Planning on taking a trip and driving from the continental US to Alaska, through Canda. got any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
2006-10-11 18:02:13 · 14 answers · asked by singitoutloudandclear 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
I know that in the past it was not needed. thanks for the tip nala
2006-10-11 18:10:09 · update #1
thank you all very much, your information has been very informative and appriciated. wish me luck!
2006-10-11 20:48:43 · update #2
Redcoat gave helpful new information (June 2009 for passport). The US State Dept hasn't updated their website yet which states:
January 8, 2007 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
January 1, 2008 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
But with the caveat from this week that: October 3, 2006: This information does not reflect important changes to the WHTI expected from pending legislation. We will update this page once that legislation has been finalized.
So DL and birth certificate is fine for a another year or two. But go ahead and get a passport. THen you are totally set however/whenever they change the rules about Canada and Mexico. About $90 with the photos and fees. And just think - you can then hop on any plane, almost anywhere on a web special at the spur of the moment. Look! NYC-Paris $349 round trip! Let's go for a long weekend!
You asked about other suggestions. Oh yeah, I've got some of those:
It is a spectacular trip. Well worth doing at some point in your life. The Alaskan Highway is paved the whole and if someone starts talking about 4WD and tow ropes, and extra gas cans, ignore them. Either they drove it 30 years ago (I did) or they read about the earliest trips up the Alcan. You could do the whole thing on a moped and I prefer a compact car because they are less tiring to drive than a big truck.
There's gas every 250 miles or so on the main route. Towns and grocery stores and motels and campground all along the way.
It IS a LONG way for the non-road-warrior. If 400 miles in a day is a lot of driving for you, then you'll be at it for a week. Still a great, very scenic trip, but after a while you can get tired of billions of spruce trees amongst untouched mountains and rivers.
I prefer April or early May or late September or early October. No bugs, no motorhomes, no road construction and no snow. It takes another 12 hours of driving time in summer or winter due to those delays and slower average speed. And, unlike mid-summer, it actually gets dark so you get to see northern lights (aurora). I have seen the whole sky turn green at times. It is one of the biggest advantages to driving through the night - because you're awake and looking around, if they're out, you notice, pull over, get out and "ohhhhh" and "ahhhhhhh" a lot.
Buy "The Milepost" at any bookstore in Alaska. Or amazon. About $25. It is the bible for the Alcan and all the other highways in the Alaskan and Canadian north woods. Mile-by-mile descriptions of the road and services along the way.
Have a great trip!
2006-10-12 06:14:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live right beside Niagara Falls (Canadian side) and cross the border frequently. And no you do not need a passport. That is only required for air or sea travel. Proper government is id like a driver's licence, birth certificate and any other id is all you will need. Bring at least 2 to 3 pieces.Coming to Canada is a lot easier for American's than you think.You get asked a few question's and you are on your way.Hope this helped and enjoy your trip.
2016-03-28 06:01:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this moment, the only country nattering about passports between Canada and the US is the US. To drive through Canada from the US to Alaska, all you need is something that shows your citizenship, and picture ID. To get back into the US, you need whatever they insist on at the moment, and if they decide to call for passports, you'll need one to prove that you are a citizen of the US.
2006-10-11 18:16:28 · answer #3 · answered by old lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The passport requirement has been extended to June 2009. This means the requirement for US and Canadian citizens crossing the border to have a valid passport or secure ID card has been extended to June 2009 so the current regulations still apply.
The current regulations are clear. If you are a United States or Canadian born citizen then a valid drivers license is not sufficient ID by itself and an original or certified copy of a birth certificate is required. Any other Government issued photo identification is strongly recommended as supporting documentation. It is the traveler’s responsibility to establish his/her citizenship.
Children and infants are required to provide identification of proof of citizenship for entry. If both parents are not traveling they must have written authorization from the other parent or proof of custody.
2006-10-11 20:16:50 · answer #4 · answered by redcoat7121 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are a USA citizen, you do not ven need a passport, but a birth citificate will do as an ID. Drivers liscense and othe forms of ID are leagally not acceptable. You wont even need an international driving permit.
However it is recommended to get an additional 'rider' on your insurance for Canada and overseas driving. Makes things simpler in the event of a mishap.
If you are not a USA citizen get everything.
2006-10-11 19:24:10 · answer #5 · answered by smahalaha 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
current requirements:
CANADA – Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else’s custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor’s record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. HIV testing required for resident applicants who are over 15. A temporary resident applicant requires immigration medical examination if stay exceeds 6 months or seeking to work in Canada. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2701), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1375). Internet: www.canadianembassy.org
new requirements:
New Requirements for Travelers
October 3, 2006: This information does not reflect important changes to the WHTI expected from pending legislation. We will update this page once that legislation has been finalized.
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.
In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:
January 8, 2007 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
January 1, 2008 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)
Press Release: Passport Requirements for Air and Sea Travel to the United States Announced
Other Relevant Links
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2006-10-12 15:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by roundater 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a passport, but not a visa, if cross the border after Jan 8 2007 by air or sea. And Jan 8 2008 if by land.
2006-10-11 23:28:26 · answer #7 · answered by ccfromnj 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I managed this with my birth certificate and ID card. I crossed the border into Canada via air, and then from Canada to the US via cruise liner, and back again for the return trip.
I did not need nor was I asked to present a passport at any point.
2006-10-11 18:09:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No passport needed YET - but very soon you will need one. Right now a picture ID and notarized birth cert are good for both leaving and entering the US, but that is changing very soon.
After Dec 31, 2006, a passport will be required
2006-10-11 18:11:15 · answer #9 · answered by Jim P 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you will need a passport or birth certificate. I did this drive. Getting into Canada was a breeze, but getting back into the U.S. was a hassle. The border patrol guy was sort of a jerk, and accused us of all kinds of things...stealing our car was one of them!!
2006-10-11 19:04:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