Crossing the border

[ac777]

DO I need a passport to get to canada? Friend Invited me and my wife to his cabin, and said you only need birth cert and id. is this true? I have heard both ways.

[MN Mike]

To get into Canada, no a passport it is not required BUT to get back into the States, yes, it is required these days.

Mike

[LegattoAD]

To get into Canada, no a passport it is not required BUT to get back into the States, yes, it is required these days.

Wonder what your recourse would be if someone managed to pull that off? Road trip to the embassy?

[white80a]

just got back from a trip where a guy didn't have his passport. he made it through ok but he did apply for one just didn't recive it in time

[BobT]

The law was changed in 2009 to require a passport for re-entry into the US. Canada has also tightened up its security as well. If someone managed to go across and back without approved documentation (driver's license and/or birth certificate are no longer acceptable) then they should consider themselves lucky. I wouldn't try it. At the very least you'll create a real headache for yourself, especially if you got into Canada and then wanted to get back home.

You don't need a full passport. There is a US Passport card that is acceptable for crossing and costs less than a passport.

There is also a NEXUS card but I don't know the specifics about this card.

[magnum mike]

The process for the passport card is the same as a passport. The cost is half of a passport but they last half as long (5 years). If you plan on traveling across U.S. borders regularly, I suggest the passport. The only other benefit of a passport card is it fits in a wallet.

[delcecchi]

Some states have gone to the "enhanced driver's license" which eliminates the need for passport. Minnesota is NOT one of those states.

[pooly_31]

If you need to get back into the states and don't have a passport all you do is step into the office at the border and they ask some questions and document it as a "non compliance" crossing and send you on your way. They cannot deny your reentry as long as you can show you are an american, ie drivers license, birth certificate, etc.

[rugbymn]

It all depends on the border crossing and the current mood of the officers working there. Once, our entire bus was detained for 6 hours while everyone (40 people) was individually questioned. Once when we were in a car (fall of 2010) they just asked us what our business was in Canuckistan and they waved us through. Personally, I've never had to show more than my drivers license to pass back and forth. Others have not been so fortunate.

It's best to bring a birth cert, drivers license, and passport just to cover your bases.

[BobT]

Quote:

They cannot deny your reentry as long as you can show you are an american, ie drivers license, birth certificate, etc.

Not so sure about that. I think they can deny entry even if you do have a passport under various circumstances.

Want to risk spending an afternoon or night at the border while trying to convince them to let you cross because you don't have proper documents, be my guest but I'll use my passport.

The following quote comes from the US Department of State HSOforum. If some crossings are not following this order then I'd say they are potentially increasing risk to our country and should be removed from their post.

Quote:

For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens will need to present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.

[jwmiller33]

Tons of good first hand information in this thread:

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/703719/13/Border_Crossing_FAQ_including_

[jac714]

If you are a US citizen you have the right of return, it may not be very convenient without the right documents but if you can prove you are a US citizen you can always come home. It may be via some holding cell at a Border Patrol Station but you can come home.

[BobT]

I suppose one could walk or swim across like they do on our southern border.

Good thing is there's no fence.

[Down Deep]

Last February I reentered the US at I-Falls with a guy that didn't have a passport. He had to go into the customs office and answers questions and was given an entry pass. Wasn't all that bad except that he had to wait in line for about and 1 hour while they processed the people that were already in there for duty, inspections and such. The thing I would do is call the border you are going to cross and ask what the process is. Having a passport smooths the way for everyone concerned.

You can pay extra for an expidited passport or card and you will have it in a week or so.

[NoWiser]

Definitely get the expedited passport. The last two years both sides have asked for a passport every time I have crossed. Canada may not require it, but would probably be suspicious if you didn't have one. A couple times I have tried just handing them my D.L. but they always ask for the passport, too.

Sitting in customs for 3 hours when you are excited to get fishing, or trying to get home is not my idea of fun. Getting dragged into the interrogation room with all the blinds closed and lights off while your truck is getting ripped apart is even less fun.

Then again if you have plenty of time on your hands and like a little risk, I wouldn't be overly concerned about heading up there without one. You will get back here eventually, it just might not be a lot of fun for awhile.

[Ed Carlson]

DO I need a passport to get to Canada? Friend Invited me and my wife to his cabin, and said you only need birth cert and id. is this true? I have heard both ways.

There are a lot of things to be aware of before you try it.

Passports are required or the passport lite card to make it in and out smoothly, and then only if no hitch's pop up on your record.

Potential Hitch's: A DUI in the past 10 years will flag you going into Canada no matter what, passport or not. A conviction within 5 years they spin you around on the spot, 5 - 10 years you may get a pass...maybe...but it will be a hassle after some extensive Q&A and records research for sure. If any old drug charges or weapons related charges pop up....this will get you extra special attention real quickly. Not the good type of special attention either.

And...NEVER...EVER...EVER...smart off to the border patrol people going either way..EVER....that's bad...they can and will make your trip really uncomfortable and long if you do. Be nice, answer all questions with the assumption they already know the answer...and be nice!

[ac777]

I have a clean record, so that wont be a problem. I will try an dget my card or passport, as I have over a month, just was wondering if it was necessary and what would happen if it didn't come in time.

[Ed Carlson]

If you expedite (pay an extra fee) for the lite card it should be there in 4 - 5 weeks or less. Even if it is not, you can prove it is on the way...and your good.

The lite passport ID Card is only good for Mexico, Canada and Porta Rico...not the rest of the wourld..keeps that in mind too. You can roll the card over to a full passport with less hassle latter if you need one too.

[Judge Smails]

The passport card is only good for driving into and out of Mexico and Canada. If you're flying you need a real passport. If you need it real fast, you can always schedule a meeting at the Passport Office in the Federal Building in Minneapolis and get it within 3-4 days.

Expedited ($60) will only take 2-3 weeks if you pay for the express mail as well.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_1740.html