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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 Passport

If 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.

Expedite Passport for Minor

Comments for Does a minor need a passport to enter Canada and return to the US?

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Guardianship
by: Frank

Question: My wife and I have legal custody of a 3 year-old not through foster care. We would like to spend a day in Niagara Falls (Canadian side) and driving there. We have her birth certificate, would that be good to travel with or should we also bring the court papers giving us custody?

Answer: Please bring the court documents. Border officials may require you to present proof of relationship to the child before allowing entry.

Certificate of foreign birth
by: Anonymous

Question: My children have Illinois certificates of foreign birth, can we use it the same as a birth certificate to enter the US from Canada via boat?

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding entry to the country.

Under the age of 5
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 1 year of age and has a U.S. birth certificate. Will that be sufficient enough to enter Canada and reenter the U.S?

Answer: If you will be traveling by land or sea, yes, your son may travel to Canada and back to the U.S. with just his birth certificate.

Traveling with minor
by: Anonymous

Question: I plan on visiting Canada next year with my 10-year-old daughter, 18-year-old son and my parents. My daughter has a U.S. birth certificate but her passport is expired. The whereabouts of her father are unknown- neither I or his family have had any contact with him in over two years. How likely that crossing the border will become an issue without a written consent from him?

Answer: Since the child is traveling with a parent, the consent may not be required.

Entry to Canada and back to the U.S.
by: Anonymous

Question: We renewed our daughter's passport but we will not get it on time. We need to travel with my daughter without her passport. Can we use her birth certificate to enter Canada and back to the U.S? Will that be a problem?

Answer: Minors age 15 and younger may enter Canada and get back to the United States with just their birth certificates.

16
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 16, can i walk across the border with a permit and/or birth certificate and back?

Answer: Citizens age 16 and older need a valid passport book, card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States from a contiguous country like Canada and Mexico by land or sea.

Son's friend
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm taking my son and his best friend to a Blue Jays game in Canada. What does my son's friend need when he is traveling with me/

Answer: Minors age 15 and under may enter Canada and re-enter the United States with just proof of U.S. citizenship. In addition to that, you son's friend needs a notarized statement signed by his parents stating that they consent to their son traveling with you. The statement needs to have your name and the child's name, the purpose of your travel and the dates of travel in it.

Protection order against the father
by: Anonymous

Question: My girlfriend and I want to take her kids to some amusement parks in Canada. Do her girls need passports?

Her ex has a stay away order are they able to go on the trip with us?

Question: Children age 15 and under do not need passports to enter Canada and get back in the United States by land or sea. They will only need to present proof U.S. citizenship. If traveling by air, they need valid passport books.

Since the children will be traveling with a parent, there should be no issues. However, we recommend that you bring a copy of the protection order in case questions arise. Please contact the Canada for more information.

Traveling with a Minor
by: Kathy

Question: I will be traveling to Canada this October with my 7-year-old daughter. My husband will join us two days later. We will stay 10 days just visiting, just for tourism. Does she need a visa? I have a multiple entry visa, and my husband does, too.

Answer: Hello, Kathy. U.S. citizens do not need visas to enter Canada for tourism or business for up to 180 days.

Traveling with 2
by: Anonymous

Question: We will be traveling to Canada in late August. One daughter is a U.S. citizen, the other will have her green card and passport but under age of 5. My wife and I will both be travelling with them. Will be have any trouble? Thank you.

Answer: There should not be any trouble.

Sole custody of child traveling to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I have sole custody of my child and we are travelling to Canada. Do I need a letter of consent from the non-custodial parent?

Answer: Consent from the non-custodial parent is no longer needed in your case. Please bring proof of sole custody in case questions arise.

17 and no license
by: Anonymous

Question: My 17-year-old son does not have a drivers license due to having epilepsy. He cannot operate a vehicle.

My sister wants to bring him to our family cabin in Ontario from MI next month my question is at 17, can I get him a enhanced state ID to go into Canada and re-enter the US with or will he need more?

Answer: Your son will need a passport to travel to Canada and get back in the United States. Since he does not have a driver's license, the process to obtain is passport is the same as that for minors.

