Looking for help from my friends to the north.

[mom2kazkids]

My mom and I are looking at taking my kids from WI to lower MI on the car ferry, up to Mackinac Island and then up to Saulte Snt Marie, MI. I was thinking that I would like to then head into Canada so that the kids can say they were in Canada. I have a US passport, the kids have expired US passports that we got for them after adopting them from Kazakhstan (proof of US citizenship) and WI issued birth certificates. My mom however only has a expired passport from the '60's but does have her birth certificate, WI driver's license and military ID card. (my father was retired Airforce).

Is this enough to get us over the border?? Also I am considering getting the kids the new US passport cards so that they have a current proof of citizenship.

Also, would we be under a ton of scrutiny for crossing the border for just a short time?

Thanks for the help.

Barb

 

[mommytodarlings]

When are you thinking of going?

After June 1, 2009, you will need US passports to get back into the US as per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

As for coming to Canada, this site tells you what you will need, including what documents you will need for kids, if there is only 1 parent present.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/admiss-eng.html#s1

HTH

 

[hockeymom3]

I would also like to add that if there is an adopted father and he is not travelling with you, you will need a notarized letter from him giving his permission for you to go to Canada with the kids. I guess if there is no adopted father, you should definately have their adoption papers (probably regardless) - so that they know for sure.

But yea, they won't consider any expired stuff - My husbands passport expired while we are on vacation - and he still had to get a new one.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

My mom however only has a expired passport from the '60's but does have her birth certificate, WI driver's license and military ID card.

An expired passport from 40 years ago isn't going to help your mother cross the border. The birth certificates will be sufficient for the children, however, as another poster has noted, you may need a notarized letter from the adoptive father giving you permission to take them out of the country.

While I love Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with all my heart and consider it to be one of my favourite places on the face of God's green earth -- the expense of getting new passport and permission for the children may be a bit much to give the children bragging rights to say they've been in Canada.