Re: [Paddlewise] FW: Crossing the Border

At 12:42 PM 4/22/2005 -0400, Michael Daly wrote:
>On 22 Apr 2005 at 11:46, Steve_at_ECVH wrote:
>
> > If this is the correct interpretation, then what is the reciprocal
> > application for US boats landing in Canada?
>
>There has been some discussion in Canadian media on this and other
>changes being made by the US.  Few specific actions have been taken
>to change existing regulations yet, but there is a strong feeling
>that many US actions should be matched with a very similar reciprocal
>action.  As the implementation dates for US actions approach, watch
>for changes in Canadian regulations.
>
>One example is the future requirement that all visitors to the US
>must have a passport, as must returning US citizens.  At this time,
>Canadians and Mexicans on short visits only need to show that they
>are citizens of their respective countries and returning US citizens
>can simply show a valid US driver's license.

I also found that you might be grilled by the border agents when entering 
Canada if you hold a valid US non-driver photo ID card.  A few years ago my 
wife and I took a ferry across the border and when we arrived were asked to 
present ID I showed my non-driver photo ID (because I didn't have a drivers 
license) and even though I was sitting in the passenger seat I was asked to 
explain why I didn't have a drivers license.  Then they took my ID (but not 
my wifes) and ran it through their computer.  Twenty minutes later they 
came back, returned my ID and let us go on our way.  They then explained 
what prompted the additional scrutiny.  It turns out that if the reason for 
not having a valid drivers license is due to a DUI that they will turn you 
back, and that even someone with a valid drivers license can be turned back 
if they had a DUI with the past 8 years because a DUI is considered a 
felony in Canada.  I've traveled between the U.S. and Canada a few times 
since 9/11 and every time the security screening was stricter traveling 
into Canada than returning to the U.S.
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