Have you always had to have a passport to go to Canada?


Have you always had to have a passport to go to Canada? Many people think they can enter and leave Canada with a driver's license. After all, before 2009, American citizens only needed this document to secure their entry and exit. However, times have changed, and you now need a WHTI-compliant document to enter Canada.


When did Canada change passport?

Updating passports is a routine process that aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO's) best practices and standards. We announced the new Canadian passport on May 10, 2023(opens in a new tab) .


Can I drive in Canada as a tourist?

All drivers in Canada are required to have a valid licence. While the precise requirements vary from province to province, foreigners in Canada on tourist or business visas are generally allowed to drive with their foreign licence for the duration of their stay provided their licence is in English or French.


Can I use my birth certificate to go to Canada?

For U.S. citizens, a passport or visa is not required. Instead, a birth certificate and one photo identification card may be used; however, a photo identification card by itself is not enough. For permanent residents of the United States, “Green Cards” may be used in lieu of their passports.


When did passports become required for international travel?

With two exceptions, U.S. citizens were not required to have a passport for travel abroad until 1941. Passports were required for a short time during the Civil War (August 19, 1861–March 17, 1862) and during World War I (May 22, 1918–1921). After World War II began, passports became mandatory for all U.S. travelers.


Can I travel without a passport?

Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad. Depending on the country and your citizenship, you may also need to show proof of a valid eVisa, online visa, or visa.