Border crossing permits on LOW

[Scoot]

I know this has been covered before, but I'm not clear on a couple things, so I'll ask.

I'm headed to LOW this weekend and I don't have a border crossing permit (I'd like to cross by water). I know I'll need the permit to cross into Canada and I know I need a seperate permit to come back into the USA. Here are my questions:

1) I'm told I can get the Canadian border crossing permit online, but the only thing I can find online is the application that I fill out, mail in, and get at a point of entry a couple weeks later. I'm too late for this. Is there some way I can complete the application online entirely? If no, can I purchase a license at a point of entry on Sat or Sun?

2) I'm told I can not purchase the permit to come back into the USA online at all. I need to do so in person. Can I do this on a Sat or Sun?

3) I'll have my 8 year old nephew with me this weekend. Will he need to have both permits or is there an age restriction that allows him to come along without having either permit? If he's required to have the permits, can he get either or both permits if his parents aren't with?

Thanks fellas!

[Hemlock]

Scoot, you definitely have a complex here.

I'm hesitant to ask, cuz I'm sure you have a good reason, but what's wrong with checking in to Canada at one of the remote locations?

I don't think it's doable to get a RABC in this short of time frame, furthermore for a youngster. I'll give you a phone # of a Rainy River/Baudette crossing. I would talk to someone, get their id/badge # and go with it.

I've had answers from border personnell "A" tell me one thing, and then border personnell "B" tells me that "A" is dead wrong, but as long as you confidently say (don't lie) that "A" said I could do it this way...you'll be fine.

Again, I think your easiest legal crossing would be to phone in, but maybe that's not possible.

I'll post the number in my next post after I dig it up....

[Hemlock]

I would say Rainy River or Fort Frances should be able to answer your questions best. I hope I'm helping.

Rainy River/Baudette 807-852-3341

Fort Frances/International Falls 807-274-3655

Pigeon River/?? 807-964-2093

Toll Free Automated Service 800-461-9999

[srj]

Scoot, you can do it all in one trip a border crossing. But you will need to call ahead and make sure the immigration guy is on the Canada side and it wouldn't hurt to make sure the right guy is on the U.S. side too. I got the RABC at the Rainy River customs last spring--took about 10 minutes. Got the I-68 at U.S. customs a couple weeks ago coming back from Lac Suel on a Sunday. Took about 10 minutes also. The whole I-68 procedure is rather weird, but it keeps you legal.

[Scoot]

Thanks Fellas!