I want to go to Canada! hah please help me?

Question

Im currently stationed in iraq in the army, im not due back home until dec. im 19 and had a passport when i was real little. anyways..my buddy who used to live in canada told me all i needed was my military id and maybe a birth certificate to cross the border. I heard about this new law though, so does this mean i will for sure have to get a passport or can i get by on the ID, and also if i did have to get one, is there a way to do it online? i wont have the opportunity to get one here, so i can only do it by mail in. thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It's questionable. There is a bit of a "grace" period that really depends on the mood of the Customs Officer and your attitude. You're supposed to use one now, but they're still letting people through. There are flyers that both sides are handing out to those crossing without "proper" ID as per what both countries have stipulated as acceptable, currently. No issues...no problem at the moment with the ID that you have with something additional to back you up, like a State driver's lic, etc. A Passport is ..well...something that Americans should own. Over half of our Canadian population owns one ( I Think it's closer to 3/4). Less than 1/3 of your countrymen do. Less pain, less hassle. Gets you out of the house too. I believe one of the rights that you hold close is that of travelling or being able to go where you wish. What better way than a passport?
Uhmm, I bet if you asked your NCO, you can apply for an American Passport where you are. I'm sorta surprised that you are where you are without one or the access to one. Take that issue up with your Gov't, but overall , I reckon our fellas will let you pass with what you have, currently. Things will get tougher as your own Homeland Security gets tougher. We can't do that on our side. It's in OUR constitution. You're quite welcome here and as an American serving your country without serious criminal convictions, go nuts. Have fun and explore what we have to offer.

Answer 2

Entry requirements to Canada have not changed in the context of the WHTI. If you are a Canadian citizen or 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 or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of January 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry.

Source(s):

http://www.connect2canada.com/bordertravelupdate/

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure that as of 1-1-08, you need a passport to either enter the US or Canada at the Canadian border. I might be wrong, but I have heard that the grace period ended last month.

So, yes, I believe the laws have changed, and while you might still be able to use your military ID to do it, you had better know before you go. Check with your superior officers, and if they can't give you a really certain answer, check with the State Department (online). If you need a passport, you cannot do it online. You need to go to a proper Passport office, and have the proper white-background photo made, etc. Most major Post Offices in the US can take care of it all...The time necessary can vary, If you NEVER had a passport, you need to give it a certain amount of time, less if you can send in your old passport. It only took me about two or three weeks to get a renewal, using the old one. If you can't lay your hands on it, but can get the number, that can help expedite things, as well.

Good luck, maybe all you need is your MID.

Answer 4

if you are an American resident and you intend to drive across the border all you need at present is a government issued photo ID and a birth certificate

if flying to canada you need a passport

Answer 5

the first answer is most accurate.
If you drive over the border, you only need a govt issued photo i.d and birth cert.

The passport rule is only for flying at the moment. They are still trying to figure out the kinks for driving without effecting cross border tourism too much.

Answer 6

Yes, you do need a passport. If you are planning on going AWOL, the authorities in Canada will deport you back to the USA, as we don't protect former soldiers anymore, who go AWOL like we did back in the sixties and seventies.