Does my infant child need a US passport to fly to Canada and back?
My wife, daughter and I (all US citizens) are planning to fly to Toronto and back.
According to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html:
"Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship."
However, to get back into the US, according to https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/3618/kw/travel:
"Children are also required to present their own passport when traveling by air."
and
"U.S. citizen children ages 15 and under arriving by land or sea from a contiguous territory (Canada or Mexico) may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate"
In other words, it seems as though a birth certificate is sufficient to travel from the US to Canada via air. However, in order to return by air, a passport is required (the birth certificate is only valid if traveling by land and sea).
HOWEVER, I see things all over that say a birth certificate is acceptable for both border crossings. For example, on https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-required-back-canada-109007.html:
"If you're traveling to and from Canada with children under the age of 16, you must provide an original or a copy of each child's birth certificate. Other acceptable documents for American minor children include a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and a naturalization certificate. Children don't need a U.S. passport for this trip."
Needless to say I'm really confused. I don't see anything that says my daughter won't be allowed into Canada, but how about coming back?
Best Answer
Unfortunately, since you are traveling by air, you do need to have a passport (or Nexus card) for the child or you won't be allowed to board a flight to the US, as @phoog says.
You didn't mention which airline you are using, but you can easily look up the travel documents required and confirm for yourself. For example the official Air Canada site says:
Travel Documents:
Canadian and U.S. citizens must present either a valid passport or a valid Nexus card when travelling by air between Canada and the United States.
Other airlines will be the same.
In fact the (unofficial) document you linked to also states:
If you are returning to the U.S. from Canada by air, you can only use a U.S. Passport as proof of citizenship.
There is a bit more leniency at land crossings and IIRC some exceptions for youth sports teams, but not for air travel. A casualty of 9/11.
Pictures about "Does my infant child need a US passport to fly to Canada and back?"
Can US babies travel to Canada without a passport?
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.Can a child travel to Canada with a birth certificate?
Entering Canada: U.S. citizens are not required to present a passport when entering Canada. They must show a government-issued photo ID such as a valid Driver's License and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport.What documents does a baby need to fly within Canada?
Travel within Canada In accordance with government regulations, the required identification must be presented at the boarding gate and the name on the ID must fully match the name on the boarding pass. Proof of age required (a photocopy of birth certificate, health card or passport is acceptable).Can a US citizen baby travel without a passport?
Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have a passport to travel abroad. Newborn babies, infants, and toddlers all need a passport to leave and enter another country. Just as if an adult was applying for a passport, babies must have Form DS-11 filled out and submitted.Can babies travel without a passport?
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