Will we need passports?

[BSwarenson]

The plan is to take a southbound cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver and board an Amtrak train to Portland. This is a last minute plan and my wife and I are U.S citizens who have never had a passport but do have original birth certificates, drivers licenses. Will we need a passport since we are not flying in or out of Canada?

[Fouremco]

 Unless there have been recent changes that I have missed, valid passports, passport cards, and NEXUS or FAST cards satisfy the marine entry requirements for US citizens. Original birth certificates don't meet the requirements, while enhanced drivers licenses are acceptable if issued by a limited number of states, excluding Georgia. 

[dawnvip]

Agree with Fouremco, passport/Nexus/Fast are acceptable forms of ID. See here for more details:

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html

[Middleager]

For the immigration/border agents, those IDs may suffice.

 

But the cruiseline may still require you to show passport. 

[Djsmrs]

Pretty sure if you don't have a passport (and have never had one) you don't have a nexus - so that's not terribly useful advice.   

 

The OP will need a passport to enter Canada on the cruise ship.   From the Canada.ca website

 

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and
• a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

 

The OP is going to have to bite the bullet and have a passport to cross the border from Canada to the US.

Edited April 24 by Djsmrs

[Aqua Cruise]

If you do not have proper documentation for entry to Canada (or any other country when travelling), be prepared for the Cruise Line to turn you away at boarding.

[ski ww]

On 4/17/2024 at 10:11 PM, BSwarenson said:

The plan is to take a southbound cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver and board an Amtrak train to Portland. This is a last minute plan and my wife and I are U.S citizens who have never had a passport but do have original birth certificates, drivers licenses. Will we need a passport since we are not flying in or out of Canada?

You state your cruise is to Vancouver which means you are getting off in Canada, I'm pretty sure you need a passport.

[lwid77]

As a non-citizen you require a passport to enter Canada.  Period.  It doesn't matter how you enter-air, land or sea.

 

[Fouremco]

That might have been true once upon a time, but today there are several options for US residents. As noted previously, those include a passport card, NEXUS/ FAST cards, and Enhanced Drivers Licenses currently issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. While an EDL is valid for sea travel to Canada, it can't be used for air travel

Edited September 1 by Fouremco

[phabric]

Going on a Panama Canal roundtrip out of Ft Lauderdale.  Princess crew member looking after the outside lines, announced only passports were accepted for this cruise.

 

Best to check direct with Princess.

[lwid77]

16 hours ago, Fouremco said:

That might have been true once upon a time, but today there are several options for US residents. As noted previously, those include a passport card, NEXUS/ FAST cards, and Enhanced Drivers Licenses currently issued by the states of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. While an EDL is valid for sea travel to Canada, it can't be used for air travel

I learn something new every day. 

[Fouremco]

1 hour ago, phabric said:

Going on a Panama Canal roundtrip out of Ft Lauderdale.  Princess crew member looking after the outside lines, announced only passports were accepted for this cruise.

 

Best to check direct with Princess.

Yes, unlike Canada, Mexico and many of the Caribbean countries, Panama makes no exception for US citizens. All visitors must have a passport valid for three months beyond the date of arrival.

[MaxThrusters]

If traveling outside your own country, just get a passport. Get a 10-year one if it's offered. Relying on the old pre-9/11 exceptions can be problematic for Canadians traveling to the USA. One border agent in a bad mood can ruin your trip! Fill out the form, pay the fee, and just getting it done well before you go will prevent a whole host of potential problems and relieve uncertainty.