DH just heard at work that you need passports to get into the US!!!!!

[riu girl]

At work last night, DH heard that Canadians now require valid passports to get into the US. We have them for the kids (since they have no photo ID) but do not have them for ourselves. The last time I talked to the Passport office (a few weeks ago), was told that they were not mandatory for Canadian citizens.

Does anyone know the official word on this????????????????

We leave mid-Dec.

Any thoughts/suggestions????????????

Suzy V.

 

[filet1970]

Riugirl: I don't have the official word on this but as to suggestions...I think you and DH should get yourselves a passport...it's always the best ID document anyways and it's valid for 5 years.
You have time. If you go directly to office, delivery at home is within 10 days. If you send by mail, then it's 20.
Get passport photos done (suggest Costco as the place to go since it cost me 6.89$ with taxes and better looking than most photos I've seen done elsewhere at 12-15$)
Hopwe everything goes well!

 

[spewey]

Unless the U.S. has changed their rules very recently, this is not true. Photo I.D., plus proof of citizenship, has always been enough. Having said that, a passport is the best, most accepted form of identification there is, especially when it comes to flying. You probably have time to get one if he hustles; I’d say it’s worth the investment.

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the info. I just spoke to the passport office and was told that currently passports are recommended but are NOT mandatory.

Suzy V.

We are now flying (instead of driving). Anyone have any info. on how flying is more difficult vs. driving without a passport.

Any info. would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dsneygirl]

When flying out of Buffalo all I have ever used is photo ID and a birth certificate. You clear customs while driving in your car not at the airport so you don't need proof of citizenship to board a plane at the Buffalo airport.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I just heard on the news that landed immigrants from Canada will require more identification when crossing the border into the US. The new security measures are suppose to be announced tomorrow by US officials.

 

[DutchsMommy]

Just wanted to mention - they try and get the passports to you in 10 BUSINESS days if dropped off and 20 BUSINESS days if you mail it - the whole business day thing really makes a difference! Also, we just got DSs pic done last night for his passport and apparently they are alot stricter with the picture now - has to be white background, no shadows can be visible, DS had to look straight ahead and not smile or show any teeth - try making a almost-3 year old do that!!!!! Thank goodness the girl at the Kodak store was patient and they had a digital camera - I can't imagine how you could do it with a conventional camera?!?

 

[Limmer]

We take passport photos at my work and you CAN'T do it with a regular camera. They are VERY strict now and it all seems to depend on the mood of the person receiving your application. We have had customers take it in and be rejected and then get into a diffeent line and be accepted WITH THE SAME PHOTO. WE have some people being told that they only accept colour photos but the specs we are sent from the passport office says black and white only and they still get rejected. The staff at passport offices need to be better trained to all accept the same criteria.

 

[MamaLema]

We didn't have passports for our 3 boys and had no problem whatsoever on either side of the border.

 

[princess pooh]

Originally posted by DutchsMommy
Also, we just got DSs pic done last night for his passport and apparently they are alot stricter with the picture now - has to be white background, no shadows can be visible, DS had to look straight ahead and not smile or show any teeth - try making a almost-3 year old do that!!!!! Thank goodness the girl at the Kodak store was patient and they had a digital camera - I can't imagine how you could do it with a conventional camera?!?

Poor kid! I know I had trouble not smiling or showing any teeth. In my old passport picture I looked so cute, but in this one I look like a serial killer I wonder what the reason is for all the changes

 

[MikeyNS]

Just another FYI, we just got back last week and friends who flew Orlando->Newark->Halifax just used their birth certificates and drivers license. Not a question or hassle anywhere.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I just went to the States last month, no passport needed either.

Probably it's just a recommendation - not mandatory - it wouldn't make sense to impose something like that w/o any notice.

 

[AndyMcV]

Personally I wouldn't take any chances at all. The last thing you want is to be refused entry into the US just because you don't have a passport. Regardless of what people are saying I would get one asap especially now that Bush has a second term.

How To Obtain A Canadian Passport
Passport Enquiries

I believe you can fast track the passport process if you spend some extra money and actually go to a passport office in person (versus doing it through the mail). Given the time of your trip you probably will be able to get one, but get on it!!!!!

Good luck
Andy

 

[maryliz]

Originally posted by AndyMcV

I believe you can fast track the passport process if you spend some extra money and actually go to a passport office in person (versus doing it through the mail). Given the time of your trip you probably will be able to get one, but get on it!!!!!

Good luck
Andy [/B]

I took mine into a PPT office on a Tuesday morning when they first opened, and they were sent by courier to my house on the following thursday. You definitely don't want to wait any longer if you're planning on getting them. I don't think you'll have any problems, but with the recent re-election, you just never know what is going through the minds of people in this world

Mary Liz

 

[hellooothere]

I just ordered ours at the passport office. 2 hour wait with twins (what was I thinking - that we would be in and out?!) But they were super troopers!
Apparently now you are guaranted to have your passport in ten business days if you go in in person. The only time you have to pay extra is if you want to pick it up at the Passport Office ($10 pick up charge). I went in yesterday and was told my passports should be received by November 23.

In my opinion you can't put a price on piece of mind. Which I will have if I remember to pack them.......

 

[Rachael Q]

Right now Canadian citizens do not need a passport, but it is recommended.

DH is a Canadian and I am a landed immigrant (Aussie Citizen).

At this point I can still cross the US border with my Aussie passport and my permanent resident card. But coming in December permanent residents in Canada (regardless of citizenship) will have tougher security checks including fingerprinting and something else (I forgot what). The tougher measures are being introduced at the 6 busiest crossings first, and then slowly to all others.

The agent I spoke to at the US embassy in Vancouver, said that it is in the works that eventually Canadians will have to undergo these checks as well and will require passports, but she didn't have an exact date.

My husband always carries his canadian passport now when we cross the border either by land or air, just to be safe. It's a long drive home to get it otherwise.

 

[Amberle3]

Just wanted to add that the stricter checks for landed immigrants is supposed to be already in place for airport crossings, and is slowly being introduced for *all* land crossings. So yes this can cause a bit of a delay, fingerprinting etc does take a little bit of time.