Family Trip
by: Crystal

Question: Hello, we are taking a family trip to Canada in August. My husband and I have enhanced licenses. However my 3 children don't. Their ages are 15,16 and 18. Can you please advise us on what they will need to get into Canada and back to the US?

Thanks.

Answer: Hello, Crystal. All U.S. citizens may enter Canada with evidence of U.S. citizenship and identity (adults). The 15-year-old may enter Canada and go back the U.S. with just a birth certificate but the two older children will need a passport book, card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the U.S.

Traveling with daughter and friends
by: Anonymous

Question: We are headed to a family cabin with my daughter and her two friends, all thirteen. I am just confirming that they DO NOT need a passport, only birth certificates. Do they need consent forms and if so, where do I find that?

Answer: If you are only traveling within the United States, the children do not need passports or IDs to travel. Only the accompanying adults need to present Real IDs or passports to travel domestically. Consent is not a requirement but recommended in case questions arise.

Question
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 15 and I'm planning on going to Canada with my cousin who is 21, do I need a passport to enter Canada and return to the US?

Answer: No, you do not. You may use your U.S. birth certificate to travel. However, you will need a notarized consent to travel from your parents.

17 traveling to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I am 17 years old and will be travelling to Canada July 2018 with an 18-year-old friend of mine. I have a passport and will be turning 18 in December, do I need to bring a form of consent from parents or anything else at all to get across, or am I all set with my passport?

Answer: You're all set. Only minors 15 and below need consent letters.

Complicated
by: Anonymous

Question: My ex in-laws want to take my 2 grandsons (8 and 12) to Canada for a vacation.

Now MY parents are raising the boys but do not have legal custody. My daughter gave them to my parents temporarily. They do have a legal agreement. My daughter (their mother) is in another state and their father is incarcerated and they have no contact with him in any way, never really have but he is on the birth certificate.

What needs to be done so they can go with their great grandparents? Is their birth certificate and custody papers enough?

Answer: The children can enter Canada and get back to the United States via car or sea craft using only their birth certificates. However, if they will be traveling by air, they would need passport books.

A signed consent to travel from the mother stating that the great grandparents are authorized to travel with the children are also highly recommended. Please contact the Canada Border Service Agency for more information regarding the consent.

Traveling with neice
by: Anonymous

Question: I am taking my 17-year-old niece who has an enhanced NY State driver license to Canada. Do I need anything else or will that be sufficient?

Answer: An enhanced driver's license is WHTI-compliant. Your niece should not have issues crossing the border to Canada and back by land or sea.

Minor traveling with an adult who isn’t their parent
by: Anonymous

Question: If I want to take my friend's daughter to Canada for vacation and If I have a note from the parents that say they allow it, would the parents or the minor get into any trouble since the parents are illegal?

Answer: Please contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Service Agency for information.

Take our child's friend to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: We are thinking of taking a trip to Niagara Falls in a couple months and wanted to take a friend of our 8-year-old son. He does not have a passport. Will his birth certificate and a notarized letter from both is parents be sufficient? Will we run into any problems? Thank you.

Answer: You should not have problems taking your child's friend to Canada since you have the required documents. However, in the event that you need to travel back to the United States by air, the child will need a passport book.

Child passport information
by: Simran

Question: Hello, this June 2018 we are planning a cruise that requires us to fly in to Canada and board the ship in Vancouver. We hope to take our 9 year old grand son with us but he does not have a passport. Does he need a passport to fly in for the purpose of only boarding the cruise line.

Answer: Yes, all U.S. citizens are required to be in possession of a valid passport book to board a flight to an overseas destination, including Canada.

You have enough time to apply for the child's passport. Routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. You may schedule an appointment at a post office location and submit the application in person.

Question
by: Anonymous

Question: I have my passport but my girl and daughter don't have theirs. Only I and my son have passports but we are all U.S. citizens. Do they actually need to get a passport? My daughter is turning 3 in March 28th were planning to go to Canada in a few weeks. I need answers, thanks.

