Crossing the US-Canada Border by Ferry: Current Document Requirements
Passport Is Now Required
Correction: Since June 1, 2009 (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative), a passport (or approved alternative) is mandatory for all travelers—including US and Canadian citizens—entering the US by land or sea, including ferries.
Accepted Documents for US Entry by Ferry
- US Citizens: US Passport Book, US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL — MI, MN, NY, VT, WA only), Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), Military ID + orders, Merchant Mariner Document.
- Canadian Citizens: Canadian Passport, Enhanced Driver's License (ON, QC, MB, BC), NEXUS/FAST card, Secure Certificate of Indian Status.
- Other Nationals: Passport + valid US visa/ESTA (unless visa-exempt).
What Doesn't Work Anymore
- Standard driver's license + birth certificate (pre-2009 standard)
- Government photo ID alone
- Baptismal certificate, hospital birth record, etc.
Major Ferry Routes Affected
- Victoria, BC ↔ Port Angeles, WA (Black Ball / Coho)
- Vancouver, BC ↔ Seattle, WA (Victoria Clipper — seasonal)
- Saint John, NB ↔ Bar Harbor, ME (The Cat — seasonal)
- Yarmouth, NS ↔ Bar Harbor, ME (The Cat — seasonal)
- Various Great Lakes ferries (limited current service)
Special Cases
- Children <16: US/CA citizens may use birth certificate (original/copy) for land/sea entry—but passport strongly recommended.
- Closed-loop cruises: US citizens on cruises beginning/ending at same US port may use birth certificate + government photo ID (but passport required if emergency diversion to foreign port).
- NEXUS: Dedicated lanes at some ferry terminals (e.g., Victoria→Port Angeles).
Official Sources
Bottom Line
Get a passport (book or card) or EDL. It's cheaper than a disrupted trip. The "no passport needed" advice is dangerously outdated.
Wanderlust World