in Quebec. I think this new document replaces the old landed status document. In any event I carry a US Passport with me as well. You never know what these asses will require next. It's getting ridiculous. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal