Do you need a passport to go to Canada? Let’s find out

Do you need a passport to go to Canada? An enjoyable visit to our neighboring nation begins with making sure you’ve got the proper documentation. Here’s what you need to know.

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Do you need a passport to go to Canada?

Passport Needed?

Yes

Blank pages needed

1 page

Passport validity

Duration of stay

Visa tourist needed

Not for stays under 180 days

Do US citizens need a passport to go to Canada or can they just use their ID?

To enter Canada, a passport is not always needed, as it depends on how you plan on crossing the border (air, sea or road). You’ll need a passport book, passport card, or NEXUS card. However, there are some restrictions about when and where a passport card and NEXUS card are acceptable.

A woman sits on a bench in front of a harbour full of cruising boats with distant views of the city skyline.

Young African American woman at airport holding passport.

If you do not need a passport to go to Canada, what do you need?

If you are flying, you need a US passport book or NEXUS card. In the case you are crossing by land or water, you can present a passport card, or NEXUS card, as well as a passport book. This is all you need, as long as you are staying in Canada for fewer than 180 days and you do not have a criminal record.

Can I get into Canada with a driver’s license?

Your driver’s license will not work to cross the border. A passport will work, but there are other options, too. If you are crossing into Canada from the US by land or sea, you can show a valid passport card. A NEXUS card will also work at 9 Canadian airports, 21 land border crossings, and 396 marine reporting centers.

If you are driving across the border, you will definitely need your driver’s license. If you are flying or sailing, bring your license in case you rent a car or drive another vehicle while in Canada. And if you want to go to a bar, a license or ID is much less cumbersome to carry than a passport book.

Can I travel to Canada with my US birth certificate?

No. You need to have a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card.

What is a birth certificate useful for?

A birth certificate is one acceptable proof of citizenship for getting a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. However, it is not a valid proof of identity that will help you travel. Sometimes, however, it will work as proof of ID for children.

Is a travel visa needed to go to Canada from the US?

If you are an American traveling to Canada as a tourist, and you plan to leave Canada within 180 days, you do not need a visa. However, if you are traveling to Canada for other purposes or plan to stay longer than 180 days, apply for a visa.

What if I want to stay in Canada for more than 180 days?

In that case, you must apply for a Visitor Record, and you must apply before the 180 days that your passport allows expire. A Visitor Record enables you to stay longer and gives you a new date by which you must leave Canada.

Our travel tips to enjoy your trip to Canada

Canada is an amazing country to visit, where you can see a lot of different landscapes without having to travel the entire world. I’ve been to Canada more than a few times, and every time I discover something wonderful. Here are some of my tips to help you discover it.

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Best period
August -September

Avg Temperature
70 °F

Safety feeling
Very Safe

Don’t forget
Hiking boots

A hiker walks on a rocky hill's summit overlooking a calm lake bordered by a dense forest and vast mountain range.

What should I pack for Canada?

First of all, pack light, so everything fits into a carry-on. And what to put in the carry-on? A lot depends on the season you’re going. But always have:

Thick socks
Phone charger
A Sweatshirt or Fleece
Hiking boots: winter or summer, you’ll be ready to step out into some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth
Swimsuit
Sunglasses

Anonymous woman sitting on the bed in a hotel room, packing her clothes in a suitcase.

What is the Canadian food you should absolutely try?

Poutine! French fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy is a Canadian comfort food that tastes like sheer heaven.

Apres ski foods. Beer and poutine at the bar. Savoury pub foods.

A classic French-style restaurant with a bicycle parked against the exterior wall.

Where can I stay in Canada?

Here are some of the best hotels to stay in Canada (highest review score on KAYAK for each location):

5 places to visit in Canada

The CN Tower in Toronto
Casa Loma in Toronto
Niagara Falls in Ontario
Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario
Granville Island in Vancouver

A group of individuals, clad in vibrant red plastic attire, enthusiastically gather around the majestic Niagara Falls.

The CN Tower and the unique main building of OCAD University tower over Toronto's downtown street.

An Art Deco steel truss bridge crossing the False Creek provides access to the cityscape.

Conclusion: Can you go to Canada without a passport?

To fly to Canada, you must have a passport or a NEXUS card, which is acceptable at 9 Canadian airports. To cross by land or water, you should present a passport, or instead, a passport card or NEXUS card. And that’s it. No visa or vaccinations, no evidence of sufficient funds or onward travel. So, grab your duffle, and let’s go enjoy Canada!