How old do you have to be to get into Canada by yourself?

How old do you have to be to get into Canada by yourself? - Interior of elegant spacious multistory library

I am 17 and I'm going to Canada to get my truck worked on and I need to know if I can get over there by myself and back and can I use my birth certificate and driver's license? It's just me driving my self with my dad in a different car so he can pick me up.



Best Answer

There is a pretty good description of what is required to enter Canada for US citizens on the US Department of State website. According to it you will need a proof of citizenship and a proof of identity. Which a Driver's license and an Original Birth certificate might suffice. On top of this because you're under 18 you might also have to have a notarized letter from your parents allowing you to leave the country.

Now the question becomes how will you be able to re-enter the US. As @choster pointed out there is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative that is supposed to make travel easier. That being said you will need a NEXUS Card or an EDL along with you original birth certificate to re-enter. Something tells me that you're not in possession of the Nexus Card because it is usually obtain by frequent travelers between US and Canada.

Also according to WHTI site only 4 states in the US issue the EDLs and the more likely scenario in order to obtain one you will need to be in possession of a US Passport, though you don't have to but it makes things easier.

So in all I would suggest getting a Passport or doing the work in the US might be a lot easier if not cheaper.




Pictures about "How old do you have to be to get into Canada by yourself?"

How old do you have to be to get into Canada by yourself? - Aged Nordic runestone located on blooming field in countryside
How old do you have to be to get into Canada by yourself? - The Old City Hall in Toronto
How old do you have to be to get into Canada by yourself? - Exterior of lumber shed and church among lush green plants in traditional Norstead Viking Village against cloudless blue sky



Can I go to Canada by myself at 16?

Answer: While only proof of citizenship and identity are required to enter Canada, citizens age 16 and older need a valid passport, passport card or any other WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States.

Can under 18 travel to Canada alone?

For travel within Canada, children under 18 years of age must present a birth certificate, health card, passport or other government-issued identification. A passport is required for flights to and from the United-States as well as for international flights.

Do you have to be 18 to cross the Canadian border?

Children (under 18) travelling without both parents: carry a parental consent letter (see "Travelling with Children" below). A passport (or NEXUS card) is required to cross the border by air. This applies if your trip includes a flight between a Canadian and American airport.



TOP 8 EASIEST WAYS TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA 2020 - 2024




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ryutaro Tsukata, Erik Mclean, Ali Cuhadaroglu, Erik Mclean