LegoMan
04-07-2006, 11:09 AM
So I see there is alot of confusion as to what the regs are for crossing the border. Although Passports are mandatory starting 2008, U.S. Customs/Border patrol have the right to refuse you entry if you do not have one now based on insufficient documentation. It also depends what time of the year you are travelling and how often you travel. If you dont cross the border that often and you\'re trying to get across the border March Break, 4th of July or September 11th, without a passport, it wont happen.
Depending on the length of your trip you may be asked to show proof of residence and employment. Believe me flying into Buffalo with some passengers I got refused entry because my passengers didnt bring proper documentation. And was detained for 4 hours!!!
To make things easier, U.S. customs is now based in all major Canadian airports. So if you are departing to the states you can clear customs in Canada and arrive hassle free. And if you get denied entry you are already in Canada you dont have to fly back.
Some good tips for crossing the border.
Documents: Passport (highly recommended) ***Remember your passport is good for 60 months, if it expires in 6 months or less, U.S. Customs can and most likely will deny you entry!!!*** Try to provide some other info such as Drivers Licence and Birth Certificate. The more I.D. you have the better!
Cash: You must have enough cash to cover your trip. Credit cards are not considered cash and you can be denied entry for not having cash or travellers cheques. Maximum cash you can take across the border is $10,000 although I dont recommend you take that much with you as questions will be asked.
Passengers: Make sure everyone has proper documentation. If you are taking your family and your kid is taking one of their friends, you must have a written letter from the parent stating that they give permission for them to leave the country if they are under 18 years of age as well as you must have a phone number where a parent can be reached. It is 110% certain if you dont have permission from the parent you will be not be allowed to leave the country regardless of where you are going.
In the U.S., passengers whether American citizens or foreigners connecting between large cities are required to carry passports on certain airlines to certain destinations.
Remember there is no law telling you that you MUST have one, but it sure good to have one. Reduces your stress and chances of getting denied entry.
Depending on the length of your trip you may be asked to show proof of residence and employment. Believe me flying into Buffalo with some passengers I got refused entry because my passengers didnt bring proper documentation. And was detained for 4 hours!!!
To make things easier, U.S. customs is now based in all major Canadian airports. So if you are departing to the states you can clear customs in Canada and arrive hassle free. And if you get denied entry you are already in Canada you dont have to fly back.
Some good tips for crossing the border.
Documents: Passport (highly recommended) ***Remember your passport is good for 60 months, if it expires in 6 months or less, U.S. Customs can and most likely will deny you entry!!!*** Try to provide some other info such as Drivers Licence and Birth Certificate. The more I.D. you have the better!
Cash: You must have enough cash to cover your trip. Credit cards are not considered cash and you can be denied entry for not having cash or travellers cheques. Maximum cash you can take across the border is $10,000 although I dont recommend you take that much with you as questions will be asked.
Passengers: Make sure everyone has proper documentation. If you are taking your family and your kid is taking one of their friends, you must have a written letter from the parent stating that they give permission for them to leave the country if they are under 18 years of age as well as you must have a phone number where a parent can be reached. It is 110% certain if you dont have permission from the parent you will be not be allowed to leave the country regardless of where you are going.
In the U.S., passengers whether American citizens or foreigners connecting between large cities are required to carry passports on certain airlines to certain destinations.
Remember there is no law telling you that you MUST have one, but it sure good to have one. Reduces your stress and chances of getting denied entry.