Crossing into the USA

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March 28th, 2015, 12:45 PM
Sharon

Crossing into the USA

Can you still cross over with a birth certificate? My husband can't find his passport.:whacked::rolleyes:
March 28th, 2015, 12:51 PM
trimmer21

AFAIK,everyone needs a passport. That's what the USBP officer told us the last time we went to my BIL's in NY. I sure hope hubby finds his. The gov't will crap if he can't. Lost and stolenCanadian passports are a very hot commodity with the terrorist networks.
March 28th, 2015, 01:40 PM
Sharon

Thanks. I may have to go without him. :)
March 28th, 2015, 01:46 PM
yellow dog

I forgot my passport last year crossing the Bluewater Bridge going over to Port Huron. They were not very concerned and asked for my birth certificate. I also offered my PAL which they accepted and swiped it and waited a few minutes and said I was good to go. On the way back into Canada they did the same thing (PAL)without any issues.
March 28th, 2015, 01:47 PM
Mdiddi

Crossing into the USA

I believe there is an enhanced drivers licence but it's only for driving over if I remember correctly. This is something I believe that is not standard and you have to apply for.

I don't think it's gonna help you as he would know if he had one.
March 28th, 2015, 02:00 PM
rick_iles

It just depends on the guy at the booth !
March 28th, 2015, 02:07 PM
Sharon

Many years ago we planned on going to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. We took a 16 year old foster child. He looked WORN as he had been living on the streets for 2 years. No problem until the Officer looked at the boy and said , "Do you have a criminal record?" That ended the trip. We were turned around and sent home. LOL
March 28th, 2015, 02:08 PM
yellow dog

Once your in the system by means of swiping in a driver license ,PAL, birth certificate it shouldn't be an issue. I am sure it happens more often than we think. I would think a person with a PAL and all the RCMP paperwork and course needed to obtain one would be as good as a passport.
March 28th, 2015, 02:59 PM
JoePa

You should be ok with a birth certificate and a drivers license with a picture on it - last year came back from Canada with my grandson - he couldn't find his passport - if they give you a hard time - just tell them your a good friend of JoePa - if you want to make sure before you hit the road - call US customs -
March 28th, 2015, 05:27 PM
Bushmoose

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow dog

On the way back into Canada they did the same thing (PAL)without any issues.

We don't need a passport to return to Canada. The clowns at the border might prefer to see it, since they assume you have one if you are returning from the U.S., but you don't have to show it to them and they have no right to demand to see it.
March 28th, 2015, 06:14 PM
yellow dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushmoose

We don't need a passport to return to Canada. The clowns at the border might prefer to see it, since they assume you have one if you are returning from the U.S., but you don't have to show it to them and they have no right to demand to see it.

I think I will pass on that information and give them my passport anyway. :) Have you tried that yourself ?
March 28th, 2015, 07:20 PM
Bushmoose

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow dog

I think I will pass on that information and give them my passport anyway. :) Have you tried that yourself ?

I wouldn't have said it if I didn't do it. People will automatically hand their passport to the officer in the booth as they drive up, but you don't have to. They will ask "Citizenship?" and you can show them your birth certificate. It's only the U.S. that started this passport stuff.
March 28th, 2015, 07:29 PM
yellow dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushmoose

I wouldn't have said it if I didn't do it. People will automatically hand their passport to the officer in the booth as they drive up, but you don't have to. They will ask "Citizenship?" and you can show them your birth certificate. It's only the U.S. that started this passport stuff.

Is it the same when you fly out of country ?
March 29th, 2015, 08:33 AM
yellow dog

I'll stick with using my passport ,less aggravation from authorities.
March 29th, 2015, 02:15 PM
Sharon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pioneerfreq

Entering the US from Canada:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...-residents-%2F

"By Land and Sea (including ferries) - Canadian citizens traveling to the U.S. by land or sea are required to present one of the travel documents listed below, and may generally visit the U.S. for up to six months. CBP will accept: Canadian passport, Enhanced Driver's License/Enhanced Identification Card, NEXUS, FAST/EXPRES and SENTRI enrollment cards."

Entering Canada from the US:

http://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/entering-canada

"Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you to help confirm your legal right to enter Canada.The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport because it is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.
International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding. Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as a:

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
NEXUS card (used where the program is available)
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card used in FAST lanes
Canadian citizenship card
Certificate of Indian Status
Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's licence or a government-issued photo identification"
Appreciate all the info Thanks.