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My Group is traveling to Canada, do we need a passport or not?
With some changes to identification required for travel to and from Canada, we wanted to update you on what is needed when, so that you can have accurate information to plan appropriately for your trip.
United States Citizens Traveling To/From Canada:
If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. Entry requirements have not changed for Canadian citizens who are U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs). U.S. LPRs may continue to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status in the United States.
Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling To/From the U.S.:
Under U.S. law, all visitors from outside North America who are traveling to and from the U.S. require a passport for entry and exit. Canadian travelers arriving or departing by land or sea or arriving by air may present a valid proof of citizenship or NEXUS card. Canadians departing the United States by air to any destination (including Canada) must present a valid passport (or a NEXUS card for return to Canada only). For example, if a Canadian citizen enters the United States by land by presenting acceptable documents other than a passport, and then plans to board a flight in the United States destined for Mexico (i.e., an international destination other than Canada), a valid passport is required for the air travel portion. Similarly, if a Canadian citizen drives to the United States and returns to Canada by air, a valid passport or a NEXUS card must be presented to board the plane. It is important to note that a passport is not mandatory for Canadians traveling by air within the United States.
Student or youth groups who are U.S. or Canadian citizens and under age 19 arriving by land or sea from a contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of their birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate or a Canadian Citizenship Card. The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:
- the name of the group and supervising adult,
- a list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child,
- a written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.
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