Does a U.S. citizen need a passport to visit Canada at this time?

Hi there -- On and after June 1, 2009 you will need either a passport, a passport card, or an enhanced driver's license also denoting the citizenship. Until May 31, 2009 you are good to go with the birth certificate and a driver's license. Here is the website http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbp

AIR TRAVEL All persons traveling by air are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. LAND AND SEA TRAVEL The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. CURRENTLY: All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea. Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. LATER: On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

It depends on how you are planning to travel... are you going by air or by ground/sea? Regardless of where you are coming from, if you are going by air, you will need a passport, no exceptions. If you are going there by ground of sea (for instance, driving or a cruise), then a passport card is what you need. Personally, I think it's always a good idea to have a passport. You certainly don't want to pay a rush fee in the future if you ever want to travel abroad. Besides, it's also the one solid ID that proves everything.

You don't need it IF you're driving "till JUNE 09".You need a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license and your US birth certificate. Keep in mind that on or after June 09 you must present a VALID PASSPORT regardless of your nationality and how you get in here "by land,air or sea"

No you don't need a passport to enter Canada via Land or Sea or go back into the US or Mexico. You can use a birth certificate and a Government Issued Photo ID. Starting June 1st is when everyone will be required to have a passport or passport ID card.