What can I use instead of a passport to get into Canada by car?

Some U.S. states offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses, which contain additional security features and can be used in place of a passport for travel to Canada by car. Enhanced Driver's Licenses are available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.



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U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents may use their I-551 (Green Card) -- instead of a passport -- for travel between Canada and the United States, by air, land, or sea. The I-551 is accepted for entry to Canada, from the U.S.; a U.S. permanent resident does not require a visa to visit Canada, regardless of citizenship.

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Do I need a passport to drive to Canada? If you're crossing the Canadian border by car, Canadian law requires that you show proof of citizenship and identity. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport book, a passport card, or a NEXUS card are sufficient to satisfy the requirement.

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The primary document you'll need to cross the border is an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. Residents of certain border-sharing states such as New York can also enter the country with an enhanced driver's license if crossing by land or water.

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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.

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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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Do American Citizens need a passport to enter Niagara Falls, Canada? Yes. A Passport (or a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's License if coming by land) is required for crossing the border into Canada unless you are age 15 or younger. Please visit the government website for any further details.

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A transportation company (such as an airline) can accept a TPS travel authorization document instead of a visa as proof that you are authorized to travel to the United States. A TPS travel authorization document does not replace your passport.

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Your U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
Your state-issued driver's license. A Mexico entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM), obtained at a National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM) office after crossing the border. Your vehicle's proof of registration.

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U.S. citizens will not be allowed to use their expired U.S. passport for direct return to the United States after June 30, 2022. If a U.S. citizen overseas has an expired U.S. passport, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport.

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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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