Will we need our birth certificates to get into Canada from Buffalo as of TODAY/this week?

Question

We'd like to know if anyone has gone through within the past few days...It's faster for us to go back to Michigan through Canada from NY, but we only have our drivers license. Are they currently requiring birth certificates/passports? We usually only need our license. And they never ask for anything for the kids. Are they now asking for kids birth certificates because of the London problem?

Answer 1

The Canadian authorities will want proof the children are yours which a birth certificate will do, but they will also want a letter of permission from the other parent if there has been a divorce or separation. You will also need at least two pieces each of photo identification to prove your US status to get back into the US. A US passport is the ideal piece although not yet absolutely mandatory.

I can tell you that the last few Sundays at Port Huron, the line up for cars has been back into Canada while the trucks are moving along at the usual snail's pace.

Answer 2

The answers to your questions are yes, yes and yes -- but not for the reason you think. Getting back into the US requires some identification that says you are a US citizen. A driver's license doesn't do that. So you will need either a passport or birth certificate to get back into the US. The London problem doesn't affect the kids, but the Canadian authorities like to know that those are really your kids. There have been several kidnappings that have been foiled at the border because the border guards insist on checking that you have the right kids with you. It may seem a nuisance, but it really makes things a whole lot simpler for you -- both for bringing the kids into Canada and for taking them home again. Better to have one piece of ID too many than get caught short.

Answer 3

I came over yesterday, they wanted to see my kids birth certificates.