Answer: Minors age 15 and under may enter Canada and re-enter the United States using a birth certificate. Citizens age 16 and older need a passport book if traveling by air. A passport book, card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States via land or sea.

16-year-old
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling to Canada from Michigan with my 16-year-old son. We will not have time to get a passport. Will a birth certificate and Level 1 drivers license be enough?

Answer: All U.S. citizens, regardless of age, need a valid passport book to travel to Canada and back to the U.S. by air. A NEXUS card can also be used for air travel back to the U.S. if utilizing a NEXUS kiosk when departing from a designated Canadian airport.

For land and sea travel, only minors age 15 and under are allowed to enter and get back in the United States with a state-issued birth certificate. Since your son is already 16, he can enter Canada with his birth certificate but will need a WHTI-compliant to re-enter the U.S.

Please contact the Canada Border Service Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information.

2 minors driving through Canada with grandparents
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, My two daughters (10 and 7) will be going on a camping trip around Lake Superior with my parents (their grandparents) in June. What will they need to enter Canada and return to the US. We are all U.S. citizens and my husband and myself will not be with them. Can they do this with just a Birth Certificate? Or what documents do I need to get for them? Thank you.

Answer: As minors, they will be able to enter Canada and return to the U.S. with just birth certificates. You and your husband must provide the grandparents with a notarized statement for consent to travel for both kids. The consent must be accompanied with a photocopies of your IDs.

Newborn travel
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter is 3 days old; we have a wedding to go to in Canada in 18 days. I will not have her birth certificate by then. What else could I use to cross the boarder into Canada and then return back to the U.S? My husband and I are U.S. citizens.

Answer: Minors age 15 and under are required to a present at least a birth certificate as evidence of U.S. citizenship to enter Canada and re-enter the United States.

Please contact the Canada Border Service Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for advice.

Traveling to Canada with minor
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a U.S. citizen traveling by air to Canada with my daughter (minor). Her U.S. passport does not have the required 6-month validity. Her passport expires 9 days after our return to the U.S. Will it be a problem entering Canada? I will provide her birth certificate and consent letter from my husband.

Answer: You and your daughter may travel to Canada and re-enter the United States without issues as long as your passports are valid. Your passports do not have to have at least 6 months.

Traveling to Canada with 10-year-old
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I am traveling to Canada by air, we both have U.S. passports. My daughter's (10 years old) passport does not meet the 6-month validity requirement. It expires 4 days after we return. Would this cause issues for re-entry into the U.S? What other documentation should I take?

Answer: You and your daughter may travel to Canada and re-enter the United States without issues as long as your passports are valid. Your passports do not have to have at least 6 months.

Flying to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm flying to Canada from the United States with my 3-yearold daughter for a family emergency. Does she need a passport?

Answer: While your daughter may enter Canada with just proof of U.S. citizenship, you may face considerable delays when getting back in the United States. It is wise to apply for your child's passport before your trip. You may apply for expedited seevice at a regional passport agency to get the passport in as fast as the same day.

Minor Driving through Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: If I am a minor (17) what documents do I need to drive a vehicle through Canada. Alaska to lower 48. Neither of my parents will be with me, but another 17 year old friend will be.

Answer: At 17, you do not need to present s statement of consent to travel from your parents. You may enter Canada with just an ID and evidence of U.S. citizenship like your birth certificate.

However, in order to re-enter the United States via a land border, you need to present a passport book, passport card or any WHTI-compliant document.

Travel
by: Sandra P. L.

Question: Hello, I have a 4-month-old daughter. I live in the United States and I want to go to Canada in December. I would like to know what kind of documents I would need to bring with me for her.

Answer: Hello, Sandra. Minors age 15 and below may enter Canada with just their birth certificates as proof of U.S. citizenship. However, if you are traveling by air, you will need a passport book for your daughter in order to board the aircraft back to the United States.

Question:
by: Anonymous

Question: I’m 17 years old and I want to go back to the USA for the holidays. Can I use a birth certificate and the copy of my passport to pass the USA border?

Answer: U.S. citizens age 16 and above are required to present a valid passport book, passport card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the U.S. from Canada.

