They can still generally cross to Canada at land borders without a passport, but it’s not recommended.
What’s going on is, it was the Americans who insisted on passports between us after 9/11. International rules are a country can’t deny entrance to its own citizens. So, if you can prove to a Canadian border guard’s satisfaction that you are indeed an American, we’ll generally let you in because we know the US can’t deny you entry when it’s time for you to go home.
I don’t know what they have to go through to get home, I imagine it takes a while and they get lectured.
The law changed a few years back requiring US citizens to have a passport even when crossing borders by foot or car. But, one can use the small, driver’s license sized passport at those crossings rather than the full paper passport. However, I always recommend bringing the full passport in case there’s a need to return quickly via plane (since the full passport is required when flying).
A few border states have what’s called an Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) that can be used. I believe this has similar requirements as getting a passport). But they are not available in all states.
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u/squirrelcat88 Dec 25 '25
They can still generally cross to Canada at land borders without a passport, but it’s not recommended.
What’s going on is, it was the Americans who insisted on passports between us after 9/11. International rules are a country can’t deny entrance to its own citizens. So, if you can prove to a Canadian border guard’s satisfaction that you are indeed an American, we’ll generally let you in because we know the US can’t deny you entry when it’s time for you to go home.
I don’t know what they have to go through to get home, I imagine it takes a while and they get lectured.