OT: returning to U.S. from trip to Canada?

[HappyCamperToo]

Until the end of 2006, I understand that a passport isn't needed to get back into the U.S. from Canada.

I've been told we need to bring original birth certificates and photo ID's.

None of our DD's need photo ID for domestic plane travel. But I don't want to be surprised by border officials telling us DD's can't return into the U.S.! (We're driving.)

DD15 and DD13 have high school/middle school photo ID's. Will that be enough, or do I need to buy them state ID cards?

Also, does DD10 need photo ID, too?

Anyone know an official website I can look at?

Thanks.

 

[ducklite]

I cross the border between the US and Canada at least a few times a year. We've noticed increasing vigilence during re-entry.

I'll be honest, we see what happens with the people in line in front of us, and those with a passport generally breeze through while those without had better be able to name the starting line-up of the Yankees and give the population of the capital of Montana.

Although as you noted it's not currently neccesary to have passports, those that do have a markedly easier time at border crossings.

We've found that driving in has resulted in a lot more scrutiny than when we fly. I have no idea why. When we last drove back in last December, we were behind about 40 cars and I'd say that at least one in three got yarded over for additional searching/questioning.

One thing that will help is to have every receipt for everything you purchased in an envelope so that if there are questions it's all right there for them. (Of course pay for the Cubano's in cash and toss the receipt )

If it's at all feasible you might want to think about investing in passports if you think there's a slight chance you'll ever travel internationally again--this would include cruises and other trips to Canada...

Barring that I'd get each child a state issued ID card. They are inexpensive, and will make life easier.

Have a great time--what part are you going to? I've been in most of the lower Provinces, each is uniquely beautiful in it's own right.

Anne

 

[bavaria]

I hop over the border by car several times a month, but use my Nexus pass to bypass the line.

I wlll second Anne though; when I am with friends I can't use the fast line and we do get grilled. Questions vary probably to keep people off guard. Most of our local guards are actually quite friendly. I like the 'how do you ladies know each other? hmmm, you worked together? so, do you actually get along?' That one usually gets a big 'NO' from us and a smile.

But seriously, you do need to be careful. I see an average of 1 in 5 cars being pulled aside for secondary inspection. Having been inside the customs area many times while workign on my Visa, I can tell you that it's not as friendly inside as they need to do thorough inspections. Some of the answers I hear are definitely enough to set off alarm bells in my head, let alone the inspectors!

 

[ducklite]

Questions vary probably to keep people off guard.

And they are out of the blue--I SWEAR those guys stay awake nights thinking up "stump the tourist" questions. Last year we got "Do you know anyone who lives in Buffalo?"

Like morons we actually stood there rattling back and forth..

DH: "Um, well Billy, but he moved to LA."
Me: "No, he lived in Kenmore."
DH: "Oh yeah. Um I think we know someone in Buffalo"
Me: "Um, my cousin lives in Rochester."
DH: "Yeah but he asked about Buffalo. Where does Jerri's mom live?"
Me: "Well, south of Buffalo someplace, like maybe around Angola, but we don't even know her."
DH: "That's true. How about Quake?"
Me: "When was the last time you talked to Quake?"
DH: "I dunno a few years ago, but I'm not sure he still lives in Buffalo, I think he moved to Nashville or something."
Me: "What about that guy that used to play drums then became a custom woodworker?"
DH "I have no idea who you mean."
Me: "You know, the guy with the red hair..."

At this point the INS guy is looking at us like he's got a couple imbeciles in front of him and waves us through.

Anne

 

[Disney Ella]

When we drove to Montreal last year, we brought the kids' birth certificates and nothing was said about needing photo ID for them.

 

[HappyCamperToo]

In case anyone's interested, here's what I found.

It took a while, but I found a phone number and received the "official" answer. Passports are preferred, but if none, original birth certificates and government issued photo ID's for everyone who can have one. Driver's licenses or state ID's for adults, and state ID's for children who are old enough to have the state issue an ID. School ID's are not ok. Our DMV was closed yesterday, but I'm going to call them today to see at what age they'll issue a state ID (they probably won't for a 3YO, but might for 15YO).

My guess is that in reality, they might or might not ask for these documents, depending upon the person we get, but I do NOT want to take a chance of anything holding up our return home. It'll be worth the small fee for the cards (vs. the cost of passports) for the peace of mind.

Thanks for all your responses.

(Anne, not a big trip---we're just going over to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. I could totally hear my family having the same conversation as yours! )