Passport when travelling by land from Canada to the U.S.

[MikeVic]

I know I've heard about this being passed sometime soon, but I never know when. Does anyone know when (with proof) I will need a passport just to drive down to North Dakota from Manitoba?

Thanks in advance.

[Alan T]

I don't have proof yet (I will try to look it up), however my sister lives over the border in Quebec and my mother drives back and forth all the time. I believe we had on our calenders Jan. 16th that she needed her passport by (I already have mine due to my international travel). I'll double check though for you.

[cartman]

Looks like June 1, 2009 for travelers arriving by land or sea will need a passport, but the date hasn't been set in stone yet. If you fly, it is in a few weeks, Jan. 23rd.

hxxp://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/LIVING03/612310343/-1/ZONES04

[Honolulu_Blue]

You don't need a passport when travelling between the U.S. and Canada. Lady H_B heads over to Windsor to study with her study group once every two weeks and never brings her passport. That said, there was a dick of a border guard (Canadian side) that gave her grief about not having a passport.

[Alan T]

just looked it up. I was wrong on all kinds of counts. I was off a week, it is Jan 23rd however this site says its only air travel needing it by then.

They list Jan 1 2008 for land travel.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

[miami_fan]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html


Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

[Alan T]

You don't need a passport when travelling between the U.S. and Canada. Lady H_B heads over to Windsor to study with her study group once every two weeks and never brings her passport. That said, there was a dick of a border guard (Canadian side) that gave her grief about not having a passport.

Thats all changing soon. Everyone will be required to have a passport for international travel even by land. Looks like Jan 1, 2008 is the date for that

[Simms]

Without trying to read all the fine print myself, can anybody tell me if this works in both directions?

My kids (American-born) and I (Canadian-born w/ an American mother) are all dual-citizens, while my wife (American) lived with us in Canada long enough to acquire Permanent Resident status but we moved back in July -- before the 3 years required for her to apply for citizenship. We all have U.S. Passports, but none of the three of us that are eligible (me and my kids) have a Canadian one. I've always just used my birth certificate and the kids have government-issued Citizenship Cards/Certificates.

Do I need to start working on Canadian passport applications?

[MikeVic]

Thanks guys! I should be safe travelling to North Dakota or Minnesota sometime this spring.

[NoSkillz]

Without trying to read all the fine print myself, can anybody tell me if this works in both directions?

My kids (American-born) and I (Canadian-born w/ an American mother) are all dual-citizens, while my wife (American) lived with us in Canada long enough to acquire Permanent Resident status but we moved back in July -- before the 3 years required for her to apply for citizenship. We all have U.S. Passports, but none of the three of us that are eligible (me and my kids) have a Canadian one. I've always just used my birth certificate and the kids have government-issued Citizenship Cards/Certificates.

Do I need to start working on Canadian passport applications?

As someone who crosses the border about three times a week for Sabres games, I'm under the impression that your American passports will suffice.

[NoSkillz]

Dola,

I have an expired Canadian passport and have just been using my driver's license along with my birth certificate when crossing. I've never been hassled about it.

However, I found it interesting when I used the same tactic when going on my honeymoon to Hawaii in October. The customs officer told me about the new regulation going into effect for air travel in 2007 and actually said that an expired passport would have been acceptable (but not preferred, obviously).

[MacroGuru]

When I was up in the Buffalo area and headed over to Canada with the wife, the customs agent was a dick about me not having my passport, I was actually upset and bit back a few harsh comments to him because I didn't want to risk the anal probe....,

[Alan T]

When I was up in the Buffalo area and headed over to Canada with the wife, the customs agent was a dick about me not having my passport, I was actually upset and bit back a few harsh comments to him because I didn't want to risk the anal probe....,

I go back and forth to Canada by land maybe 10-15 times a year, and never have been asked for a passport before. (never even asked for my birth certificate or anything other than my license).

What is funny, is my girlfriend the last time we went was not really harassed, but after giving her license, they did come back and ask if she had a passport and any other information.

The difference: I am a middle-aged caucasian male, she is a hispanic female.

Not making any accusations, but her and i have joked about it many times since.

[timmae]

You don't need a passport when travelling between the U.S. and Canada. Lady H_B heads over to Windsor to study with her study group once every two weeks and never brings her passport. That said, there was a dick of a border guard (Canadian side) that gave her grief about not having a passport.

I hear they have some wonderful cigars of the cuban variety in good ole' Windsor;)

That and the strip joints are the only reason to go there me thinks.