I am unsure of who the authority is that I would consult for this, so I’m putting it out here to the masses. Hopefully someone can point me to an official type website that will answer my question- thus far, all I’ve found is travel sites and such.
Some of the sites I’ve seen have said that a US citizen crossing into Canada and back must have their drivers license (check) and one of the following:
passport
Original Birth Certificate
Baptismal Certificate
Is the Baptismal Certificate part correct? I no longer can find my Birth Certificate (which I’m going to replace, but probably can’t before I go), but I have my Baptismal Certificate and drivers license.
Anyone know the official/legal dope on this? And for the record, I was selected at random years ago and had my car searched, and all they wanted was my license. I assume that’s changed since last Sept 11.
I sure appreciate the answer, Scott, but I’m looking for an actual statement from the government saying what’s acceptable and what’s not, that’s all. I no longer have my birth certificate (which is why I’m asking), but I’ve seen sites that say a baptismal certificate is OK. While I do know that the vast majority of folks get waved right though, I have been pulled over before and I don’t want to have a delay or mess on my hands.
The US boarder patrol have been total assholes to me, too, which is why I’m looking for some official type info.
Thanks for replying! The thread was helpful, but not exactly what I’m looking for
Here is the official word from the Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (www.ccra.gc.ca):
"Most American visitors are allowed into Canada after answering a few simple questions. In some cases, customs officers may conduct a more detailed interview or search of your vehicle and your possessions.
•You must have photo identification as well as proof of citizenship when you cross the border. This is especially important if you are travelling with children. If you are travelling with children who are not your own, they should have their own identification, and you need a note from their parents or guardians granting you permission to have the children with you."
http://www.can-am.gc.ca
INFORMATION FOR U.S. CITIZENS AND U.S. RESIDENT ALIENS WHO WISH TO VISIT CANADA
UNITED STATES CITIZENS and ALIEN RESIDENT CARD HOLDERS (known as “Green Card Holders”) do NOT require a Visa to visit Canada. Nevertheless, they must have proof of their United States Citizenship or Permanent Residence.
The following documents are acceptable as evidence of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence for travelers entering directly from the United States:
U.S. CITIZENS:
· A VALID U.S. PASSPORT; or
· ** AN ORIGINAL U.S. BIRTH CERTIFICATE PLUS PHOTO IDENTIFICATION**; or
· AN ORIGINAL NATURALIZATION CERTIFICATE PLUS PHOTO IDENTIFICATION."
On another site, it said something like “While voter registration cards and other ID was acceptable in the past, it no longer is.”
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! I guess I’ll get myself a re-issue of my birth certificate (and since it’s in my maiden name, a reissue of my marriage certificate).
When my wife and I crossed into Canada, they asked if we had any firearms. I said no. Then she asked if I OWN any firearms. I thought I must have heard wrong, so I asked her what she said. She repeated it, and I said, I do not own any in Canada. She was very insistent in whether I owned guns or not. Finally, I said “sure, i’ve got a bunch of them. we have the right to bear arms in America” and she made us pull over to have our car searched. I was pissed.
Tex I guess you now learned never to make a joke of any kind to a border crossing guard…daaa
That was stupid. Always just answer the questions direct and be completely honest.
Most times when I cross to the US from Canada they don’t even ask for ID which I usually have it in my hand.
But then I look like Canadian and I pitty those people that are in their 20-30’s and have a beard and are from the east.
It such a shame but I don’t blame them.
I think technically you need a valid passport to cross between the two contries although both sides do not always insist on it but if you act like a jerk and answer questions like TEX then maybe you get what you deserve.
I assume that they have many different things that they look for when your crossing and if you match that criteria they will question you more.
I came back to Canada once and the only question the guy asked me was do I have a firearm, and of course I said “no”
Go ahead have a nice day he said. No id or anything else.
Try using common sense it usually works at both sides of the border.
No, you don’t need a passport, as outlined above- the info posted in my earlier note state clearly that you don’t need a passport or visa- just proof of citizenship (of which a passport is one, a birth certificate is another) and photo ID (drivers license)
A few years ago when we were crossing back into the US we had a terrible time for no reason I could discern. They looked at us like we were crimminals, asking over and over “Why were you in Canada?” Um, hello? You know the huge waterfalls? We were lookin’ at 'em!" They simply couldn’t believe it. It was very bizzare.
Anyway, Dans advice is sound- never, ever joke around with the border patrol and answer all their questions. Have your proper ID handy. Don’t joke about having bodies in the trunk.
I always like to have the name and exact address of whoever I’ll be staying with as well. “Staying with a friend* in New York City” is OK, but “Staying with [name], who lives at [address]” is even better - well at least it puts me at ease.
Once, coming back into Canada, they started peppering me with questions about where I lived, where I worked, in what capacity. Of course, I had all the answers. They searched my stuff anyway, but I had nothing to hide, so I didn’t care.
Anyway, have a happy trip, and I hope mine goes well too.
Well, “friend” is stretching it. I’m staying with Maeglin.
I have been to Canada a number of times and all I have ever required is my drivers license. The last time I did not require any ID, that was about 3 months ago.
The “no-joking” advice is perfectly sound, though it does remind me of a convoy of military vehicles I was in a few years back. We had driven down to Fort Drum, New York to use their “urban warfare” training facility (actually, the Black Watch was there to use it, I was just manning the radios). Each of our trucks had a standard portable radio and we were chattering back and forth.
On the return trip, the captain (in the lead vehicle) suddenly broke in and said “Clear the air” at which point we all shut up. Despite the fact that we were driving military trucks, he didn’t need the hassle of having his radio suddenly crackle with “Did you remember to hide the drugs?” while he was answering border-guard questions.