While you will not be denied entry at the border, you may face delays while border officials verify your U.S. citizenship. You may also expect significant delays due to the holidays. We recommend that you apply for a new passport to avoid issues.

major help needed
by: Anonymous

Question: Me and my friends are all under 16. Do we need an adult with us? And if we do have one parent, do my friends need a permission letter with us to get through the border?

Answer: Yes, you need to travel to Canada with an adult. The adult traveling with you needs to present a signed statement of consent for travel from the parents of all minors traveling with him/her.

Expired Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 9 years old and a U.S. citizen but his passport has expired. He is not a U.S.-born citizen. We do not have a naturalization certificate. We are traveling by land; will he be able to re-enter the U.S. with an expired passport?

Answer: U.S. citizen minors entering the United States from Canada may present just a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Naturalization Certificate.

Since you do not have any of the required documents, you need to apply for a new passport for your son. You may use his expired U.S. passport as proof of citizenship when you apply.

15-16 yearsold
by: Anonymous

Question: I will be crossing the Canadian boarder by car with my husband and our 15-year-old son. My son will turn 16 while we are in Canada.
Can we get back into the U.S. with just his birth certificate? He will not have a driver's license (enhanced or otherwise) prior to our trip, as he's still 15. And it seems wasteful to spend the money to get a passport for him at 15, when it will expire in 5 years, as opposed to waiting until he's 16 when it will expire in 10 years?

Answer: Your son will need a passport to re-enter the United States. To remedy the wastefulness of applying for a minor's passport valid for 5 years as opposed to the 10-year valid passport, you can apply in Canada once your son turns 16.

Please gather all the requirements for a new passport before your trip so you have everything in order once you apply.

Return to U.S. without a passport
by: Jannat

Question: My child Jannat who is 6 years old is going to Canada with her family by road but her passport expired. Can she enter the U.S. again without a US passport but just her birth certificate? Please answer because I trust this website.

Answer: Thank for trusting U.S. Passport Service Guide! Yes, your child may re-enter the United States using her U.S. birth certificate as long as she travels via land. If arrives via air from Canada, she will need a U.S. passport book.

Fishing trip to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I would like to take my 14-year-old to Canada on a fishing trip just over 4 days. He does have a passport that is currently expired.If I show the expired passport passport and birth Certificate, would be allowed back in the U.S?

Answer: Yes, minors under the age of 16 may travel to Canada and back in the U.S. with just evidence of U.S. citizenship. Your son's expired U.S. passport or birth certificate should suffice.

Infant without Birth Certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: We are planning to travel to Canada from the US by car a couple weeks after our infant is born. We may not have a birth certificate in hand yet. Is there any other form of documentation like birth record issued by hospital that will be accepted as proof of identity for the infant?

Answer: A birth certificate or other form of evidence of U.S. citizenship is required for children age 16 and under to enter Canada and get back in the United States. Please contact the Canada Border Service Agency to see if the hospital birth record will suffice.

Travel without parent
by: Anonymous

Question: My brother would like to take my 9-year-old son to Canada for a fishing trip. Is it possible for my brother to take him without a passport? Also, neither myself or his mom will be with him.

Answer: U.S. citizens may enter Canada and return to the United States with only proof of citizenship and identity. Minors only need proof of citizenship. A birth certificate satisfies this requirement. No passport is required unless the child needs to return to the U.S. via air travel.

Since the child will not be traveling with his parents, it is recommended you (both parents) provide the traveling adult with a signed and notarized consent for the child to travel.

Travel
by: Anonymous

Question: If my child is 11 years old and lives with me not his father would I need a letter of consent from his father to go to Canada even if we have no legal custody papers?

Answer: The consent to travel to Canada is not a requirement but is highly recommended. We recommend contacting Canada Border Services Agency.

16-year-old child with expired passport
by: rrrrrrrr

Question: My son is 16 and he is traveling with both parents. His passport expired last month. Can he travel with an expired passport via air?

Answer: All U.S. citizens, regardless of age, need a passport to return to the U.S. if traveling by air. Your son may be able to enter Canada with only his birth certificate but a passport is needed to return to the United States.

