Does a minor need a passport to enter Canada and return to the US?
by Jenny
(Dayton, OH USA)
Canadian Flag with Mountains in Background
Question: We are going to Canada for my sister's wedding. My daughter is 3 and is in the wedding.
Answer: There are two things to consider.
Entering Canada: U.S. citizens are not required to present a passport when entering Canada. They must show a government-issued photo ID such as a valid Driver’s License and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport. Children under sixteen need only present
proof of U.S. citizenship.
Returning to U.S.: When returning to the United States from Canada, it is very important to note that
all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport book to enter or re-enter the United States
via air. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card,
NEXUS card,
Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. The
only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.
NOTE: If one parent will not be making the trip, it is recommended that the accompanying parent have a letter of authorization from the other parent to take the child on a trip out of the country.
In summary, if you plan to travel by air, your daughter will need a passport. Otherwise, it is not necessary. If you need to obtain a passport for your daughter, you can click on the link for complete instructions.
How to Apply for a Child's PassportIf you need to get her passport quickly, you can request expedited services to get it in 2-3 weeks. If you need it before then, you can apply at the
New Orleans Passport Agency which serves residents of Ohio or apply through a private
passport expediting service.
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