Category: canada

05/30/08 09:10 - ID#44493

Passports and the border

When does the friggin passport requirement start? Mine is expired I can't seem to find any consistent/accurate info online. Someone told me it was this month but I really wanted to go to pride in Toronto and there is no way I am spending $200 for passports to go.

This page updated Mar 21st, 2008 says

Passports will be required for all land and sea border crossings into the US as of June 1, 2009.

So was the person telling me June just wrong or is that site wrong, anyone know. If not I am going to go to Toronto tomorrow for one last time.

I would imagine this is going to hurt trade a lot as it makes it ever more inconvenient for Canadians to shop here.

james writes at 09:02:48 05/31/08 - Comment #35605: A friend of mine is moving from Toronto to Houston (don't ask me why). He was afraid of being stopped at the border and his ride to the Buffalo bus depot not being admitted to the country because he didn't have a passport, so I volunteered to pick him up from the border should that happen.

I got a call today and freaked out because work was insane and I thought I would have to pick this kid up on the peace bridge... I am really glad there was a misunderstanding and passports are not needed until next year.

metalpeter writes at 10:48:54 05/31/08 - Comment #35596: Glad you got all the information you needed. Of course that assumes you drive and don't fly then everything changes and gets more restrictive but you should be fine for PRIDE. On a side note not sure how it is now but in Toronto PRIDE used to be a week long event. Ok the follow up question is "why does Pete know PRIDE is a week long event?". I was in Toronto for something Else maybe A wrestling event or a Blue Jays game or something not really and it was PRIDE (i think that it was written in all capitals) week. I wasn't there for it and didn't even know it was taking place so I didn't really see any events or know what any of them are. When ever it is I hope you have a fun time.

jim writes at 12:27:32 05/31/08 - Comment #35589: Looks like I was wrong, June 1 2009 not 2008. Sorry!

jenks writes at 11:41:08 05/30/08 - Comment #35588: sorry, z is right. the passport cards aren't in production yet, (they say june though), but they're accepting apps.

zobar writes at 11:11:23 05/30/08 - Comment #35587: I ordered a passport card before I went to London. They processed my application but the cards are not yet in production. [I got my regular passport, though.] Non-expedited passport applications are being processed quite quickly [they say 4-6 weeks, but you can expect it to take 3-4].

I for one am not too keen on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles administering citizenship documents. I can imagine a scenario where my proof of citizenship is revoked because I forgot to feed the meter, and it freaks my shit right out.

- Z

jenks writes at 10:19:53 05/30/08 - Comment #35586: to answer my own questions-
:::link:::
:::link:::
passport card is not the same as enhanced DL. But enhanced DL is not available yet (passport card is) and apparently will cost $30 on top of the license fee. Passport card will cost $20, if you already have a passport and are renewing. (renewal passport is $75). Not sure I see the benefit of enhanced DL, then...

jenks writes at 10:05:18 05/30/08 - Comment #35585: ok, so that inspired me to looking into renewing mine, and I found stuff about the passport card (is that the same as the enhanced DL?) and I found out it's only good for driving (i.e. into canada/mexico) but can't be used for flying. so what's the point? why not just get a regular passport then, that's good for both?

jenks writes at 09:58:57 05/30/08 - Comment #35584: might as well renew your passport anyway though... shouldn't be $200 if you're not getting it expedited or anything... I thought it was like 50, and good for 10 years. The enhanced DL will be nice, though.

uncutsaniflush writes at 09:50:43 05/30/08 - Comment #35583: right now, a nys driver's license and a birth certificate are ok. :::link:::
"What are the current identification requirements at the Canadian/U.S. border?

As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older are asked to present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driverâ€™s license) along with proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate which can be a photocopy)."

vincent writes at 09:30:13 05/30/08 - Comment #35582: Eventually you won't have to worry about a passport. When the enhanced DL's get on line you will be OK :::link:::