What should I expect at the border...will they search my car, search me? What happens when I return from Canada will I have to go into a customs office for a background search ? Or is it simply show your documents through a toll booth type of area and proceed.
2007-09-27 02:58:24 · 10 answers · asked by lenhugh 1 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
You can drive to Canada w/o a passport until Summer 08. They might search your car when you come back into the States or ask you a bunch of inane questions. Getting into Canada was a breeze, all they asked me was how long I was staying there and what i was doing.
2007-09-27 03:07:12 · answer #1 · answered by Baysoc23 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are a citizen of US, Canada, or Mexico and are traveling by land or sea before 31 December 2007:
- - you need proof of citizenship (which must be passport, birth certificate, and/or nautralization papers)
- - AND you need photo ID (which may be passport, US or Canada driver's licence, or military ID)
If you are not a citizen of US, Canada, or Mexico you REQUIRE a passport (and it would be a really good idea to bring along any visa documentation you may have ... checking that your current visa allows you multiple entry/exits, or bringing all the paperwork that got you the visa in the first place). If you are a national of one of the countries listed in the attached link, you will ALSO require a visa to enter Canada.
If you do something to trigger the "suspicious" nerve in either the US or Canada border guard, your vehicle will be pulled over for a search. If you are unlucky, you will be one of the random sample of vehicles that get searched as part of the daily routine (this is over and above those who appear suspicious).
Depending on your border crossing point, the answers you give to the official (on either side), the time you will be (or have been) out of the country, and the reason for your trip you may be more likely to trigger a search.
Both sides have the right to detain you and do a thorough search before deciding whether to allow you to enter ... however, it seldom happens.
2007-09-27 17:42:07 · answer #2 · answered by CanTexan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cut across Canada between Michigan and Niagara 4 times in the last year. Both times, I had to show proof of citizenship, answer a few questions, and was sent on my way. I was in Canada about 4-5 hours tops each time. I've never been searched, but I've seen it happen. If they decide to search you, they can be VERY thorough, and when they're done, they may just leave your stuff on the pavement, and it's up to you to repack. They're not malicious about it - it's just part of the job, but it'll delay you, and probably won't leave you feeling happy.
The best proof of citizenship is a passport. If you haven't applied for one, it's a good time to do so. But if you don't have that, a birth certificate is the next best thing. A voter's ID card might work, but you should have more than just that. A driver's license isn't enough to show citizenship. If you do apply for a passport, you will need to send your birth certificate in with it. You'll get it back when the passport comes in the mail, but in the meantime, not having it will complicate your border crossing. Plan accordingly.
Oh, and you'll need this for all the people in the car - even kids. Also, the duty free shop is a good opportunity to pick up stuff like booze, candy, perfume, etc. without having to pay the duty, if you're so inclined to buy it.
2007-09-27 10:19:16 · answer #3 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
until January 08, you can get into canada without a passport. Jan 08 you WILL need a passport.
Coming back to the USA you might get your car searched. go to the website of the border control and you are bound to find out more info.
2007-09-27 10:10:17 · answer #4 · answered by Tivogal 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As I understand it you currently only need a drivers license to return to the states. The booth guy will probably look in your trunk and back seat returning to the US. Every so many cars automatically will be singled out for a more invasive search. Don't have any weapons , drugs, booze (unless you declare it). Be nice and smile. If you rub the guy the wrong way they will take your car apart.
2007-09-27 10:20:20 · answer #5 · answered by Hirise bill 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You do NOT need a passport to Drive to and from Canada. The date has been moved back to summer 2008. See State Dep't website below for confirmation of this. You DO need a photo I.
.D. and your certified birth certificate.
2007-09-27 14:14:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bring Id if your not hiding any thing dont worry
2007-09-27 11:26:23 · answer #7 · answered by Grand pa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I have been told it is like going to any foreign country now. You have to have a passport or the paperwork saying you have one and everything is treated like you are coming back from a place like Europe or anywhere else. The security is much much tighter. They are even requiring passports for babies now.
2007-09-27 10:07:05 · answer #8 · answered by restlesspixie2007 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
the immigration officer will just tell you to go around and drive back. they will not let you go in there country. thats it.
2007-09-27 10:10:47 · answer #9 · answered by hitec 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
not a good idea
2007-09-29 19:41:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