Traveling through Canada?
Okay so my Dad, brother and his friends are going to be traveling through Canada to get to buffalo ny from Detroit my dad has an enhanced license so he is good but for my brothers and his friends they are 17 and will be 17 when they go through Canada, they don't drive so they cant get enhanced licenses, and they can't afford a passport so do they just need their birth certificate, and a note from there parents that they are under the supervision of my dad. so how do they get through Canada without the passport. (oh and they are going through Canada instead of the states because it will be a shorter car time) thanks so much
Lee
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Non-Canadians
Requirements to Enter Canada
Tell us why you would like to come to Canada and we will provide you with the requirements to enter Canada that apply to your personal situation.
When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you.
Travelling with Children
Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. It is also recommended that they have a consent letter from the other custodial parent to take the child on a trip out of the country. The parents’ full name, address and telephone number should be included in the consent letter.
When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.
Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
CBSA officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.
You can get an ENHANCED ID from the same place that issues ENHANCED DRIVERS License.
Your story is full of holes and you can be stopped at the Border for many reasons. Just having the correct documents is not enough.
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8668...
If you cannot afford $30 for the Enhanced ID card you cannot afford to travel through Canada.
Do not play games trying to cross the Border into Canada or into the USA you face unpleasant surprises.
You are not little children any more.
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html
If you are travelling as part of an organised group then you can use just your birth certificate. A group of friends does not count for this exception.
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.htm...
BEING MINORS ALL OF YOU need permission of ALL your parents to travel out of the Country
That means you need a note from your mother too as you are just with DAD.
THEY do not get into Canada if they do not have correct identification. What you decide on is their choice.
You seem to be already aware of what is needed to cross and are just trying to find a way around the rules.
Technically, they can get in to Canada, but, to re-enter the USA, you require a passport if you are 16 or over. This is an American law, and nothing to do with Canada.
As they could be stuck in Canada without a passport, the Canadian authorities generally want to see one, even though there is no legal requirement here. It's the US side where the problem is.
Three options.
1. passport
2. enhanced drivers' licence
3. NEXUS Card.
In addition to any one of the above, minors not travelling with both parents would need a notarized letter from the parents allowing them to cross the border with your dad.
If you can't satisfy any of these, you'll have to stay in the States.
Unfortunately, everyone 16 or over needs a passport or EDL to cross the Canadian border. Looks like they'll be going via Cleveland.
By the way, it's possible to get a non-driver EDL in New York, Michigan, and probably other states that offer EDLs.
Sorry, but ALL travellers need a valid passport. Drivers licences haven't been accepted in many years. Also, as your friend is underage he also needs a NOTERIZED letter granting the dad permission to take your friend over the boarder.
Also look into healthcare before leaving on the trip to make sure you all have your proper insurances in place.
Have great trip!
Im almost positive all Of you need passports I would hope so anyways. All Canadians need a passport to go to the USA no matter of Age so it should be the same the other way around...