Can you go to Windsor Canada without a passport?

A valid passport (or other supporting documentation) is needed to cross the border between Canada and the United States.



For most U.S. citizens in 2026, you cannot enter Windsor, Canada, or re-enter the U.S. with just a standard driver's license; however, a full passport is not your only option. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), you can cross the border at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge using an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (available in MI, NY, MN, VT, and WA), a U.S. Passport Card, or a NEXUS card. If you are traveling with children under 16, they generally only need an original or certified copy of their Birth Certificate. U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) only need their permanent resident card. While a birth certificate and standard photo ID might satisfy a Canadian official for entry, the U.S. border patrol is much stricter for your return; without an EDL, Passport Card, or NEXUS, you will face significant delays and questioning upon re-entering Detroit.

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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.

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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.

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Home to royalty and 1,000 years of royal history. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year.

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Anytime you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have valued at Can$10,000 or more. This amount includes Canadian or foreign currency or a combination of both. Monetary instruments include, but are not limited to, stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cheques and traveller's cheques.

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Can I walk across the Rainbow Bridge without a passport? No. Rainbow Bridge, despite its unusual location, still functions as a regular border crossing. Therefore, if you want to have a walk on the bridge, or use it to visit Canada, you need a valid passport with you.

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Travel within Canada
As of October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada, or board a plane or train in Canada. This applies to travel within Canada and flights or trains leaving Canada.

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