can a us citizen drive into canada without a passport
American entry into Canada by land Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada must carry proof of both citizenship and identity.[1] A valid U.S. passport[1] or passport card[1] is preferred, although a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or another document proving U.S. nationality, together with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) are acceptable to establish identity and nationality.[3] However, the documents required to return to the United States can be more restrictive (for example, a birth certificate and photo ID are insufficient) â€“ see the section below on Return entry into the U.S.
Canadian nationality law Documents other than those listed above, including Canadian passports, are not considered as proof of citizenship, but a passport is issued only after review of other documentary proof, as noted above. Church-issued baptismal certificates and birth certificates issued by an authority other than a provincial or territorial government are also not proof of Canadian citizenship. Such certificates were common in Quebec, as the provincial government did not start to issue birth certificates until 1994.[99]
Identity document Since February 1, 2008, U.S. citizens may apply for passport cards, in addition to the usual passport books. Although their main purpose is for land and sea travel within North America, the passport card may also be accepted by federal authorities (such as for domestic air travel or entering federal buildings), which may make it an attractive option for people residing where state driver's licenses and I.D. cards are not REAL ID-compliant, should those requirements go into effect. TSA regulations list the passport card as an acceptable identity document at airport security checkpoints.[97]
United States passport The contemporary period of required passports for Americans under United States law began on November 29, 1941.[22] A 1978 amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 made it unlawful to enter or depart the United States without an issued passport even in peacetime.[23]
Leave to enter According to the United Kingdom Border Agency, a person who is not a British citizen, a Commonwealth citizen with the right of abode in the UK, or a national of an EU or EFTA state, requires leave to enter the United Kingdom.[1]
Learner's permit Typically, a driver operating with a learner's permit must be accompanied by an adult licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or older and in the passenger seat of the vehicle at all times.[23]