Bob Brown |
Jul 17th, 2002 07:25 PM |
I just flew home from a trip to Alberta. We flew in and out of Calgary from Atlanta via Minneapolis. While there, I drove a rented car over the border 6 times, making 3 crossings each way. <BR><BR>There seem to be two sets of procedures:<BR>one for people arriving by air and those asrriving by car. <BR><BR>I took my passport, which made life simpler. <BR><BR>At the airport in Calgary, I simply showed my passport and went on my way.<BR>I am not sure what would have happened had I not had it. I didn't ask.<BR><BR>Coming back home, going through US immigration at the Calgary airport was easy with my passport.<BR>The officer scanned it like I was returning from Europe.<BR>(US officials check you through in Calgary before you leave if you are flying to a destination in the US.)<BR><BR>I asked the US official what I would have needed had I not had my passport. He said a photo ID and a birth certificate.<BR><BR>Also, IF YOU ARE A SINGLE PARENT, you need a release from the other parent. <BR>I saw one young man turned back because his mother had no statement from the father. <BR><BR>At the highway crossings when entering the USA, a birth certificate and a photo ID, for adults were asked for. In years past, I never had to show anything. The situation is now different. I simply showed my passport and went on my way.<BR><BR>Coming into Canada via highway, I was questioned in the usual way. Where was I going? For how long? Why? Did I have any liquor, firearms, tobacco, or fruit?<BR>I had none, answered truthfully and directly, and was quickly sent on my way.<BR>I might add, that you make a better impression on the officials if you take off your sun glasses and look at them while you respond to their questions.<BR><BR>My conclusion was that you can make life simpler for yourself if you have your passport. I know that technically one is not required, but I went back and forth several times by car, showed my passport each time I entered the USA, and had a hassle free time of it.<BR><BR>Most of the airline passengers ahead of me had their passports and went on through.<BR>
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