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bstone · Jan 23, 2007, 06:43 PM

With all these new passport rules I am trying to figure this one out. I read that come Jan 28, 2007 one will need a passport to go to/from Canada. I am driving there in a few days for a visit. Did I read correctly that I am ok driving, for now, but only need the passport if I fly?

Thanks...

ShortcutToMoncton · Jan 23, 2007, 06:59 PM

That's the way it is going from here to the States, so I assume you also only need your passport if you're flying when going the other way.

greg

GSixZero · Jan 23, 2007, 07:14 PM

Even if a passport is not required, proof of citizenship or permanent resident status is. That usually means having proof of where you were born (birth certificate, etc) and a photo ID.

If I were you, I'd bring your passport.

Zeeb · Jan 23, 2007, 07:43 PM

My Mom goes back and forth to Canada for now with a birth certificate and her driver's license--though she has her passport application in. I've always used my passport. Entering Canada is easy and the officials are generally polite--and wish you a good stay. Leaving Canada and going back into the U.S. it seems almost every homeland security official is a complete a-hole. Extremely rude and you're frequently hassled for no reason crossing back-- and I've yet to hear one say, "Hello" or "Have a nice day".

The Godfather · Jan 23, 2007, 10:24 PM

The rule applies to terrestrial border crossing in Jan 2008.

For air travel, passport is required to enter back to the U.S. starting today. I foresee millions of spring breakers getting the anal probing by DHS at the end of their vacation this year.

Monique · Jan 24, 2007, 04:33 PM

Don't risk it. I do not understand why an adult does not have a passport nowadays.

Even when I did not planned to go to Europe, I decided to have one. One of the best decision I ever took.

andi*pandi · Jan 24, 2007, 04:45 PM

We crossed the canada border by car two years ago and had our passports, even for our son. I thought we had to. ?

Mastrap · Jan 24, 2007, 05:40 PM

Not yet - but it's a good idea.

Just for the record, I've found US border officials mostly ok so far.

Railroader · Jan 24, 2007, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by Monique

I do not understand why an adult does not have a passport nowadays.

I don't have plans to leave the country anymore, hence I don't need a passport. The USA is large enough and diverse enough that I probably won't even see all of it.

Why waste my money.

All of your traveling hasn't seemed to have made you tolerant at all. Actually, you seem to spout very racist and xenophobic statements more than anyone on this board. Other than a certain bone headed member.

residentEvil · 06:55 PM

yes; you will need a passport for border crossings by car.

however, at the two detroit area crossings, they are working on another solution just because our situation is unique (those that live in one country and work in the other; plus both sides take to each others entertainment). passports are consider to be discriminate because many americans (in detroit remember) can't afford them. the detroit area community is up in arms about it.

course my answer is, if you can't afford it, stop going over to their casino and bars then. if you can afford that, you can afford the ~$80 passport fees.

to avoid any possible conflicts, it is highly recommended to get the damn passport and be done with it. it makes life much easier for everyone, specially those behind in line waiting to drive through.

the OFFICIAL requirement:

A separate proposed rule addressing land and sea travel will be published at a later date with specific requirements for travelers entering the United States through land and sea border crossings. As early as Jan.1, 2008, citizens traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security to enter the United States.

taken from: Passport Requirement for Air Travel Begins Today - CBP.gov

the "other documents as determined by..." was in most part because of the citizens in the greater metro detroit and buffalo areas.

Mastrap · Jan 25, 2007, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by Railroader

Why waste my money.

I agree and disagree with you at the same time. The US, for all it's diversity, is still the US. I feel the same about Canada, just for the record.

When you travel, for example, from Italy to Sweden you'll experience far greater differences in culture and lifestyle than you can ever experience by staying within US borders - not that there's anything wrong with that if that's your choice.

AKcrab · Jan 25, 2007, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by residentEvil

yes; you will need a passport for border crossings by car.

This new law sucks.

Contact your elected officials and express your displeasure. I did.

The Godfather · Jan 25, 2007, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by AKcrab

This new law sucks.

Contact your elected officials and express your displeasure. I did.

You contacted your officials with that argument?

Mastrap · Jan 25, 2007, 06:56 AM

What are you saying?

Railroader · Jan 25, 2007, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I agree and disagree with you at the same time. The US, for all it's diversity, is still the US. I feel the same about Canada, just for the record.

When you travel, for example, from Italy to Sweden you'll experience far greater differences in culture and lifestyle than you can ever experience by staying within US borders - not that there's anything wrong with that if that's your choice.

Thank you. It's nice to see someone respect someone's tastes. And if someone wants to try to visit every continent and learn as many languages as they want to because the want to, I think that's cool as well.

dlefebvre · Jan 25, 2007, 08:45 AM

I'va had a Passport for 12 years and I mostly go to the States a few times a year. The few hours it takes once every five years is worth it, considering how it makes life so much easier.

Timo · Jan 25, 2007, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Zeeb

My Mom goes back and forth to Canada for now with a birth certificate and her driver's license--though she has her passport application in. I've always used my passport. Entering Canada is easy and the officials are generally polite--and wish you a good stay. Leaving Canada and going back into the U.S. it seems almost every homeland security official is a complete a-hole. Extremely rude and you're frequently hassled for no reason crossing back-- and I've yet to hear one say, "Hello" or "Have a nice day".

This also has been my experience with border crossings between the US and Canada since the 80s, (i.e., you can't blame it on September 11th, IMO).

Dark Helmet · Jan 25, 2007, 10:01 AM

I never risk it when traveling anywhere. You don't want to get half way there and run into problems or turned back.

Getting a passport isn't that big a deal and it is very good to have.

andi*pandi · Jan 25, 2007, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Railroader

Thank you. It's nice to see someone respect someone's tastes. And if someone wants to try to visit every continent and learn as many languages as they want to because the want to, I think that's cool as well.

There's really nothing out there in the big world you'd like to see? I've seen a lot of America, and love it, but have really enjoyed outside travel to new places, new terrain, new foods. I'm not even that adventuresome. (I'm not judging, I'm just really surprised.)

Rumor · Jan 25, 2007, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by andi*pandi

There's really nothing out there in the big world you'd like to see? I've seen a lot of America, and love it, but have really enjoyed outside travel to new places, new terrain, new foods. I'm not even that adventuresome. (I'm not judging, I'm just really surprised.)

In another thread he was talking about being in Brazil or Argentina (I think) before.

Rail, you've travelled abroad before right?