Can i visit canada without a passport

For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad. Find out if you can enter Canada. All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa if necessary when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents.

If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada. What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country. When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U. Permanent residents of the U. All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U. New entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization eTA to fly to or transit through Canada.

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available in or near urban areas of the country. Canada has vast, remote areas where cell phone coverage may be intermittent or nonexistent and sophisticated medical care may be several hours away by road or air.

In these remote areas, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. The safest option for travelers to these destinations, particularly in the northern Arctic territories, is to travel with a group and hire the services of an experienced guide, reputable outfitter, or tour company that is familiar with local conditions and prepared for emergency situations specific to the location.

See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, you may be prosecuted in the United States for some offenses even if your actions are not illegal under local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U. See our webpage for further information. Controlled Substances: Canadian law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.

Drug smugglers risk substantial fines, a permanent bar from Canada, and imprisonment. Importation of Firearms: Canada more strictly controls firearms than does the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. If you plan to borrow and use a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. You must present these forms in triplicate and sign them in front of a CBSA officer at the border.

It is not possible to make photocopies at the border. Full details and downloadable forms are available at the Canadian Firearms Program website. Canadian law requires officials to confiscate firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who do not declare having the items in their possession. Officials will not return confiscated firearms, ammunition, and weapons and possession of any of these items may result in your arrest and imprisonment.

You should inspect all belongings thoroughly before traveling to Canada to avoid the accidentally importing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons. Pornography: Canada has strict laws concerning child pornography, and in recent years there has been an increase in random checks of electronic media of travelers entering Canada.

Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without a warrant at the border and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device as well as detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer. Alcohol and cannabis related driving offenses , such as driving while intoxicated DWI , driving while ability-impaired, and driving under the influence DUI of alcohol or cannabis, are criminal offenses in Canada.

Penalties are heavy, and any prior conviction no matter how old or how minor the infraction , is grounds for exclusion from Canada. If you must apply in advance for individual rehabilitation, the application can take over a year to process. Tax Issues: For information on U. Please see our Customs Information. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Although Canada has effectively implemented laws mandating access to buildings for persons with disabilities, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation in some areas different from what you find in the United States.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers. For emergency services in Canada, dial Ambulance services are widely available. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Healthcare in Canada: The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Many physicians will not take new patients. Access to a specialist is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Although trauma-care is on par with that available in the United States, emergency room waits for non-life threatening problems can be very long.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Embassies and consulates. Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals: U. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.

Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.

Road Conditions and Safety: As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, as well as links to provincial government websites, please see the Transport Canada website or the Canadian Automobile Association CAA website. Automobile warranties of vehicles purchased in the United States may not be valid in Canada. Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States.

Proof of auto insurance is required. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance, and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Aviation Safety Oversight: The U. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Canada should also check for U. Information may also be posted to the websites of the U. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Antigua and Barbuda. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Citizens of the United States coming to Canada by car, bus, train or boat need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. Citizens of the United States who are also Canadian citizens should bring a valid Canadian passport and a valid U. Carrying both documents may help simplify both your entry into Canada and your return to the United States.

Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to, or transit through, Canada by air. If your other country of citizenship needs you to enter and exit that country using a passport issued by its government, you will still need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure you carry both passports when you travel. Some people may only need their valid passport. Find out if you need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada. You may need to get a visa before arriving in Canada.