Accommodation packages: Victoria, Seattle & San Juans
Crossing The US/Canadian Border
NEW: A US Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID) is REQUIRED to cross the US/Canadian border by land and sea. A Passport is required for air travel. A Passport Card or EDL/ID are NOT valid for air travel.
"Some Important Things To Know Before You Cross The Border!"
When traveling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary to pass through Customs and Border Protection at the border. The professionals who work at Customs are highly trained and this process is generally very simple. They'll ask to see your ID, ask about your citizenship and ask you to produce one of the documents above when crossing the border. Millions of people cross the border every year with ease, but some are refused due to lack of sufficient documentation. If you want to have a successful border crossing, it is important to know everything you'll need before you get there. Remember, these steps are in place to protect you so be sure to learn about crossing the border and avoid disappointment!
"Identification Is A Requirement!"
Identification is necessary for travel between the United States and Canada. Effective June 1, 2009 all travelers must travel with a Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID). Children under age 16 will be able to enter with proof of citizenship, no photo ID required.
If you are not a United States or Canadian born citizen you will be required to have a passport and possibly a Visa. Airlines will require a passport for all travelers. Refer to the list of websites below for current visa requirements.
"What is an Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced ID Card?"
US citizens who are Washington State residents are eligible to purchase an Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced ID Card for $15.00 more than a regular driver license and can be obtained within a couple of weeks. This EDL/ID will meet the requirements for proof of citizenship to re-enter the US from Canada and Mexico by land or sea. Many other states have or will soon have EDL/ID available for their residents, check with your local DOL for more information. Further information is available at the Department of Licensing website.
As of May 6, 2009, states/provinces offering an Enhanced Driver License/Enhanced ID Card:
Washington State
Michigan
New York
British Columbia
Manitoba
Vermont (pilot program offering a select amount)
Ontario (appointments available starting on May 19, delivery around June 1)
"Children And Infants Require More Proof"
Parents traveling with children under age 16 and infants are required to provide proof of citizenship for each child. That may include original or copy of Birth Certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate or Citizenship Card. If both birth parents are not traveling you must have written authorization from the parent(s) or proof of custody. Failure to provide such evidence may make you inadmissable to Canada.
"If You've Ever Had A Felony...."
Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving While Intoxicated conviction (D.W.I.) is considered a felony in Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information.
"Do You Need More Information?"
For further information on crossing the US/Canadian Border and duties you may have to pay on goods you bring back to the US, please reference these sites:
U. S. Customs and Border Protection
http://www.cbp.gov/
Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm
U. S. Department of State
http://www.travel.state.gov/
U. S. Department of State – Visa Requirements to enter the U. S.
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html
Canada Border Services Agency
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/menu-eng.html
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.aspl
Citizenship and Immigration Canada – Visa Requirements to enter Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Citizenship and Immigration Canada – Overcoming criminal inadmissibility into Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.asp
Washington State Department of Licensing/ Enhanced Driver License/ ID Card
http://www.dol.wa.gov/about/news/priorities/edl.html
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html
