OT - Help from friends on the Northern Border

Whistle
1

I need some help. My family and I are heading to Vermont for vacation in about 2 weeks and we were thinking of visiting Canada

What type of ID do we need to get over and back OK. I don’t want to buy passports because the $80 ea. would cut into out vacation funds.

Thanks for the help :slight_smile:
Colin

2

All you need are your birth certificate and (preferably) some type of photo ID, just to be sure. Passports are not necessary for US citizens who enter/visit Canada.

3

Colin, all you need is a piece of ID with your picture on it (i.e. your valid drivers license) and your birth certificate. Passports aren’t required between Canada and the US.

Also firearms are not allowed in Canada.

MarkB

4

Probably nothing. Technically you need proof of citizenship somewhere, like a birth certificate. You definitely don’t need a passport.

Birth certificate and picture ID is kosher. They will probably not even check.

Stuart
(US national living currently in Toronto)
(veteran border crosser)

Let me give you a fer instance: on the way into Canada this time, I needed to get my work visa. I had to BEG the border people to look at my documents, and they grudgingly agreed to get my visa. And getting the visa? The only thing they told me was what to do to extend it if I want to stay in the country longer. Heh!

5

Thanks for the help everyone.

I’m wondering how important the Birth Certificates are?
I’m not sure where they are since the last move and I don’t want to go to a lot of trouble to get them if they are unneccesary.

I remember going to Mexico as a kid with my Grandparents and we had no ID other than their drivers licenses. Is it the same in Canada or is everything different in these times?

Thanks,
Colin

6

Get the birth certificates, you do need them. You have to be able to prove you’re a US citizen.

A US citizen will be required by the Government of Canada to prove that he/she is a citizen of the US. This proof may be a birth record, baptismal record, passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization. Often, native born US citizens will be allowed to enter Canada with just another photo identification document, like a drivers license, because the officer believes an oral declaration of US citizenship. A voter registration is NOT proof of US citizenship for legal reasons too lengthy to be of concern. Do not be shocked when an immigration officer tells you that after you present that document.

Which means that you will possibly NOT be asked, but it’s better safe than sorry.

So bring them. :wink:

Stuart