Vancouver Canada Entry Rules: Is a Passport Required?

You’re planning a trip to Vancouver and suddenly you pause: do you need a passport to go to Vancouver?

If you’re American, this one comes up a lot – especially with how close cities like Seattle and Portland are.

What if you’re driving across the border? What if you’re flying in from Europe or Asia?

What about kids?

Let’s break it all down – no fluff, just facts.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Vancouver Canada?

If you’re an American citizen or from another foreign country, yes – you’ll need a valid passport to enter Vancouver.

For other travellers, here’s a quick look:

Passport Requirements for Top Tourism Countries to Canada

• 🇺🇸 United States: No passport required by land or sea (use enhanced driver’s license, birth certificate + photo ID); a passport is required by air.
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Yes, a valid passport is required; also need an eTA for air travel.
• 🇫🇷 France: Yes, a valid passport is required; also need an eTA for air travel.
• 🇲🇽 Mexico: Yes, a valid passport is required; plus a visa to enter Canada.
• 🇩🇪 Germany: Yes, a valid passport is required; also need an eTA for air travel.
• 🇦🇺 Australia: Yes, a valid passport is required; also need an eTA for air travel.
• 🇯🇵 Japan: Yes, a valid passport is required; also need an eTA for air travel.
• 🇨🇳 China: Yes, a valid passport is required; plus a visa to enter Canada.
• 🇮🇳 India: Yes, a valid passport is required; usually a visa (eTA only in limited cases).
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Yes, a valid passport is required; also need an eTA for air travel.
• 🇮🇹 Italy: Yes, a valid passport is required; eTA needed for air travel.
• 🇪🇸 Spain: Yes, a valid passport is required; eTA needed for air travel.
• 🇸🇪 Sweden: Yes, a valid passport is required; eTA needed for air travel.
• 🇰🇷 South Korea: Yes, a valid passport is required; eTA needed for air travel.

For those not in the know, the eTA is Canada’s electronic travel authorization program – you’ll need to apply online before you leave home.

Also, there are some exceptions depending on how you’re getting there… so let’s get into that.

🛬 Flying into Vancouver

If you’re arriving by air, you must have a valid U.S. passport. No passport card. No NEXUS-only. A full passport book is non-negotiable at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

I’ve seen people turned around at the gate for showing up with the wrong document—don’t be that person.

🚗 Driving to Vancouver (or taking a ferry)

Here’s where it gets a little easier. If you’re crossing the border by land (like at Peace Arch or Pacific Highway), or taking the ferry from somewhere like Port Angeles, you can use:

• A passport book
• A passport card
• An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) (only available in a few U.S. states)
• A NEXUS card (great for speeding things up if you’re enrolled)

I use the NEXUS program, a pre-approved system for low-risk travellers, and it’s a game-changer.

You’ll get shorter lines and quicker interviews on balance.

But, you have to apply months in advance and do an interview, so it’s not a last-minute thing and best for frequent travellers.

📱 My Quick Tip:

Print your hotel confirmation.

Even though they probably won’t ask, Canadian border agents often want to know where you’re staying.

One time I said “downtown somewhere” and got pulled aside for extra questions. Lesson learned.

What About Americans Going on a Day Trip?

Even if you’re just heading to Vancouver for a few hours on a day trip from Seattle, you still need proper documents. There’s no “quick hop across the border” without ID.

Also, you’ll need those same documents to get back into the U.S.

U.S. Customs won’t let you re-enter without proof of citizenship and identity—so don’t think you can get away with a driver’s license and a smile.

If you’re doing a cruise stop or a day trip to Victoria from Seattle, double-check your documents. Some U.S.-based cruises require full passports to board—even if you’re not flying.

Do Kids Need Passports to Visit Vancouver?

Yes, if they’re flying to Vancouver from abroad.

For land or sea entry, children under 16 only need a birth certificate (original or copy).

But honestly? I recommend bringing a passport for everyone if you can. It avoids weird conversations at the border.

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For Non-Americans Visiting Vancouver: What You’ll Need

Again, visitors from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea need:

• A valid passport
• An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if flying into Vancouver

It’s easy to apply for an eTA online, usually takes just a few minutes, and costs around $7.00 CAD.

🇲🇽 Mexican visitors also need a passport and eTA, but no visa for short visits.

🇨🇳 Chinese citizens generally need a visa. There are limited visa-free options for travelers with U.S. or Canadian visas, but it’s case-by-case. Always check with your nearest Canadian consulate.

Final Word on Passports Needed for Vancouver

If you’re American, yes – you’ll need a passport to get into Vancouver, especially by air. By land or sea, you’ve got a couple of other options, but they still require proper government-issued documents. No cutting corners.

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll almost always need a passport and an eTA unless you’re from a visa-required country.

Got more questions? Leave a comment or reach out on socials. I’m always happy to help over at Vancouver Planner.