Can I enter Canada with orders if I’m ETSing from Alaska?

2020-01-27T13:59:32-05:00

Currently about to be medically retired in Alaska and am looking to drive through Canada back to the lower 48. I don’t have a passport and may not be able to get one in time for my travels. The Canadian border agency’s website says that orders can be used with valid military ID but I won’t have any ID since I’ll be out of the military. Leadership says that ETS orders will be enough without having ID but haven’t seen anything about that online. Any help would be appreciated

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 2:21 PM

2020-01-27T14:21:50-05:00

Yes, have your birth cert and ID if you don’t have a passport.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jan 27 at 2020 2:30 PM

2020-01-27T14:30:08-05:00

What about a passport card instead of the book?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 3:35 PM

2020-01-27T15:35:24-05:00

I still had my ID when I ETSed. You still have it on terminal leave.

Response by CPL Earl Kochis made Jan 27 at 2020 4:07 PM

2020-01-27T16:07:28-05:00

Call a Canadian Border office and ask a Canadian border supervisor what you will need!! Better to get it from them than anyone else!!

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 27 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-01-27T16:19:43-05:00

Unless you were born in Alaska, you should receive orders when you ETS that return you to your state of residence. This should cover you when driving.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-01-27T20:40:25-05:00

If you're retiring you will have a valid retiree ID.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 9:24 AM

2020-01-28T09:24:16-05:00

I’ve driven through Canada twice from Ft. Wainwright, AK. Once in 2016 and again January 2019. As long as you have military orders and a valid picture ID you’ll be just fine.