Dual Citizen child - need US passport for travel?

[simistar 2]

Hi there,

I so apologize if this has been covered - my quick search did not turn up what I'm looking for (and I'm in a rush )

And you guys are always so helpful:-)

We live in the United States (now, used to live in Canada). My son is a Canadian citizen and has a Canadian passport. He JUST (about a month and a half ago) got his US citizenship. Last minute, we now need to travel to Canada next week. My question is...

Can he travel with JUST his Canadian passport (and his Certificate of US Citizenship) - or does he NEED a US passport to get back into the US...?

(he will be traveling with myself, a Canadian citizen and US Permanent Resident and my husband/his dad, an American citizen)

Just wondering since I don't think we have time to get a US passport for him before we'd need to go

Thank you in advance!

[Illiria 980]

Yes, as a us citizen he is required to use a us passport to enter the country

[Lemonslice 4,841]

Yes, as a us citizen he is required to use a us passport to enter the country

Depending on the age of the child, and mode of transportation, proof of citizenship might be sufficient.

Entry into the United States via land and sea

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative

Edited November 14, 2016 by Lemonslice

[simistar 2]

Depending on the age of the child, and mode of transportation, proof of citizenship might be sufficient.

Entry into the United States via land and sea

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative

Thank you Lemonslice:-)

We were planning on flying, given the last-minuteness of the trip... but if MAYBE we will fly into the US close to the border and then drive across if we must... uuugh. Thank you!

Yes, as a us citizen he is required to use a us passport to enter the country

Thank you!

[Nevyna 1]

It is usually less expensive to fly into the neighboring US city and drive across. You should be fine with just the certificate for that. I often fly to Buffalo and just drive across to Toronto. Not so much fun in the winter, but I doubt you are going to get a passport in time. Good luck!

[simistar 2]

Thank you Nevyna!