Topic:VITAL STATISTICS; INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS;
Location:INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS;
February 25, 1998 98-R-0213
FROM: Chelsea Turner, Legislative Fellow
RE: Entering Canada
You asked what is the source of the rule that a birth certificate is required to enter Canada and who could be approached to request a change to that policy.
SUMMARY
Canada requires proof of citizenship or resident status to enter the country under §§14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel Documents section of the Immigration Regulations of Canada (enclosed). A birth certificate is one form of proof. A request to change this policy should be directed to either the Prime Minister of Canada or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
VISITOR REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS FROM THE UNITED STATES
The requirements for entry into Canada are laid out in the Immigration Regulations of Canada's Immigration Act. §§ 14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel documents section address the entry requirements (enclosed). A complete version of these regulations may be accessed from the following website: http://canada.justice.gc.ca/cgi-bin/folioisa.dll/eregs.nfo/query%3Dentering+canada/doc/%7B113025%7D.
According to Sue Lopez of the Canadian Consulate, while the specific documents needed for entry into Canada are not clearly laid out in the Regulations, the documents required are implicit within the language. The U.S. Visitors Travel Information Guide prepared by the Canadian Tourism Commission states that United States citizens and permanent residents entering Canada must have proof of their citizenship or residence status. 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.
CONTACTS TO CHANGE IMMIGRATION POLICY
A request to change the immigration policy should be directed to either the Prime Minister of Canada or the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Their contact information is as follows:
The Right Honourable Jean Chretien
Prime Minister of Canada
309 S Centre Block
House of Commons
111 Wellington Street
Ottowa, Ontario
Canada K1A0AZ
Phone: (613)992-4211
The Honourable Lucienne Robillard
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
365 Laurier Avenue West
Jean Edmonds Towers
Ottowa, Ontario
Canada K1A1L1
Phone: (613)954-1064
Fax: (603)957-2688
Website: http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca
CT:pa
FAQs
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.
Do I need to fill out a form to enter Canada? ›
Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate.
What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car? ›
Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.
Do I need a Covid test to enter Canada? ›
Effective October 1, 2022, COVID-19 entry restrictions were removed, as well as testing, quarantine and isolation requirements, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status. The Public Health Agency of Canada no longer collects COVID-19 test samples from travellers entering Canada.
Do I need a passport to go to Canada if I have a REAL ID? ›
If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.
Can I use my birth certificate to go to Canada? ›
Can I enter Canada with my birth certificate? While U.S. citizens used to be able to enter Canada with a birth certificate, the country now requires additional forms of photo identification. The following documents are generally accepted at the Canadian border: A U.S. passport.
Do I need to fill out ArriveCAN? ›
All travelers entering Canada by air, rail, road, or marine vessel, must provide their travel information through ArriveCAN. Only individuals with accessibility needs, asylum seekers, and refugees are exempt from using ArriveCAN.
Can I drive in Canada with a US license? ›
When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an IDP for foreign drivers.
What items are prohibited to bring into Canada? ›
Restricted/prohibited goods
Firearms and weapons: You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada. Food, plants, animals and related products: All food, plants, animals, and related products must be declared. Food can carry disease, such as E. coli.
Can I buy groceries in the US and bring them back to Canada? ›
You can claim goods up to CAN$200 without paying any duty and taxes. You must have the goods with you when you enter Canada, and tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are not included in this amount. If you bring in goods worth more than CAN$200, you have to pay full duty and taxes on the total amount.
Toll Rates
| E-ZPass ($USD) | $USD |
|---|
| Autos+Trailer or 7'6" Tall | $8.00 | $12.00 |
| Commercial: | |
| 2 Axles | $7.00 | $9.00 |
| 3 Axles | $11.00 | $15.00 |
7 more rowsOnly one of the following amounts of alcoholic beverages may be imported free of duty and taxes (when stays are more than 48 hours): 1.14 L (40 oz.) of liquor; or 1.5 L (52.7 oz.)
Do I need proof of vaccination to enter Canada? ›
As of October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada, or board a plane or train in Canada.
How long can a US citizen stay in Canada? ›
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. If you're allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.
Do US citizens need a negative Covid test to enter the US from Canada? ›
COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.
As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Can a US citizen enter the US without a passport? ›
You are not allowed to enter on your foreign passport, because U.S. law requires all U.S. citizens to enter and depart the U.S. on a valid U.S. passport.
Can I enter Canada with an enhanced driver's license? ›
Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to Canada with it as your only form of identification. An Enhanced Driver's License or EDL can enable a US citizen to visit Canada for both leisure and business purposes.
What are the new rules for cross-border shopping? ›
If you've been away 48 hours or more: You can claim goods worth up to C$800 without paying any duty and taxes, and you must have the goods with you when you enter Canada. If you've been away seven days or more: You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying any duty and taxes.
Can I drive my car to Canada? ›
You can bring your vehicle into Canada temporarily as a visitor or temporary resident. Your vehicle doesn't have to meet Canadian standards and must be only for your own use. You can also bring your vehicle for personal use while you're in Canada on a work permit or student visa.
