Crossing the Canadian Border With Minor Children

Crossing the Canadian Border With Minor Children
Traveling internationally can be a daunting experience, and including children in the process means additional considerations. Luckily, if you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada, the process is much simpler than traveling to other countries. While you will need proof of citizenship and identification for your children, they will not need a passport. Plan ahead and get ready to enjoy the vast Canadian landscape with your little ones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Proof of citizenship Identification documents Written consent for travel
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Identification documents
  • Written consent for travel
Step 1
Review with your children everything that will happen at the border crossing. This will avoid uncomfortable situations when border security checks the people and goods in your vehicle to determine admission. Border security is able to turn you away and may ask for identification for every person in the car.
Step 2
Bring proper identification and proof of citizenship for every person in the vehicle, including minors. Acceptable documents include a passport, certified U.S. birth certificate, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Indian Status.
Step 3
If you are traveling with a group of vehicles, make sure you are in the same vehicle as your children to afford them proper identification.
Step 4
Provide written consent from the child's parents that details your ability to take the child into Canada. This is necessary if you are not the parent or guardian of the child or if the child is not traveling with both parents.
Step 5
Cooperate with the border security officer. Because children are at risk of abduction, border security may more thoroughly inspect your car and its contents if you are traveling with minors.

Tips & Warnings

 
If you believe your child may be at risk of abduction by a parent, consider registering the child with the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program. You will be notified if a passport application is submitted for your child.
 
If you believe your child may be at risk of abduction by a parent, consider registering the child with the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program. You will be notified if a passport application is submitted for your child.

Article Written By Alanna Davis

Alanna Davis has been working in the freelance writing business for more than eight years. She has been published in local newspapers, as well as most recently, eHow, GolfLink and Trails Travel. Davis is also active in the fitness community, working under personal trainers and recently achieving her IFA Certification in aerobics and personal training.

Write for Trails.com
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