U.S. citizens traveling by land or sea to Canada are not required to have a passport when entering the country. Proof of identification, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship is all that is needed, according to the U.S. Department of State Service of the Bureau of Counsular Affairs. For re-entry back into the United States, a Nexus card, passport or an enhanced driver's license must be presented. U.S. citizens under the age of 16 are only required to present a photocopy or their original birth certificate. Passports are required for entering or exiting Canada or the United States when traveling via air.
Irish citizens can travel between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom without a passport, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland. If you are planning on flying between these countries, however, be sure to carry photo identification; some airlines flying into the United Kingdom require a photo ID upon boarding. Irish citizens must present a passport if traveling to any other European Union country outside of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Plan in advance when traveling, as it takes an average of six weeks for a passport application to process in Ireland.
Signed in 1985, the Schengen Agreement was created by members of the European Union, allowing for 90 days of continuous travel without having to show your passport when entering or leaving a Schengen country, according to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. A total of 25 European countries signed the agreement, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. When traveling within these counties, there is little to no border control or checkpoints. If you are a U.S. citizen, a passport that is valid for at least four months is required upon entry into the Schengen areas. The United Kingdom is not a participant in the Schenegen Agreement; a passport is required when entering and leaving this country, unless you are an Irish citizen.
