In 2023 (and continuing into 2026), traveling to Canada without a passport is only possible for U.S. citizens in very specific circumstances. If you are traveling by land or sea, you can use an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), a U.S. Passport Card, or a NEXUS card instead of a full passport book. However, if you are traveling by air, a valid U.S. Passport Book is mandatory for all passengers, regardless of age. For those who are not U.S. citizens, a passport is almost always required along with a visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It is a common misconception that a standard driver's license or birth certificate is sufficient for adults; while children under 16 may use a birth certificate for land crossings, adults must have one of the "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" (WHTI) compliant documents to cross the border and, more importantly, to re-enter the United States.