Question re: US Customs

[Marshall Stack]

Are passports required of Canadian born citizens travelling to the states or is that requirement strictly for landed immigrants? Wondering whether to bother updating my passport or not...

 

[Big Bear]

As someone who travels at least once a month to the US if you don't bring your passport you are asking for trouble in this day and age. Since 9/11 Immigration (which is where the problems are) they are insisting on photo ID and proof of citizenship. You used to be able to do this with a birth certificate and a drivers license but you can get into trouble if they decide to be p***** as technically they can insist that the ID be both photo and proof on one document.

As well it is a lot faster if you have your passport as they simply swipe it to get confirmation.

 

[Marshall Stack]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the heads up. I had a gut feeling about it. As a precaution, I got all the paperwork together (p/p photo, required signature, etc) and I'm heading to the passport office as I type!

Hopefully I'll have it by the end of the month...

 

[indy123]

It is not necessary as the US has a reciprocal agreement with Canada. However it is a good idea to have a passport in this day and age as others have stated.

I last visited Canada Thanksgiving holiday of 2001. Getting into the country was no problem being an American citizen.

Getting back in was another matter. While I did bring my driver's license and birth certificate, I beleive my car would not have been searched had I possessed a valid passport.

As it is I won't be doing any more traveling outside the US until I renew my passport.

 

[papasmerf]

passports uncomplicate things

bring it.

 

[Marshall Stack]

Thanks for all the help guys. What a freakin' line-up it was!!!!!!!! Grrrrrr. Guess I wasn't the only one a little paranoid over border checks.

 

[Kathy P]

When in doubt I say. Better to be able to prove who you are and - as an added bonus - get consular help so the Americanos don't inadvertently ship you to Syria. Ha, ha. Bad joke.

 

[highland_rr]

A friend who is a frequent traveller even recommended I bring my passport to fly within Canada.
Yes - it "uncomplicates" things.
It will probably become a "must have" to get to the States some day.
Get it now and beat the rush!

 

[ocean976124]

It is not necessary as the US has a reciprocal agreement with Canada. However it is a good idea to have a passport in this day and age as others have stated.

I last visited Canada Thanksgiving holiday of 2001. Getting into the country was no problem being an American citizen.

Getting back in was another matter. While I did bring my driver's license and birth certificate, I beleive my car would not have been searched had I possessed a valid passport.

As it is I won't be doing any more traveling outside the US until I renew my passport.

What I found weird was that the last two times I drove to Toronto the Canadian boarder person did not ask me for ID. The US side grilled me pretty good but I find it weird I could get into Canada by only telling them I had no guns in my car.