Passport?

[Buzzez]

I figured you folks might be able to straighten out 'some' of my confusion. I keep getting conflicting responses from folks that I talk to about what I must have these days to cross the Canadian border. The last time I went to BC all I had was a Driving license. It worked fine going both directions.

Is that still the case?

[Tom48]

When I cross into Canada from Michigan, They expect a passport. When returning, They request the passport. Its the best ID you will ever have

[BikePilot]

I keep mine in my pack. Has come in handy. Dunno if its absolutely required but it sure doesn't hurt anything to have it on hand. Also, employers and govt agencies will usually accept it in place of SS card and birth cert.

[two_four_878]

To cross the canadian/us border you need a photo ID and a proof of citizenship. A driver's license and birth certificate is what they like. If you google it you will get a list of other form of ID that are acceptable.

Quote from the canadian border services website
"When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you."

Quote from the US border patrol website
"Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport."

[PacWestGS]

Correct land based transit requirements have been postponed again and again because of passport backlogs and beauracratic stumbling. However, to fly or arrive by sea going vessal a valid passport is required for all ages.

You can still drive back and forth with a photo ID and proof of citizenship.

I don't believe they DHS/ICE/CBP have established a new date for passport requirements at highway border crossings between Mexico and/or Canada, but it will happen someday...

[Whitey1]

Wow, I wish the Mexico/America border was that tough, lol

[thetourist]

Originally Posted by Whitey1

Wow, I wish the Mexico/America border was that tough, lol

It is. Passport or Drivers License and Birth Certificate this March at Tecate

Or just go down the road a bit and cross. Mexico or Canada.

[AKDuc]

Looks like they're shootin for June '09 now.

From the source: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/tou...riste-eng.html

Did hear gettin one is pretty quick these days tho.

Mark H.

[Twistn'roads]

Upon returning into Canada from a southern motorcycle trip last week, I was asked for ID by the Canadian border guard. This was the first time in all my years of travel that I was asked to provide proof of citizenship when coming home. Of course my passport was stowed safely away in my top box!

I had to show something with my photo as well as birth certificate.

Steve

[Sjoerd Bakker]

Get a passport. You are going to need it sooner or later. You may get into Canada just with drivers license or photo ID but the big problem will be getting back into your own USA.They are now talking about a US "passport card".
Start the passport procurement now and eventually you will be ready to travel anywhwere

[Commuter Boy]

You really don't want to be stuck outside the US border trying to come up with proof of citizenship. Especially if you "profile" in any way, shape, or form or decide to take issue or complain to the armed INS officer keeping you out.

[skysailor]

Passports are not a requirement for entry to either the US or Canada by road. Yet. I keep my passport with my flying kit all the time, but I keep a photocopy of my passport with me at all times when on the bike. I also keep a photocopy of my licence and insurance ON the bike on the off hand chance I lose/forget my wallet.

[ChurnDog]

I currently work as a contractor for CBP. The officers prefer the passport, but all you need is photo ID and proof of citizenship (as stated above).

http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ <---good source for traveling information from cbp.

[568V8]

I'm Canadian and any recent crossings into the US or back home into Canada have been very simple and straighfoward using my passport. Always sunglasses are off and only once was I asked to remove my helmet.

[acejones]

Just get the passport. Someday you might really want to go somewhere other than Mexico or Canada.