FlyerTalk Forums - Western Hemisphere Initiative

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Western Hemisphere Initiative

I am unable to get a straight answer from UAL, US customs or Canada Customs regarding the passport requirement. I know that you do need a passport to re-enter the US.

My question is can a Canadian Citizen buy a one-way ticket to Canada from Chicago and just show his driver's license and birth certificate. Passport Canada said they can get back into Canada with just the DL and birth certificate. However, will the airline allow them to board in Chicago without a passport?

I'll move this to the Canada Forum, as I think the members there can be of help in clarifying your question.

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum

I had a simlar problem i wanted to fly some one from sea to ylw. She had a birth certificate and a drivers licence but no passport. When I called alaskan and explained the situation they said she could not fly. I am sure that she could have but the airlines are too risk sensitive because they are on the hook if their passengers are not properly documented and are returned.

Theoretically yes, according to TIMATIC but convincing the GAS is another matter.

Code:

 / 14AUG08 / 0403 UTC







National CANADA (CA)            /Embarkation U.S.A. (US) 

Destination CANADA (CA)         /Visited U.S.A. (US) 





 CANADA (CA)







If departing from the U.S.A.:



Passport or NEXUS Card required.



If departing from any other country:



Passport required.



However, passengers claiming to be Canadian Citizens who



present documents other than a valid Canadian passport (such

as a Canadian Birth Certificate or Certificate of Canadian



Citizenship) will also be granted entry ONLY if, following



an examination by a Canadian Border Services Officer, they



satisfy the officer that they are a Canadian Citizen.





If passport replacing documents do not incorporate photograph,

they should be accompanied by supporting government-issued



photo ID (i.e. driver's licence).



In all cases:

Visa not required.



Minors:

1. Parent(s) travelling with a child under 18 years:

   are strongly advised to hold documentation showing that the



   child is theirs. Parents who are separated or divorced are

   also advised to keep legal and other relevant documents in

   order to clarify custody rights.

2. Children travelling:

   - alone; or

   - with adults that have no legal custody over them:

   are strongly advised to hold letter of travel consent

   signed by legal guardian or parent with legal custody.

   Letter of consent should contain:

   - authorisation to travel; and



   - destination in Canada, stating length of stay; and



   - signor's address and phone details.