Proof of land ownership to cross border

[kristas mom]

A friend called today to say that she had heard someone got turned back at the border because they didn`t have proof of land ownership in Canada. This seems very exteme to me. we were told we would be ok with birth certificates. We have our drivers licenses but no passports for us and the kids. Has anyone had recent experiences crossing the border?

 

[PanamaMike]

Either someone is mixed up or is just spreading false rumours.

First of all, there are millions of people in Canada who don't own land...apartment buildings are full of them.

Secondly, you don't have to be a citizen of Canada to own land here (think of all the Americans who own cottages in Ontario and Quebec, or the Japanese who have purchased property in Lower BC). I could buy land in the United States, it wouldn't make me a citizen, or even a legal resident, just a land owner.

Although people are still getting across the border with a birth certificate and driver's licence, the best way to go is with a passport.

 

[msmere]

We flew out of Pearson January 2 to Orlando and returned on January 16. Both ways we used birth certificates for us and the kids as well as our driver's licences. Although passports are being recommended, we didn't have any problems on our trip. (Having the kids carry Disney souvenirs on the way back always seems to speed our trip through customs!)

 

[kristas mom]

Thanks for your replys. The more I thought about it, the more I thought how silly that is. We have lots of id, but I think we will definitely get our passports for next year, unfortunately it is too late for this trip. Thanks again.

 

[damo]

You can get your passports within three days if you go to the passport office in Toronto or Hamilton. If you are driving you probably won't even need ID but if you are flying I suggest your passport. The Toronto airport security is a lot tougher than the US airport security and it might save you some worrying if you got your passports.

 

[robsawatsky]

You used to be able to get quick turnaround passports by paying extra and presenting a reason for the 'hurry'. With the stricter procedures in place now, the 'reason' has to be of some real significance where you couldn't likely plan ahead.

Perhaps the original question about being turned back had to do with a missunderstanding of not being able to prove 'landed' status. Having to do with immigration status not land ownership.

 

[robsawatsky]

You used to be able to get quick turnaround passports by paying extra and presenting a reason for the 'hurry'. With the stricter procedures in place now, the 'reason' has to be of some real significance where you couldn't likely plan ahead. Plus, the regular turnaround time has doubled from five days to ten days.

Perhaps the original question about being turned back had to do with a missunderstanding of not being able to prove 'landed' status. Having to do with immigration status not land ownership.