Where to test 2 days before in Seattle for Vancouver?

[LMHB]

HI, I am sure this is on here somewhere, but looking for covid testing that meets the requirements to sail out of Vancouver while in Seattle. We are flying from NC to Seattle 2 days before the cruise and then driving to Vancouver (due to no passports, just drivers license and birth certificates). We need to avoid the NAAT test due to deep nose swab. Looks like Switch is just for Canadian citizens and Inspire tests have to be mailed back in....we need something with fast results. Appreciate any suggestions, thank you!

 

[lanejudy]

then driving to Vancouver (due to no passports, just drivers license and birth certificates)

Are you sure that works? In my area they require a passport, definitely for all adults and highly preferred for kids. Unless your license is an “Enhanced” license which acts as a passport (and is different than “Real ID” license).

As to testing…you can do online testing from your hotel room in Seattle with kits brought from home.

ETA: really double check cruising requirements as well, not just entry to Canada. I think a passport/card is required to cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. Closed loop cruises from US ports allows just a birth certificate and ID. Vancouver is not a US port.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

We ordered the emed tests we‘ll do in the Seattle hotel. And definitely Double check entry requirements for Canada. There is only 4 states whose “real” ID is accepted. Otherwise you need “enhanced.” My brother is in a pickle right now, as he did a quick google search and relied on outdated info.

 

[KVH]

Please make sure you have the correct birth certs too. IOW, each has "signed by the official custodian of birth records, bear the seal of the issuing office, and show a filing date within one year of the date of birth." Anything else isn't worth the paper it is printed on.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I really thought that US citizens needed a passport to enter Canada, but the information on the government of Canada site is very vague ...

 

[lanejudy]

I really thought that US citizens needed a passport to enter Canada, but the information on the government of Canada site is very vague ...

Technically, no, Canada does not require a passport for US residents to enter just documentation of citizenship and ID. However the US requires a passport for adults to return, therefore Canadian border patrol requires the passport because they don’t want issues for someone unable to leave.

 

[bcwife76]

A passport, a Nexus card or an enhanced drivers licence will get you across the land border if you are 16 or older. A regular drivers licence with a birth certificate is not sufficient.

 

[CamillaF]

If you don’t have ID that will get you through the boarder Seattle has a passport agency, that for a cost and prof that you are leaving the country in the next week, can print one for you.

 

[CamillaF]

If you don’t have ID that will get you through the boarder Seattle has a passport agency, that for a cost and prof that you are leaving the country in the next week, can print one for you.

 

[CamillaF]

If you don’t have ID that will get you through the boarder Seattle has a passport agency, that for a cost and prof that you are leaving the country in the next week, can print one for you.

You usually also need to show them that you paid for an expiated passport and it did not arrive on time. Good luck!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

That likely won’t work b/c 1) they give you an appt at whichever agency has an opening - can be anywhere in the US, and 2) they are only open Monday-Friday and I’m assuming OP is leaving on a Monday for the Alaska cruise and so 2 days before is Saturday when he’s flying in.

 

[LMHB]

We've gotten confirmation from Disney that we don't need the passport for the cruise since it is a closed loop cruise stopping only in US ports. Also talked to office of Canadian border (and will confirm with ArriveCan once the 72 hours hits) that we do not need it, as long as we have drivers license (we do happen to have REAL ID but I know that is not the same things as enhanced) and birth certificate.

The testing option we went with was bringing in-date antigen tests from home and testing with Onpoint from Seattle hotel room. Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

Did you speak with U.S. Customs & Immigration? I live near the border. My understanding is that the problem is  not entering Canada but re-entering the U.S. The U.S. requires a passport or an enhanced driver's license. Due to that rule, Canadian Customs are unlikely to allow entry without the proper documentation to leave again. It's not Canadian rule, it's U.S. rules. If you intend to try anyway, I suggest making sure your schedule has  plenty of wiggle room to allow for a delay at the border - both directions.

As U.S. citizens they ultimately won't deny entry back to the U.S. but could create a significant delay -- assuming you get into Canada. I know people who have "been there done that" in the time shortly after the U.S. law went into effect (maybe 2009? Or so) and everyone around here has either a Passport or enhanced driver's license.

The rule about closed-loop cruises pertains to a cruise leaving and returning to a U.S. port.

 

[Sykes]

Here is the relevant CBP page:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative

What types of documents are accepted for entry into the United States via land and sea?

- U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST); U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card.

- U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.

...

- U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.

What if I don’t have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States?

Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship.

Note that the closed-loop cruise exception only applies for a cruise that begins and ends at a US port.

It's entirely possible that it'll work out (if Canada CBP doesn't care, and US CBP is forced by law to eventually admit you regardless), but an adult traveling with just a non-enhanced REAL ID and a birth certificate (and none of the alternative docs) definitely isn't allowed by the rules.

 

[brent02139]

Back to original question, you can order EMED online proctored Covid test kit.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Also, passports were required for the Dawes glacier excursion (must be some nautical rule leaving one ship for another?) so if you’re booked for it, know you may be denied.