Question about getting into Canada

[Thump]

My brother's bachelor party was going to be in Windsor but one of my friends told me last night that you now need a passport to cross the border.

Is that true b/c I hadn't heard of such a thing.

[BuckeyePride]

http://www.canadianembassy.org

To visit Canada you:

• must be healthy. You might need a doctor’s examination;
• must respect Canadian laws;
• will need a valid passport, proof of who you are or other travel documents;
• will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if you are from one of these countries; and
• may need a letter of invitation.

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs before you leave for Canada.
You may not be permitted to enter Canada if you have a criminal conviction, including a conviction for driving while impaired. Find out more about inadmissibility to Canada.
Read important information on the new Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record program (API/PNR).
Contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for information on what you will need before coming to Canada.
Once you arrive:

An officer will ask you a few short questions when you arrive. To make this go quickly, keep your passport with you and not in your luggage.
The officer will stamp your passport or advise you how long you may stay in Canada. Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
After you arrive, you may want to change the conditions of your visit. This is possible in special cases. You must do this before your status as a temporary resident expires. Apply to extend your stay or visit three weeks before your visa expires.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=8 width="90%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD>Visitors from some countries will need a Temporary Residents Visa (TRV). Check to see if you need a TRV.</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD>Whether by boat, by plane, by car or by commercial vehicle — there are ways to simplify your border crossing. Find out if you qualify for one of our joint programs for travellers.</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD>If you plan to enter Canada from a remote area you can apply ahead of time. Find out how, using CANPASS.</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD>Print the Temporary Resident Visa application form with guide. Check with the Canadian visa office in your country to see if there are any additional forms you need to fill out.</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD>Learn more about the excitement of visiting Canada</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[OSUScoonie12]

I know a kid who just went to Windsor 2 weeks ago and all he had was his birth certificate(which is valid paper work). He said that once they got to the border they didnt even ask for paperwork...they just asked them what they were up there for and that was it. Coming back into the US im sure they check paperwork, birth certificate will work again. They will just ask what you did and if you have anything illegal in the car.

[Steve19]

I have been asked to produce a passport on every crossing of that border in recent years. The last thing you want is a US immigration official disallowing re-entry because you have a copy of a birth certificate or some other documentation that they find unacceptable.

Twenty years ago, you could just drive across the border with almost no questions asked, but those days are gone. Probably best to get a passport and make sure you carry is securely, Thump. It identifies you as an American and assures you the right of entry.

[OH10]

No passport needed. Birth Certificate and Driver's License will do you just fine. Might not even need that.

They'll ask you if you have any alcohol, drugs, or firearms, and what you reason for going is. And that's usually about it.

[OSUScoonie12]

Basically all you need if a hard copy of proof you are a US citizen.

[BuckeyeSkins]

I'm sure procedures have changed drastically since I last went to Canada but I know when I did all I had to show them was my military ID card. But not everyone has one of those.

[jlb1705]

Try this Letter of Invitation. Hope it helps.

Dear Thump,

Come on up, eh!

Sincerely,
Wayne Gretzky