What do I need?
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I will go visit my family in Quebec and am going with my goddaughter who is 9 years old. What do I need? Her grandmother adopted her and she agreed that I bring the child to Canada for 3 days to attend the First Communion of my niece in Montreal Church. She has custody of the child.

Answer: Minors traveling to Canada by land may present a birth certificate to cross the border and re-enter the U.S. In addition, you need to present a signed and notarized statement of consent to travel from the parents or guardian/s who has sole legal custody of the child.

If you are traveling by air, you need a passport book to enter Canada and return to the U.S.

Please contact Canada Border Service Agency for more information.

Flying in driving out
by: Anonymous

Question: When we fly in, will my 1-year-old need a passport? From what I can tell I know we don't need one when driving home.

Answer: All U.S. citizens, regardless of age, are required to be in possession of a valid U.S. passport book when traveling overseas by air. In the same manner, all non-immigrant aliens from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico departing from or entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere at air ports of entry are required to present a valid passport.

Travel purposes
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi I am getting married in Canada. One of my daughter's best friends is a part of my wedding party but she cannot obtain a passport at moment. Can she travel with her birth certificate and a consent letter from her parent? The birth certificate was obtained by the mother after birth with the doctor writing in her name in pen instead of typing it in. She has a letter from birth office stating why. Can she still travel with it to Canada by land?

Answer: U.S. citizen minors aged 15 and younger may enter Canada with a birth certificate. Citizens age 16 and older need either a passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document. Whether or not the document your daughter's friend has is acceptable will be determined by the border official that inspects it. We recommend that you contact Canada Border Services Agency and the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 before travel.

Passport has expired
by: Anonymous

Question: We are traveling to Canada and my 10-year-old daughter's passport has expired. Would I have a problem or should I bring her birth certificate?

Answer: Minors under the age of 16 travel to Canada with just their birth certificates as evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Additionally, it is recommended that you bring a notarized statement of consent from the non-traveling parent if the child is not traveling with both parents.

Sole custodial parent
by: Anonymous

Question: I have a 16 year old and a 13 year old. I will be traveling by land to Canada for a vacation, have sole custody, they both have passports, and I have their birth certificates. Do I still need a consent form from their father? I have understood that I do not as long as I show my custody papers, but some sites say that they still might require a consent form and now I'm confused.

Answer: The consent form is not required but highly recommended. If you have sole custody of your children, you may not need consent from their father anymore. Please contact Canada Border Services for more information.

8 month old
by: Anonymous

Question: I have an 8-month-old and plan to drive to Canada with my husband, the father of baby. Do we need a passport for the baby?

Answer: U.S. citizen minors may travel to Canada with only a birth certificate to establish U.S. citizenship.

However, in the event that you need to return to the U.S. via air, your child will also need a valid passport

Travel to Canada
by: Mrs. Johnson

Question: My daughter is traveling to Canada with her FBLA Club for school and she is 14 years old. Since, there has been a lot of changes with border travel, would she be allowed to get back into the US with only her birth certificate?

Answer: A birth certificate will suffice for travel by land or sea. A valid passport is required for all international travel by air.

Taking Grandchildren in & out of Canada from US by car
by: Anonymous

Question: We are taking two grandchildren ages 12 and 13 with us on vacation. Are we considered legal guardians or what documents do we need? Will we need to ensure a good travel experience in and out of Canada from the US? If they get a passport any way, how long is their passport valid?

Answer: Passports are not required. Birth certificates will suffice. If you want to get passports, you will find instructions here. Passports issued to minors under age 16 are valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

We recommend you carry notarized consent to travel from the parents.

Do I need a passaport?
by: Anonymous

Question: I will be going to Canada' with my sister (22). I am 16 yeard old. I have a valid ID and a birth certificate. Will I be able enter/exit Canada?

Answer: All American citizens age 16 or over need a valid passport or other WHTI-compliant document to travel to Canada and reenter the United States.

