When is a passport required?

[ji_hyun_jun]

Okay, so before anyone flames me and says 'use google' or something, this is just something I'd like to CONFIRM, I sorta already looked this up but wasn't really sure.

Basically, travel within Canada, all you need is a valid ID, but not necessarily a passport. Travel outside of Canada (including U.S.) you need a passport. Is this true? That's all I wanted to know lol.

Thanks!

[Shaner]

The rules differ based on the country you're trying to enter.

Generally speaking, any time you enter a foreign country, you need a passport. There are some exceptions. The US for example allows entry via ground travel without requiring a passport; however, if you enter the US in the air, then you need a passport.

Unless I'm mistaken, a passport isn't required to enter the Dominican Republic. There are probably other countries out there that don't require a passport.

[Carnage]

The US for example allows entry via ground travel without requiring a passport; however, if you enter the US in the air, then you need a passport.


Though of course the land crossings are going to require passports before too long.

[Talamasca]

It's just a really good idea to get a passport so you don't have to worry about these kinds of things. If you had an emergency and had to fly overseas, no worries. Or if you were flying from Toronto to Vancouver and for whatever reason, you were diverted to Seattle, it would be a lot easier carrying that Canadian passport. $80 (or whatever it costs) for five years isn't that much money.

[Bazooka Joe]

Okay, so before anyone flames me and says 'use google' or something, this is just something I'd like to CONFIRM, I sorta already looked this up but wasn't really sure.

Basically, travel within Canada, all you need is a valid ID, but not necessarily a passport. Travel outside of Canada (including U.S.) you need a passport. Is this true? That's all I wanted to know lol.

Thanks!

The reason google didn't answer the question is because you didn't ask a specific question. In general, what you wrote is basically true. There are however a number of exceptions.

If you ask a specific question "Do I need a passport to fly to the US" or "Do I need a passport to drive to the US" or "Do I need a passport to fly into Jamaica" the answers will seem to contradict one another (Yes, no and no).

[JiffyPB]

It's just a really good idea to get a passport so you don't have to worry about these kinds of things. If you had an emergency and had to fly overseas, no worries. Or if you were flying from Toronto to Vancouver and for whatever reason, you were diverted to Seattle, it would be a lot easier carrying that Canadian passport. $80 (or whatever it costs) for five years isn't that much money.

+1.

A passport is your best travel document. Get one, and take it when you have the possibility of leaving Canada. It's really very easy to get a passport now, compared to 5 years ago, so nobody should have any excuses to avoid getting one.

I hear far too often about people not being able to travel since they still haven't gotten their passport, then rushing at the last minute to try and join friends, etc on a trip. Get it early, it's good for 5 years, and WILL be useful. :)