Going to the US Requirements

[Flames09]

Can anyone tell me what I need officially to cross the US border by air, I know a passport is required, this may sound like a stupid question but as a Canadian Citizen I dont need a VISA do I??? Also my passport is 1 year away from the expiry date, the picture looks like me and I was told by someone that I should renew my passport because of new security changes, are they just being stupid or should I actually?? Did I miss anything??

[Devils'Advocate]

If you have a non-expired passport you will be okay. A visa is not required.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Flames09

and I was told by someone that I should renew my passport because of new security changes, are they just being stupid or should I actually?? Did I miss anything??

If your passport is current then it already has those security changes. I flew into the US in December (prior to the manditory passport thing) and they used my expired passport as ID instead of my birth certificate; because it had the required security changes. So if mine from 2000 had it, then you should be fine.

You might get a customs guy getting uppity if you are smiling in your picture, but IIRC the "no smiling" rule came into effect prior to my previously mentioned expired passport.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by ken0042

You might get a customs guy getting uppity if you are smiling in your picture, but IIRC the "no smiling" rule came into effect prior to my previously mentioned expired passport.

That only appears to be a rule in Canada. Here's a sample photo on the US passport's website, which (I believe) would not be acceptable in Canada:


The Canadian regulations call for a "neutral" expression, where the US regulations say it should have a "natural" expression.

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by getbak

That only appears to be a rule in Canada. Here's a sample photo on the US passport's website, which (I believe) would not be acceptable in Canada:

The Canadian regulations call for a "neutral" expression, where the US regulations say it should have a "natural" expression.

Canada also won't let you wear glasses for your passport photo.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by octothorp

Canada also won't let you wear glasses for your passport photo.

Yes they do.

Glasses, including tinted prescription glasses, may be worn as long as the eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses are unacceptable.

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/help/faq.aspx?lang=e&id=223

[redforever]

Originally Posted by octothorp

Canada also won't let you wear glasses for your passport photo.

Not true, they have lifted that ban. I just renewed, wear glasses, my pic is of me wearing glasses.

[octothorp]

Ah, okay, I didn't realize they had changed that rule back. Glad to hear it!