New Passport Rules

[Blade]

Hi everyone,

Thinking of going on a road trip to Buffalo, and I know the passport rules change on June 1st.

Just wondering : is a passport an absolute must have, or have are they still letting you cross with a birth certificate / drivers license?

I would probably cross at either the Queenston/Lewiston bridge or the Peace Bridge.

If anyone has recent info, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Blade

 

[papasmerf]

Pretty much so a passport or NEXUS card.

 

[fuji]

If you try and cross without a passport they are still being a little lenient, but prepare yourself for an earful.

They will automatically divert your car for "random inspection" and most probably search it, give you a bit of a lecture, but if you have other credible ID they will probably eventually let you go if you are a good sport and put up with all the crap they dish out.

I'm guessing they then flag your file as having got a warning about the passport and next time you'll be denied.

It's also quite possible that they won't like the look of you and turn your back--so it's a gamble.

But yes they are still letting some through without, just dishing out the 3rd degree.

If you have time go apply for the passport. If you can honestly tell the border guard that you have applied for one and you're waiting for it back--and show him the little slip indicating that you have--they will more likely give you a break.

Plus you'll need the damn thing from now on anyway.

 

[ig-88]

Back in June when the rule came into effect, they were handing out nasty-grams, these pamphlets that said you are not in compliance.

I would think that by now, the grace period has expired.

 

[Gyaos]

Just wondering : is a passport an absolute must have, or have are they still letting you cross with a birth certificate / drivers license?

Make sure your camper goes in the "coach" line, not the "bus" line.

Gyaos Baltar.

 

[Blade]

Thanks everyone, sounds like its best to get the passport.

I think the wait time is only 2 weeks now.

Thanks again,

Blade

 

[spankingman]

The US Passport rule is also having a negative affect on Tourism in Ontario ie Niagara Area which is down 30-40% right now. A family of four would pay almost 400.00 for passports to visit Canada.

I don't understand the logic of US Customs of making their own citizens require passports to re enter the US !!!!!! If you can show proof of residency and birth that should be it. Passports are SUPPOSED to be used when entering a FOREIGN Country I believe.

 

[ig-88]

The US Passport rule is also having a negative affect on Tourism in Ontario ie Niagara Area which is down 30-40% right now. A family of four would pay almost 400.00 for passports to visit Canada.

I don't understand the logic of US Customs of making their own citizens require passports to re enter the US !!!!!! If you can show proof of residency and birth that should be it. Passports are SUPPOSED to be used when entering a FOREIGN Country I believe.

Birth certificates don't have as much authenticity features as a passport, and a birth certificate doesn't provide any background information.

 

[Aardvark154]

I don't understand the logic of US Customs of making their own citizens require passports to re enter the US !!!!!! If you can show proof of residency and birth that should be it. Passports are SUPPOSED to be used when entering a FOREIGN Country I believe.

For the entire time I've been traveling when you arrive on an aircraft from overseas you've had to show a passport when reentering Canada or the U.S. (and thats been for awhile).

A family of four would pay almost 400.00 for passports to visit Canada.

Which is why the U.S. has come up with the passport card for those only traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribean - which costs far less.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

 

[spankingman]

For the entire time I've been traveling when you arrive on an aircraft from overseas you've had to show a passport when reentering Canada or the U.S.Which is why the U.S. has come up with the passport card for those only traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribean - which costs far less.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

Just quoting what a guy from NYC said on the 600 pm news last night when interviewed. cOST HIM 400.00 BUCKS.

 

[Aardvark154]

Just quoting what a guy from NYC said on the 600 pm news last night when interviewed. cOST HIM 400.00 BUCKS.

For whatever reason they must have decided to get passports rather than passport cards. Perhaps they plan to travel to somewhere outside the passport card zone sometime within the life of the passports.

 

[onthebottom]

The US Passport rule is also having a negative affect on Tourism in Ontario ie Niagara Area which is down 30-40% right now. A family of four would pay almost 400.00 for passports to visit Canada.

I don't understand the logic of US Customs of making their own citizens require passports to re enter the US !!!!!! If you can show proof of residency and birth that should be it. Passports are SUPPOSED to be used when entering a FOREIGN Country I believe.

No, they pretty much want to see mine every-time I go home....

OTB