Combo card rejected at Peace river Canada crossing....

[NikLR 13,227]

States on cbsa and cbp website it states you need an EDL, passport or passport card for either USC, LPR, CPR, or CDN citizen.

[Caryh 5,206]

There's no doubt that a passport is supposed to be required especially by air, I don't think they will let you on the plane without one. But I believe on a land crossing, which is what the op was doing, they cannot deny a US citizen entry because a USC has the right to be here. They can detain you (and hassle you) until they find out, but they have to find out either way before turning you around.

I know I've read a post here regarding this scenario, but I can't find it. A USC lost their passport while in Canada and attempted entry with just their license, they were held in secondary until their info could be verified, but they were allowed entry.

You should look into what happens at the border to Americans of Mexican descent that find themselves trying to return from south of the border without their passport. Getting turned away is not an uncommon occurrence. Granted if you're white, speak English with no accent, and are not a smart azz, you're probably going to get in, after going through a certain amount of hassle. But don't be a naturalized citizen or a minority trying to do the same. Hopefully you have a friend or family member on the right side of the border that can access and bring enough documents to get you in.

[Teddy B 17,252]

You should look into what happens at the border to Americans of Mexican descent that find themselves trying to return from south of the border without their passport. Getting turned away is not an uncommon occurrence. Granted if you're white, speak English with no accent, and are not a smart azz, you're probably going to get in, after going through a certain amount of hassle. But don't be a naturalized citizen or a minority trying to do the same. Hopefully you have a friend or family member on the right side of the border that can access and bring enough documents to get you in.

I'm sure there is much more scrutiny at the Mexican border compared to the Canadian border, always has been.

[PabloGarcia 36]

You should look into what happens at the border to Americans of Mexican descent that find themselves trying to return from south of the border without their passport. Getting turned away is not an uncommon occurrence. Granted if you're white, speak English with no accent, and are not a smart azz, you're probably going to get in, after going through a certain amount of hassle. But don't be a naturalized citizen or a minority trying to do the same. Hopefully you have a friend or family member on the right side of the border that can access and bring enough documents to get you in.

As an american of "Mexican" descent ive never had any problems getting back into the USA with a passport.

[f&c 50]

Sure a combo card shows intent to immigrate to the US, but it does not show that your immigration petition has been approved, there's a big difference between the two.

I believe passports have been required by US citizens to enter Canada since 2009 for land crossings, even earlier (2007?) if by plane. You were very fortunate if you were allowed entry to Canada with only your drivers license.

Correct. American citizens need a passport to enter Canada. I ordered one for my baby daughter, so we can go to Canada in the event my wife's AOS is approved. My wife will not need a visa to enter Canada, as they accept American LPRs.

[f&c 50]

Ah! The good old days when the border agents would wave you in on a smile alone...

Haha...happened to my wife in 2008 and is now giving us both a major headache.

[chanhungli 6]

So the point of this story is - combo card is not good enough to enter Canada- you must have a green card with stamp or a visa to enter. I hope this helps someone in the future who asks this question.

Regards,

[Teddy B 17,252]

So the point of this story is - combo card is not good enough to enter Canada- you must have a green card with stamp or a visa to enter. I hope this helps someone in the future who asks this question.

Regards,

A US green card will not get you entry to Canada on it's own, you must also have a passport. A US green card eliminates the need for a tourist visa to enter Canada, but a passport is still needed.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Teddy B

[Teddy B 17,252]

A US green card will not get you entry to Canada on it's own, you must also have a passport. A US green card eliminates the need for a tourist visa to enter Canada, but a passport is still needed.

To correct this post, a US green card will gain you entry to Canada on it's own, if you enter Canada directly from the US, no passport needed. But a passport is needed for re-entry to the US, so it's not a wise idea to travel anywhere without a passport.

[Pitaya 2,577]

From CIC site Q/A:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=593&t=16

[Lemonslice 4,838]

To correct this post, a US green card will gain you entry to Canada on it's own, if you enter Canada directly from the US, no passport needed. But a passport is needed for re-entry to the US, so it's not a wise idea to travel anywhere without a passport.

That is right if you travel by land or sea. A passport will be required to board a flight with an airline (but you could fly to any airport close to the border and rent a car). Entry to Canada: cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html#_s2a - Entry to the US: www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/whti_state_factsheet.pdf