Can someone from Illinois visit Canada without getting a passport?
Yes, provided your friend is not planning to fly back to the U.S. from Canada. For that a passport is required. But she must obtain more ID than a drivers license and a birth certificate. Also, she may not have a criminal record, including misdemeanors and alcohol related offenses. The US Department of State web page (Canada) summarizes the entry requirements for people visiting and returning from Canada, and provides links to various government web sites for more detailed information. Here is the pertinent info: Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Entry into the United States: When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens are required by U.S. law to present a U.S. passport book. A few exceptions to this rule and a full list of documents that can be used at land and sea borders are provided on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. If she intends to travel to Canada frequently, I strongly recommend getting a NEXUS card. (Trusted Traveler Programs) It makes everything easier.