Does a Child younger than 16 need a passport to get to canada and back to the US?
by: Anonymous

Question: I have five childrens but 2 of them are going to Canada and back to the US. They don't have passports. Do they need passports to go to Canada with parents? One is 7 and other is 10.

Answer: Minors age 15 or under only need evidence of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity to travel to Canada by land or sea. A passport is required for all international travel by air.

Travel to Canada
by: Becky

Question: Me, my husband and our two kids 17 and 13 are going to Canada to visit our cousins. My daughter (13) wants to stay there for a week. Will that be s problem for us when we leave back to US?

Answer: No, it will not.

requirements
by: Anonymous

Question: My kids are 15 and 9 what do they need to enter Canada by land and reenter the US?

Answer: Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate.

16-year-old traveling with both parents
by: Patrick

Question: We are traveling to Canada by land over the holidays. My son will be traveling with both parents who have Enhanced Drivers Licenses. My son, who has down syndrome, does not drive nor does he have a photo ID. Will we be able to have him travel to and from Canada with just his birth certificate?

Answer: All U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book, passport card, enhanced driver's license, enhanced ID, or Trusted Traveler Program card to enter the United States by land or sea from Canada. For more information, contact CPB.

15
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter is 15 now but her orchestra class is taking a trip to Toronto in February. If it's after the 16th then she'll be 16. Would she need a passport?

Answer: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity.

U.S. citizen children between the ages of 16-18 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with an adult supervised school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens are required by U.S. law to present a U.S. passport book.

Niagra Falls (Canada) visit
by: Sheik Hasan

Question: We are planning to visit Niagara with whole family, and all have the US passport, except my newborn (3 months) baby. Is his birth certificate is good enough to visit and reenter US. Note: He doesn't have any photo ID or birth certificate doesn't have any option for photo.

Answer: An original or certified copy of a birth certificate is acceptable for entry to Canada and reentry to the United States for minors age 15 or younger.

Can my 8-year-old's father take him to Canada and back without my consent letter?
by: Laurel

Question: I see that the wording states it is "recommended" if only one parent is taking your minor child to Canada, but could a forgery be done or would they still let him in with my son with just a birth certificate and no letter of consent or a fake letter? My son has been on the passport protection program for years now, and I am the custodial parent. But he has threatened to leave the country with his new Canadian wife that has dual citizenship now and take my son and disappear. What do I need to do to avoid this?

Answer: Please visit the Department of State's resource center for preventing parental abduction.

Does a 17-yr-old need more than a birth certificate?
by: Kristian

Question: My family, consisting of me, my wife, and my two boys age 17 & 15, are traveling to Canada by land (from Michigan) and reentering the U.S. through Minnesota. Do my boys need anything other than a birth certificate?

Answer: Your 17-year-old will need a valid passport book, passport card or enhanced driver's license. For more information, visit new passport requirements.

Question
by: Morales

Question: My daughter is 12. As far as we know, her father is dead. He was from Mexico and we have not seen or heard from him since she was 2. His family in Mexico said he was dead. So, what do I need for her to be able to go through Canada to Alaska? We are moving there. What do we need to do or have?

Answer: Your daughter only needs a birth certificate in order to enter Canada by land. Since the father will not be with you, you may be asked to provide a death certificate. Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency about this issue.

permanent residence
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a green card holder/permanent resident since 2003. Do I need to have a passport to travel to Canada?

Answer: Please visit the Canada Border Services Agency for the latest entry requirements for permanent residents of the U.S.

Will 17-year-old also need ID?
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, My 17 year old is traveling with me and a church group. She doesn't have an ID or a Passport. Will her birth certificate suffice? I will also have a consent letter from her father who will not be attending.

Answer: A birth certificate will not suffice. Your daughter will need a valid passport book to travel by air to any international location. A passport is required for travel to Mexico by land. Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry BOTH proof of citizenship AND proof of identity.

question
by: Ronda

Question: I'm traveling to Canada to see Niagara Falls. My child that is 8-years-old only needs a birth certificate to enter and exit Canada Is that right?

Answer: An original or certified copy of a birth certificate is all that is required for a minor to enter Canada and reenter the United States by land. A passport is required for all international travel by air.

