Land travel to the US

[the_only_turek_fan]

Any one driven to the states lately? I know that by June 1, 2009 you will need a passport to travel by air, land or sea, but until then you are only required to present a passport if you travel by air, if I am correct.

http://gocanada.about.com/od/faqscro...de1/f/whti.htm

Can you use a drivers license to get by until June 1, 2009 if you go by land?

[BlackArcher101]

I believe you need a drivers license AND a birth certificate.

[Robbob]

license alone won't cut it.

[T@T]

Theres talk the USA wants the date moved to jan 09 for their borders.

[Robbob]

From Passport canada:

By land or water

Canadian citizens will require a passport to enter the United States at land and marine ports of entry as of June 1, 2009.
However, as of January 31, 2008, if you travel to the United States by land or water, a United States law requires you to present:

• a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence
  AND a birth certificate or a citizenship card;
  OR
• for persons aged 18 and under, a birth certificate or a citizenship card only;
  OR
• a valid passport.

[lambeburger]

If you have a passport and don't have it stamped from an unfriendly country, you might as well just keep your passport handy even before the required date so there's no worry about not having correct identification.

[ken0042]

When I flew to the States in 2006 I had the DL and BC, but I also had a recently expired passport. US customs preferred to use my expired passport and didn't even look at my BC.

However, now I would be inclined to use a passport if at all possible. Odds are you will be fine with other ID, but seeing as they want the passport you might be better off using that.

[mykalberta]

I dont get why a BC is so important to alot of these types.

Mine is this ratty blue plastic thing covered in shrink wrap that I am sure I could photoshop a forgery in 45 minutes.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I dont get why a BC is so important to alot of these types.

Mine is this ratty blue plastic thing covered in shrink wrap that I am sure I could photoshop a forgery in 45 minutes.

Proves what country you were born in. A drivers license only proves that you are legal to drive. (that is exactly what I was told by US Customs at Sweet Grass)

The part about the forgery is probably part of the reason they are requiring Passports in the future.

[Rathji]

I have traveled to the US by land with no birth certificate recently, getting in wasnt so much of an issue. However getting back was a pain.

I was travelling with my father in law and he didn't have a birth certificate either, and he only had the temporary license they give you when you get your address changed and he had no troubles either way.

[OilersBaby]

TOTF..are you planning on going on a road trip? Come visit me and Vishy again!!!!!

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

My experience is--definitely travel with a passport. Being turned back is a huge hassle, and a few of the uniformed apparatchiks manning the border rejoice in flexing their muscles once in a while. Don't give them a reason.

[Antithesis]

If at all possible I'd travel with a passport, makes me feel a bit better knowing I have more than covered the amount of ID I need to get in and out. If Alberta had those enhanced driver's licenses, that's all you'd need, but I don't think that's coming any time soon.

[MoneyGuy]

Just did two border crossings a couple of weeks ago on a motorcycle and wouldn't attempt it without my passport. Doesn't everyone have a passport these days? Don't leave home without it.