Community Forums

Sandyboris · 01-07-2006, 04:45 AM

Planing to cross Canada next year. I was told years ago that my Military ID was as good as a passport. Now understand another form of picture ID is required.
Anyone have correct info on this?
Lee

Sandyboris · 01-07-2006, 04:45 AM

Planing to cross Canada next year. I was told years ago that my Military ID was as good as a passport. Now understand another form of picture ID is required.
Anyone have correct info on this?
Lee

Dave Fernandez · 01-07-2006, 06:57 AM

Hello Lee:

I think the best way to avoid any problems is to just get a Passport. They are easy to get and do not need to be renewed for ten years and are the best form of ID when traveling. I know that when we go just into Mexico it is much easier with a passport to return. Enjoy your travels.

Dave

Kablewizard · 01-07-2006, 09:48 AM

I have not been to Canada in years, but I never needed a passport. my Military ID and Drivers license has been good. Maybe someone else can shed some lite.

FC Ontario · 01-07-2006, 03:17 PM

If you are a US citizen, then no passport is required. Need at least two pieces of ID, and one should have a picture on it.The future requirements for passports in about 2007-2008 would be a requirement for RETURNING to the US.
JM2CW

Paul Heuvelhorst · 01-07-2006, 03:46 PM

On our last 3 trips into Canada, after 9/11, we took our passports on the advice we read from US Customs. It has never been a problem, and still isn't, going into Canada. It is the US Customs officers that ask all the questions and ask for your US ID, so the passport takes all the fuss out of the ID portion.

If you routinely carry your birth certificate and a driver's license with your picture on it, that will work, too. For us, the passport made it easiest.

Bushman512003 · 01-07-2006, 05:02 PM

I cross back and forth more than most Driver Lic.and Birth Cert. till 2008 then Passport Maybe!I cross at Sarnia,Sombra,Wallpole,Windsor,and N.Falls,and the SSMarie, all the same so do not get rattled Just speak when asked and say no more than asked and have Your ID in hand ready to hand the Custom Officer if He/She asks for it.And I always say Hellow first.Or good day.I am gone in less than 1min.They just want to do there job..Bushman Eh

Little Kopit · 01-08-2006, 12:02 AM

My understanding is that one will need a passport to enter the United States a year from now, no matter if you are a U.S. citizen. This has been coming for some time.

Yes, I know some deplore it, but that's our modern world.

The reports I hear re. Europe are that quite a few countries no longer stop you at the border, but you had better have all of your paperwork on you, just in case you have need of it. If you get asked and don't have it, look out!!

I think it's about time to dig out the birth certificate to prove I'm a dual, and to get the Canadiian passport for this country. The whole idea of needing two passports is rather

RVDriver · 01-08-2006, 06:33 AM

We went to Canada in 2001 before 9/11, only had drivers license, had a hassel once, other time took 10 min to cross back into USA with MH.

Went to Alaska in 2002, got Passports for wife and I, NO PROBLEMS - less than 2 min, gave agent passports, he took them to computer punched in #'s, returned said have a nice trip. This was both ways, in and out of Canada/Alaska/lower USA.

I would get passports.

Bruce

6MISFITZ · 01-08-2006, 09:28 AM

I second Little Kopit's statement about having need of the American Passport to re-enter USA. When ever crossing borders, it is a good thing to have in case they do ask for more.

When my wife worked for a car dealer in Buffalo NY 2002 - 2005, as a rule of thumb she would take her American Passport with her each day to cross the bridge.

Maybe one day she too will need both passports depending on which way she is going, but for now coming back to Canada, it isn't mandatory!

Mike.

Rich & Zara · 01-08-2006, 10:46 AM

This topic came up last spring ...if any of you would like to revisit, YOU CAN DO SO HERE.

http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1546030763/m/2941043041/p/1

Rich

Lynnvt · 01-09-2006, 03:19 AM

Living in Vermont, we go to Canada a few times a year. We now just bring our passports because it seems easier. Over the last 35 years we have had very little problems crossing. However I did get questioned this last time by the Canadian customs. I have recently renewed my passport by mail. The custom's agent asked me where I got this passport. I told him. He continued to ask questions until he finally passed it under a reader that must expose the hologram on the new passports. It wasn't a long wait but more than usual, maybe 5 minutes. I always wonder if they store information under your license plate number. Then they would have some base information to begin with. This last time I went across on the Rochester/Toronto ferry with a car full of Christmas gifts and furniture for my daughter in Toronto. No problems but a few jokes by the agents.

Little Kopit · 01-09-2006, 04:41 AM

Yes, LynnVT, I've read that lots of information is stored under the license number, especially for those who've been caught doing unlawful stuff. I don't remember speeding tickets being included in that.

In Oct 04, when I pulled up to the Sault Ste. Marie, MI, customs booth, I was told to stay back at a certain point until told otherwise. I've always thought they were scanning my license.

Lynnvt · 01-09-2006, 08:46 AM

Oh, they definitely take a picture of your license plate going in either direction. You are right, that's why you have to stay on the line for a minute.