New Born Babies
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, my children now 2 months are American citizens by birth and are still waiting for thier passports to come. I have valid birth certificates for both of them and would like to check if I can travel to Canada by land and return to the US? Both parents have valid US (L1) visas & Canada tourist visas.

Answer: Canada does accept original birth certificates as proof of citizenship for minors age 15 or younger. The birth certificates are also acceptable for reentry to the United States.

Custody of Grandson Traveling to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: My husband and I have full legal custody of our grandson who is 12 years old. I plan to visit relatives in Canada with my grandson but my husband will not be going. Would I need to get a consent from him since he is also listed a having custody? Do I need to get permission from my grandson's biological mother although we have custody (his father is deceased)?

Answer: Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency for answers to your questions about entering Canada.

children under 16 going to Canada
by: Linda

Question: My children are ages 14 and 11. They are adopted and I am a widow. What documents are needed for them to enter Canada with our church youth group.

Answer: Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency for answers to your questions about entering Canada.

travelling with young relative
by: MAC

Question: Travelling with grandchild. Our surnames differ. What do I need to enter into Canada with her? Should I just play it safe and get her a passport? Would I be required to provide anything additional? Thank you.

Answer: Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate. A passport is not required. We recommend you carry notarized consent from both parents which includes full names, destinations and travel dates.

15 Year old Enhanced License
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling with my daughter whom will be 15 in May to Toronto. If i get her a non enhanced driver license will i still need the letter from her dad to take the trip.

Answer: Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency for the latest entry requirements.

birth certificate issued 1.5 years after birth
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter, age 11, has same-sex parents. When she was born, it was not possible to put both female parents' names on the birth certificate. A year later, the state of Calif. changed their policy and issued a new birth certificate with both female parents' names. So, her birth certificate was issued 1.5 years after she was born. I am planning to take this birth certif. with me to Canada. Am I going to run into any trouble since the birth certif was issued more than a year after her birth? It was "accepted for registration" only a couple weeks after her birth, but the "date issued" is 1.5 years later.

Answer: The birth certificate should suffice as evidence of yoru daughter's citizenship and identity. Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency for confirmation.

Trip to Canada without passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Me and my wife are U.S citizens, and two of my children (14, and 13) became automatic U.S citizens but do not yet have a certificate of naturalization, and/or passport but they do however have a greencard, can they go through land to Canada with me and my wife, using the green card?

Answer: U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter the United States. You should obtain passports for your children before your trip. If you need them quickly, you can apply at a regional passport agency or through a registered passport courier.

Since your children have not been issued Certificates of Citizenship by USCIS, the passport applications must include the following proof of acquisition of citizenship under the INA Section 320:

1. Proof of the child's relationship to the U.S. citizen parent. For the biological child of the U.S. citizen this will usually be a certified copy of the foreign birth certificate (and translation if not in English).

2. Proof that the child is residing or has resided in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent(s) pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence. The green cards estalish only that your children were granted legal admission to the United States. Separate evidence establishing that the child has resided in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent(s) may be requested.

3. Proof that the child is or was under the age of 18 when all conditions are met.

For further requirements, visit http://uspsg.net/childppt

Questions
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter and her friends are going up to Vancouver for a birthday trip. They are 17. One friend does not have her birth certificate and her parents have to reorder it. However, it won't get here in time. I want to make it clear that a parent or someone over the age of 18 will NOT be going with them. Will she still be able to go there and back for a day trip?

Answer: Only minors age 16 or younger can present a birth certificate to enter Canada and reenter the United States. At age 17, a valid passport is required to enter Canada and return to the United States. If traveling by land, a passport card will suffice. A passport book is required for all international travel by air.

A passport can be issued as quickly as the same date at a regional passport agency.

Traveling with children
by: Anonymous

Question: I've read previous questions and answers but I want to fully understand that my children, who are 4 and 1, JUST need their birth certificate to exit/enter the American/Candian border?

Answer: Yes, that is correct. A birth certificate is the only proof of citizenship that is required for your children to enter Canada and return to the United States by land.

