Can I Travel to Canada With a Green Card Without a Passport? [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: No—you must present a valid passport when entering Canada, even with a U.S. Green Card. However, Green Card holders can visit Canada visa-free if arriving by land/sea with an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or NEXUS card. Always check IRCC’s latest entry rules before traveling.

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Do Green Card Holders Need a Passport to Enter Canada?

Yes, a passport is mandatory for air travel to Canada. While U.S. permanent residents enjoy visa-exempt status, border officers require proof of nationality and identity. The only exceptions apply to land/sea crossings with alternative documents.

Key facts:

• Air travel: Valid passport + Green Card required (no exceptions)
• Land/sea travel: EDL, NEXUS, or FAST card accepted instead of passport
• Children: Must follow the same rules as adults
• Expired documents: Will result in denied entry

According to IRCC’s official visitor entry requirements{:target="_blank"}, all travelers must present an IRCC-accepted travel document.

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What Documents Can Green Card Holders Use to Cross Into Canada?

Five documents are accepted for land/sea entry:

1. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
2. NEXUS card
3. Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
4. U.S. passport card
5. Tribal photo ID (approved tribes only)

For air travel:

• Only a valid passport book meets requirements
• Airlines enforce this during check-in (per CBSA regulations{:target="_blank"})

Pro tip: Use Evola’s Immigration Success Predictor{:target="_blank"} to check if you qualify for NEXUS—it speeds up border crossings significantly.

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How Long Can Green Card Holders Stay in Canada?

Most visitors get 6 months’ stay upon entry. Border officers determine the exact duration at your port of entry. Overstaying can lead to:

• Future entry bans
• Fines up to CAD $50,000
• Removal orders

To extend your stay, apply online via IRCC’s visitor record portal{:target="_blank"} before your status expires.

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Can I Work or Study in Canada With Just a Green Card?

No—a Green Card alone doesn’t permit work/study. You’ll need:

• Work: Job offer + LMIA or LMIA-exempt work permit
• Study: Acceptance letter from a DLI + study permit
• Business: Temporary resident visa for meetings

Evola’s CRS Calculator{:target="_blank"} helps Green Card holders explore permanent residency options if considering longer-term relocation.

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What Happens If I Forget My Passport?

You’ll be denied boarding (air) or entry (land/sea). Emergency options:

1. At airports: Contact CBP’s deferred inspection sites
2. At land borders: Request a limited 72-hour entry (discretionary)
3. By sea: Cruise lines may deny boarding

Always carry:

• Green Card (original)
• Second photo ID
• Printed copy of your I-797 receipt notice

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Final Checklist for Green Card Holders Traveling to Canada

✅ For air travel: Valid passport + Green Card
✅ For land/sea: EDL/NEXUS + Green Card
✅ Proof of ties to U.S. (lease, utility bills, employment letter)
✅ Return ticket (if flying)
✅ COVID-19 documents (if required—check travel.gc.ca{:target="_blank"})

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