Passports

[c170b53]

It may not be the law but if I have to enter the states now I have to have a passport. My normal identity documentation I have and carry daily is now considered suspect, should I try to use it to enter the states, I'll be denied entry. Therefore I think that if you're transiting Canada even if you're a U.S. citizen, you'll have to prove it to your customs upon re-entry to the states. I could be totally wrong here in that this only applies to Canadians but I think its becoming the norm.

[Velvet]

Just because I know you guys have all the answers -- I am taking my 15 year old granddaughter to Kelowna with me. I'm thinking we need to bring a certified copy of her birth certificate and a notarized statement from her parents that I have permission to take her to Canada. Does this sound right or am I way off base or where can I get the correct documentation info??

Thanks!
Velvet

[Dave Clark]

Velvet

It sounds real right. Plus her passport.

Once in about 1976 we flew our A model into Victoria BC. Back then it was just drivers license of course. The Canadian customs officer asked if the two kids (8 and 10 yrs old)with us were ours. Then he said "prove it". He made his point and let us in. Next time we took their birth certs.

[Velvet]

She doesn't have a passport. That's why I thought the birth certificate. (She does have a photo ID from school.)

Velvet

[Green Bean]

Not to dampen the sprit, but don't forget to get a US Custom certificate for the Airplane. It is good for a year. Its required for crossing back into the US and you also must travel with a permanent Aircraft Registration, no Pink Slips allowed.

Not that any one in this group should be affect, but if you have ever (on record) had a DUI, you will not be allowed to drive in Canada. Not sure if that includes airplanes. Usually your turned around at the border

Private aircraft arriving from foreign areas will be charged a processing fee of $25 each calendar year. In exchange for payment, the National Finance Center will issue a decal(s). The aircraft owner is responsible for placing the decal on the outside of the conveyance within 18 inches of the normal boarding area and where it is visible when the doors or hatches are open.

Two methods of obtaining the decal:
1. Complete Customs Form 339, Annual Decal Request Form
2. Provide payment at time of arrival to the US, and complete the CF-339,  Annual User Fee Request.

[Green Bean]

Velvet-
You have the time, it would be in your Granddaughters best interest to get the Passport. In her case it is good for 10 years, and the price is only going to go up if you wait. Besides it stops all questions.

You can get the application on line and the pictures any where near your home. The application needs to be summited in person. Check out the following for the straight answers.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fi ... t_830.html

RC

[Velvet]

Because my granddaughter is a minor, I thought maybe she wouldn't need a passport. I was hoping to avoid that expense!

Velvet

[Dave Clark]

Because my granddaughter is a minor, I thought maybe she wouldn't need a passport. I was hoping to avoid that expense!

Velvet

But Velvet what would the expense be if you got to the border and they wouldn't let you in? Or back in to the US?
Dave

[doug8082a]

According to the Dept. of State, you are going to be required to have a passport to travel to/from Canada by 12/31/06. This date is just a “proposed” date at this point, but whether it remains 12/31/06 or is some other date, the fact remains that you are going to need one pretty soon. Might as well get it now. Makes life a lot easier all around.

The FAQ on this site also mentions that peak passport processing time is between January and July and for faster service they recommend applying between August and December. If that’s the case then people who need passports should probably get moving on them soon in order to be sure they have them by July.

Home page for the Dept. of State announcement:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Press release with the proposed timelines:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2626.html

[buchanan]

That is how I read it also Doug. I'm not worring about driving through Canada with birth certificates and driver's licenses this month.

When I flew to AK last summer I got weathered in in Ft. Nelson and met up with a native friend enroute to Nulato AK flying a newly purchased C-172. All he had was a pink slip and a copy of the bill-of-sale. We cleared at Northway although with a lot of hassle. The hassle wasn't due to the aircraft paper-work it was because Victor may have been perceived as being a little rude on the phone to the customs gal when he called from Whitehorse with our etas. He should have schmoozed her more because she had fire in her eyes when she met my airplane. She made us unload everything and went through all of it. I was by myself and my airplane was quite full so it was a chore. Remember, they have the axe so BE NICE. In my opinion jobs like that attract people who enjoy the authority.

Best.........Buck

[170C]

Velvet, you probably already have done so, but keep in mind when you have grandchildren with you that it is wise to have some documentation to allow medical treatment should it become necessary without having to get it from their parents at the time of need. I have heard of a grandparent not being allowed to give permission for medical treatment to a minor. Seems foolish, but that is the world we live in these days.

[N170CT]

Green Bean,

I lived and flew in Canada for more than ten years, currently own a house in Quebec City which I visit fequently and have never been asked about "DUI" convictions. (No, I don't have any on my record, but one never knows the future .) Can you expand on the source of that restriction? Appreciate it, Chuck

[Green Bean]

The problem is more for US folks coming into Canada. In the three incidents that I have heard about, Canada will not allow US citizens to enter as a driver,and in some cases the passenger. (Depending on the Custom Offical) If they have had a conviction. Apparently Canada have computer sharring with the USA and can check the individual's history. Not sure of the the length of time. In addition, one individual stated, that it applies to all entry individuals. The first convictions entry is allowed in country with payment of $150 US, the second - no entry, this also applies at Airports of entry. This one incident they were traveling through Canada to SE Asia, and they had to have police escort from one airplane to another. His only record was for a DUI.

[flyguy]

This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

This came straight from the Fed. link "lownslow" posted. I about split my stiches when I read "To a lesser degree, Mexican citizens" ! This is a hilarious (or self serving) statement! What that means - they still will have huge problems with crooks, drug peddlers, terrorists, smugglers and illegal aliens! Passports? HA HA HA

Oh Yea! "FIX" the problem we have of this group of non-citizen scum crossing the southern border in droves by making American citizens pay to acquire a passport to travel to those bordering countries.

It certainly won't do anything except hassle "honest" travelers, pour lots of money into the federal coffers that wont be named a "tax", and make more vacancies for hiring more Tin Horn government employees and provide them with more busy work.

I already have my passport so it isn't an issue for me but it steams me to think that the "knee-jerk" politicians think this is a good idea! Oh yeah they think the Constitution and Bill of Rights are obsolete too! Big Brother is WATCHING!

[JTS]

Not sure about stateside, but an impaired driving conviction in Canada carries a criminal record along with it. But I do recall a person I know, taking a ski trip to Montana through a tour company by bus. When they reached the border, customs officials boarded the bus and asked for ID's from a few people, himself being one of them. They refused him passage because of a previous conviction, so he caught a Greyhound home. Guess he shouldn't have sat at the back of the bus.

Jody