Do you need a passport to get into the US?

[maryliz]

If you're considering getting them, and you think you will only use them for this ONE trip, then I wouldn't bother ... especially not for your kids. No one ever wants to even look at my kids passports, which annoys me since I paid for them

If there's a chance you will cross the border again in the next five years, then I would bite the bullet and get them. We did last year, and we cross the border a couple of times a year. Never had any problems with DL and BC's but figured it was best to just do it since we were going in Jan and again this Oct.

Yes, when you divide out the cost over 5 years and come up with a monthly rate, they are cheap ... but since the gov't doesn't let you pay for them on a monthly plan for 5 years, they ARE expensive to shell out that kind of money all at once. Do NOT get your pics done at a place like Black's photo -- my SIL did last year 'cause she didn't want to be "bothered" to go to Costco and she paid over $25 for her passport pic.

MaryLiz

 

[Susan--Ontario]

We had ours done at Wal-mart and they have the camera with the proper dimensions on it. You want to make sure that the pictures are guaranteed. Ie. if the passport office refuses them the store will redo them free of charge. We've always had passports and haven't been outside of North america in 15 years. It's just easier at the border.

 

[DutchsMommy]

ChisJo - thanks for the heads up re: CAA - I had no idea.

A warning if you have to get a passport for a small child - they have tightened the requirement for pics - the child has to be looking straight ahead, no smile, no teeth showing, no shadow on the pic. All I haveto say is GOOD LUCK - it took 54 digital shots at the Kodak shop to get my 3yo DSs pic 'acceptable'!!

My only pet peeve with the passports is renewing them. I think if you have gone through the hassle of actually getting pics and notarized copies etc etc then they should take your fingerprint (retina scan would be better but let's not get too ST:TNG here) and then you could get an 'extension' on your passport for a lot lower price by just scanning your fingerprint when your passport expires. DH and my passport is up this month and I think it is a big pain to have to go through the whole application rigamarole again, however I do trust havinga passport more than a DL or BC.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

A warning if you have to get a passport for a small child - they have tightened the requirement for pics - the child has to be looking straight ahead, no smile, no teeth showing, no shadow on the pic. All I haveto say is GOOD LUCK - it took 54 digital shots at the Kodak shop to get my 3yo DSs pic 'acceptable'!!

I can just picture how long it would take with my 4 kids... LMBO
They are 9,7,5 & 3... I think I would have to schedule 1 hour to get them all done..

 

[CharlesTD]

Apparently now I have not read the whole thread so I may be re iterating what someone has said but it is supposed to take effect in 2007 that we will need the passport to enter the US from Canada we got our families early to avoid the rush.

 

[dandee00]

One thing I feel the need to mention, as has been mentioned in previous passport discussion threads, is that a Birth Certificate cannot be replaced outside the country, a passport can. It's not just about what will get you through the border, but also what can get you back should you lose your id. Just don't forget to photocopy the main page and carry that with you separately from your passport.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

I agree. It is the passport that gets you back into Canada. It is also recommended somewhere (?) to photcopy the main page to carry with you separately AND keep a photocopy at home with a relative or friend. That way if you are in "trouble" you have someone at home who can help you out. My DH also asked me to look for the Canadian embassies in Florida and the states we are driving through. I thought this was a bit paranoid, but I did humor him. So, we now have this information for heavens knows what reason, other than DH feels better about having it.