[dndtaylor]

Quick Question ...
DH and I live in the Seattle, WA area and we are planning on taking a trip to Vancouver, BC. Do you know if we "must" have a passport to enter and depart Canada? Some folks say yes while others say just a birth certificate and DL will do. So do you know the truth? The border patrol website is a bit confusing; my take on it is that driving across the border no passport, only if you fly. Just wanted to see what you may have heard or may actually know. Thanks!

[Angelwithhope]

I know that they've been changing things on the border issues...so I would say that a passport should be required as it is required for us now to pop down to the states. However I could be wrong. And upon searching I came up with this:

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. HIV testing required for resident applicants who are over 15. A temporary resident applicant requires immigration medical examination if stay exceeds 6 months or seeking to work in Canada. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or the 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: Embassy Washington / Ambassade du Canada à Washington

I read that you don't require a passport at this time. I suppose you could always call a local passport office and see if they could answer your questions. Good luck.

ETA- Reread your post...I think perhaps flying you do NEED a passport.

[Faith]

From what I heard, you don't need a passport to come into Canada, but you'll need one to get back into the USA - funny huh?

[dndtaylor]

Thanks Ladies -- I've called around and it appears that you only need a passport if you are FLYING in and out of the country. So we are going to drive with our birthcertificates, SS card and 2 pic ID's and we hope to not get stuck. LoL We may be needing someone to "claim" us. Geez, wouldn't that be awful. But seriously I'm pretty sure we are covered. Thanks again.