The website of the Canada Border Services Agency also states the following:

"We recommend that parents who share custody of their children carry copies of their legal custody documents, such as custody rights. If you share custody and the other parent is not travelling with you, or if you are travelling with minors for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, we recommend you carry a consent letter to provide authorization for you to take them on a trip and enter Canada."

Help
by: Anonymous

Question: My kids and I are planning to go to Canada by land. My daughter is 3 years old and my son is only 5 months old. They both have my last name and I have no connection with their father at all. I don't know where they are and I know I need consent from their father. What do I need to do?

Answer: Please contact the Canada Border Services Agency for recommendations.

Do 15 year olds need a passport to return to the U.S. On land from Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: My 15 year old daughter and I are going to Canada for a trip. Will she need a passport to enter Canada and to return to the U.S.? I made her a non drivers ID card and I have her birth certificate. Is that enough?

Answer: Your daughter's photo ID and birth certificate are acceptable travel documents for entry to the United States by land or sea. A passport book is required for all international travel by air.

My son is 16 years old
by: Anonymous

Question: My son is 16 years old. Can he re enter to US with a expired passport and birth certificate?

Answer: American citizens age 16 and over should present a valid passport or other WHTI-compliant document when reentering the United States.

Soon will be 16
by: Anonymous

Question: My soon to be 16 year old and I are planning to travel to Canada by Motorcycle. She turns 16 on September 1, 2015 and we are going September 21, 2015. What does she need to enter Canada and get back to the U.S.

Also I do not want to pay for a minor Passport that expires in five years when she could get an adult for 10 years. Problem is the turn around for applying for and receiving the passport. If I can get away with a Birth Certificate and a Notarized letter from my wife stating this trip is allowed. I will do this instead and get the passport later when we get back.

Answer: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. This can be a birth certificate and valid driver's license.

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 in order to reenter the United States.

If your daughter has an enhanced driver's license, it will suffice for reentry to the United States. If not, she will probably need to get a passport.

Since you will be traveling by land, she could use either a passport book or a passport card. Since the card cannot be used for international travel by air, she may prefer to get the book for future travel abroad.

The only way to get a passport that will be valid for 10 years is to apply after her 16th birthday. This will require you have the application expedited.

She can apply for expedited service at an application acceptance facility. It can take up to 3 weeks for the new passport to arrive. If you add overnight delivery of the new passport to your payment and mail the application by overnight express, it should arrive in approximately 2 weeks.

If you want to get her a passport valid for 10 years but not run the risk if it not arriving, she can submit the application at the nearest regional agency. Most agencies require the applicant submit proof of travel within 14 days.

Travel to Canada
by: Paul

Question: My daugher under 16-years-old will go with my sister to Canada. What papers does she need?

Answer: If they travel by air, your daughter will need a valid passport book. If they travel by car, she only needs a birth certificate. Your sister should carry a letter of consent to travel from the parents.

I would like to take my daughter to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I just got married 6 mos ago and I do have a daughter with the father's last name. Do I need to get a letter from him? Since I don't know where he is or living. We would like to take her to the Zoo up there she is only 5 years old.

Answer: Your daughter does not need a passport to enter Canada or return to the United States. You can present a birth certificate. The Canada Border Services Agency does watch for missing children and may ask questions about your daughter. They also recommend you carry a travel consent letter from the father. You may or may not be asked to show the letter.

Traveling to Canada with 5-month-old and no passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a US citizen and I am planning on taking my daughter to Canada for a week but she does not have a passport. Can I take her with her birth certificate only and authorization from her father to travel. He is a Mexican citizen with no photo ID. How can I obtain a passport for my daughter? All he has is his birth certificate and school records.

Answer: If you plan to travel to Canada by land or sea, you only need to present your daughter's birth certificate when entering Canada and returning to the United States.

If you travel to Canada by air, she will need a passport book. Minors age 15 or younger must appear at an application acceptance facility with both parents to apply for a passport. Her father can present his Mexican passport and birth certificate to prove his identity.

Canada does not require the consent to travel be notarized but they do recommend it.

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