Expired US passport going into Canada?

[look 171]

I just discovered my passport expired January of this year. We are leaving for a driving trip loaded up with wife and kids Monday morning. What are my chances of getting into Canada through Montana, near Glacier NP? Lets say they let me in, how about coming home? Any experiences with the situation? Is this a tough one?

[slodave]

Good luck with that.

[slodave]

Travel Documents: Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program. NEXUS members receive a special travel card that allows expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through both U.S. and Canadian border controls.

If a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada does not have a passport, passport card, or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship. (Please see below for important information concerning re-entry into the United States.)

U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid U.S. passport.

When returning to the United States from Canada, it is very important to note that all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States via air. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.

Canada

[Rick Lee]

A few years ago we rented a party bus and drove from Pittsburgh to Toronto for a Rush concert. One of my buddies grabbed a passport out of the safe and only realized it was his wife's when we were in line at that border. On both sides of the border they only checked to see that we had handed them the same number of passports as we had people in the van. They never looked inside the passports.

[look 171]

About 15 years ago, I decided to cross into the Canadian side of Niagra Falls. Their border guard gave me a real hard time. I was held there for about 20 minutes. I was told to return the same day before 12 midnight. Only difference was I did not have my passport.

[Noah930]

You can borrow mine, if you want. Not expired.

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by slodave

good luck with that.

+1

[JJ 911SC]

You should be OK. Bring as much photo ID as you can along with the expired Passport as it can still be used for scanning purposes.

Be ready to get a lengthy lecture... Not from the border agent but from your wife

As for coming back, as a Canadian you can still enter the US with a photo government issued cards like Driver License.

Its always at the discretion of the agent. I did it with this plate on my other car Of course I had to explain why. Always carry the Car business card

Bon Voyage

[89911]

I got offered a trip to Munich in 10 days last fall and I didn't even know where my copy of my birth certificate was. If you go on the us site: How to Get Your Passport in a Hurry
and do a little research, you can get this done in one day provided the location isn't too far away. You need to call the 1 800 number and schedule the appointment, get there with all your identification, and pick it up later that day. It worked for me, no problem

[89911]

Opps, saw it was Monday. Might was to revert to plan B. And they generally won't let you travel outside the US with a passport that is expiring soon, so I would say your chances with one that is expired is out.

[imcarthur]

I would say that your chances are even. The CDN side probably no problem but on the US return, you can expect a hassle. If you are using the same crossing, you could stop at the US kiosk & ask them.

I have a Nexus card so I don't have to talk to them anymore. And THAT is a major bonus.

Ian

[89911]

Call me a worrier, but I don't know how you can enjoy a vacation knowing that you and your family might not be able to get back into the country.

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by 89911

Call me a worrier, but I don't know how you can enjoy a vacation knowing that you and your family might not be able to get back into the country.

Agreed, after 9-11 we are a living in a completely different society now. Take chances like this you might as well be prepared for the worst. I have done a lot of border crossing between Canada and US over the past 15-years and always make sure my docs are in order..you are naive to think some TSA agent will "look the other way".

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

Agreed, after 9-11 we are a living in a completely different society now. Take chances like this you might as well be prepared for the worst. I have done a lot of border crossing between Canada and US over the past 15-years and always make sure my docs are in order..you are naive to think some TSA agent will "look the other way".

Definitely +1 on this
Whether you are a US citizen or not u could have a problem either way. For sure take your birth certificate as a back up plus any other documentation - driver's lic. etc.I think your problem will be getting back into the US. Good luck!

[Christien]

I couldn't imagine trying to get into the US without a valid passport. Our border isn't what it used to be. No way I'd even try it, personally. I have thoughts of spending hours in the clink just because they feel like being cruel. My father and I were crossing into Port Huron, MI recently, all docs in order, and the US border guard was as absolutely difficult as he could be. I literally thought he was going to draw his gun on my dad, when my dad asked him to repeat an instruction because he didn't hear him properly. I couldn't imagine what it would've been like if we didn't have proper documentation.

[BeyGon]

It's a good thing we protect that northern border so well, and leave the southern one open. Those Canadians would be down here stealing our women.

[intakexhaust]

In '05 blanked minded, left passport at home and took a flight into Montreal. A little questioning and D.L. was good enough both ways. I think it was a little luck and you never know. On another return trip from Munich, was pulled from a waiting line at the airport and my doc's checked... weird but no biggie.

Also, don't rely on a copy of a birth certificate unless it has a notary imprint.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

Agreed, after 9-11 we are a living in a completely different society now. Take chances like this you might as well be prepared for the worst. I have done a lot of border crossing between Canada and US over the past 15-years and always make sure my docs are in order..you are naive to think some TSA agent will "look the other way".

This ^^^^^^.

Don't do it without a valid passport.

[MRM]

Many of the stories here are old. The law changed a few years ago and is much stricter. You can travel to Canada on just a DL and a birth certificate. This is the least you can get away with. You will be stopped at the border if you do not have the right documents. Period

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Christien

...I couldn't imagine what it would've been like if we didn't have proper documentation.

Midnight Express