A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person's identity and citizenship and is accepted for air, land and sea travel. According to travel.state.gov, U.S. passports are valid 10 years for adults and five years for children under the age of 15. It is recommended that passports are renewed nine months prior to expiry date.
The Nexus card is identification issued to pre-screened travelers. It expedites processing by U.S. and Canadian officials. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the Nexus card is for pre-approved, low-risk travelers who frequently cross U.S. and Canadian borders by land, sea or air. The Nexus card can be used in place of a passport.
The Canadian Border Services Agency does not require American citizens to carry a passport to enter Canada. However, proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization and photo identification is required.
According to the U.S. Embassy, American adults 16 years of age or older will require a document complying with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) for all air, land and sea entries into the United States. The WHTI requires American travelers to present a valid passport or Nexus card when entering the United States by air. A U.S. passport, passport card, EDL or Nexus card is required when entering back into the U.S. by land or sea.
WHTI's goal is to strengthen U.S. border security. Those who choose to travel without a proper identification will be detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in an attempt to verify identity and citizenship.
U.S. children do not require passports when traveling to Canada. According to the U.S. Embassy, children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificates or a proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card in lieu of a passport. According to CBSA, parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents and a letter of authorization from the other custodial parent.
Children ages 16 to 18 traveling with a school, religious group, social organization or sports team can enter back into the United States under adult supervision with original or copies of their birth certificates or proof of citizenship.
