Passports

[Dave]

I have talked to the customs officers here at the Kelowna airport several times and they assure me that passports won't be required from US citizens for entry into Canada until at least the end of 2006. You do need a drivers licence and another form of photo ID. No guns and watch the criminal record thing. They said there is some sort of official waiver you can obtain before you enter if you have a record.
Remember if you are flying your own plane, you most likely will not see a Canadian customs agent, (you talk to Canpass on the phone before you enter) but of course you will when you return to the states. Thats when you need the $25 decal. You can buy it in advance or with your visa # (no cash) at the border when you head home. If you fill out the customs form before you leave (I have them, or on the internent) you will probably be through in 5 min.
As far as Velvet's grandaughter, she pretty well needs a passport and a lawyer's stamped letter of permission from the parents, not just a note from them. There was a tv story on this subject recently. Better not to take the chance.

[thammer]

I have talked to the customs officers here at the Kelowna airport several times and they assure me that passports won't be required from US citizens for entry into Canada until at least the end of 2006. You do need a drivers licence and another form of photo ID. No guns and watch the criminal record thing. They said there is some sort of official waiver you can obtain before you enter if you have a record.
Remember if you are flying your own plane, you most likely will not see a Canadian customs agent, (you talk to Canpass on the phone before you enter) but of course you will when you return to the states. Thats when you need the $25 decal. You can buy it in advance or with your visa # (no cash) at the border when you head home. If you fill out the customs form before you leave (I have them, or on the internent) you will probably be through in 5 min.
As far as Velvet's grandaughter, she pretty well needs a passport and a lawyer's stamped letter of permission from the parents, not just a note from them. There was a tv story on this subject recently. Better not to take the chance.

Remember the requirement to get back into the US could be different than that required to get into Canada. Find out about both directions of travel.

tye

[ron74887]

Dave, I know pistols are not allowed in Canada but what about shotguns or rifles? don't they have survival equipment requirements for air travel in Canada and Alaska. I know things have changed quite a bit but long guns were never a problem. let us know I hate to end up at your expense in stripes Ron

[170C]

Ron, for you I'm sure they will make considerations and you can bring along your flint lock or maybe your Long Tom But, no Saturday night specials.

[Dave]

If you want to bring firearms into Canada from the US go to the Canada Customs website for more info http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and click on "firearms users visiting Canada".
They have 3 classes of firearms, the first is the most appropriate which is Non-restricted that includes the self-protection against animals thing, etc.
Thats probably no big deal other than paying some fees. It gets tougher from there. There are links to everything on the site.
There is also info on what to do if you have a criminal record, which includes DUI. You can contact a Canadian embassy or Consulate and obtain the paperwork necessary. The customs guys here said it's no problem as long as you have the waiver or visa when you show up.
On the customs topic, you US folks can claim all your GST tax (7%) on purchased goods back when you leave. Wish we could do that.
I talked to the Canadian Trade Commisioner from New York last night and he stressed how important having a passport is for any cross border travel these days. (Just a tip, it's not law yet)
One more item on guns. The customs agent here today said the Alaskan requirement for a gun with the survival equipment has been dropped recently and there is no such thing in Canada either.
A mouse trap would be a lot more handy around here although a kid did get bit by a wild rattle snake that had somehow got into the game park about 10 years ago. He lived but the park closed down a few years later.