Bow Hunter Derek Posted April 7, 2006 Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 I've had two hunting trips fall through this spring on me for work. Last night I was approached to go to Canada (northern Saskatchewan) to go bear hunting with a group of my friends. It is an archery hunt. My problem is, is that I let my passport expire a couple years ago. I got the application for a new one and the lady at the desk said that I can still use a drivers license and birth certificate through Dec. 31, 2007 for land travel into Canada. She showed me a little print out that had the info on it. I don't doubt they'll let me in on that ID if my new passport does not make it in time. I'm very experienced in traveling abroad, but always on a passport. Does anyone have any experience using a drivers license and birth certificate to cross the boarder on a hunting type of trip? Do they give you any additional hastle about it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted April 7, 2006 Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question I used the birth cert/license method 2 years ago and it worked, but it wasn't all that easy. There is an expedited app for a passport that will arrive in a few weeks that would be the better choice. There is an increased fee, (go figure, huh), for the fast passport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birddog Posted April 7, 2006 Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question ???? I travel back and forth to Canada several times each year: There is no passport needed at all: On occassion they ask to see a drivers license (if you have a DWI don't even think of trying) Anywho, you need nothing special: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted April 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question No DWI or any other offense here. But, according to the U.S. Dept. of State website, you do have to have a passport OR drivers license with an birth certificate or old passport. I'm sure I can get in and out with out a new passport, I just keep hearing about additional hastle using the drivers license/ID method. I'm not taking any guns, nor do I plan to borrow one. However, I do know of one person taking a shot gun on the trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted April 7, 2006 Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question Made this trip a couple times without the passport. My own past experience is Driver's Lisense and Birth Certificate serves you well to get you into Canada. Hunting and bringing a gun is usually more of a headache for the airline than the country. (Think extra baggage charge and extra inspection time) I do need to add. I have been asked at least once to produce a Social Security card in addition to DL and BC by an irritated customs agent. They can make their own rules on a bad day. And no repercussions for them if it's a bad rule. Get the picture. Passports are always easier. But no guarantee either. But sometimes even if you do everything right. Your going to have a bad day at customs. Unfortunately, the truth is sometimes it just happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beagleboy Posted April 7, 2006 Report Share Posted April 7, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question I just recently visited Canada and my wife had an expired passport. Customs asked to see my wife's expired passport and her valid NYS Driver's license and we were through. I don't believe they are going to enforce the passport issue until the end of next year. Then you will need a valid passport to cross the border. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted April 8, 2006 Report Share Posted April 8, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question all you need is a drivers license, and i always have my birth certificate with me. you have a year to get a passport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted April 8, 2006 Report Share Posted April 8, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question I'm not sure about US residents coming into Canada, but I crossed on Christmas Day at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and all the lady asked for was 2 pieces of ID. I handed her my drivers' license, Canadian Firearms License (both have photos) and my birth certificate. I got through no problem. But I am going back down at the end of June and my co-workers tell me that I will need my Canadian Passport to get into the states by May, so it looks like I'll have to get one before I go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted April 8, 2006 Report Share Posted April 8, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question Living right on the border and having relatives in Canada, I make this trip quite often.... Here's whats required..... ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All persons entering Canada may be required to present proof of citizenship and identity. U.S. citizens are encouraged to show a U.S. passport. If they do not have a passport, they should be prepared to provide a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid U.S. passport. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to visit Canada of up to 180 days. Anyone seeking to enter Canada for any purpose besides a visit, (e.g. to work, study or immigrate) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest consulate prior to travel. Anyone with a criminal record (including some misdemeanors such as Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Canadian consulate well in advance of any planned travel for further processing, which may take some time. For further information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, tel. (202) 682-1740, or the Canadian consulates in Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York or Seattle. The Canadian Embassy’s website is: http://www.canadianembassy.org/. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html Hope that helps.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted April 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question Thanks all! I sent in to renew my passport yesterday. If it does not make it back in time, I'll take a birth certificate and my old pass port, along with my drivers license. Looking forward to the trip. A long drive, almost 40 hours. We are going 10 hours drive time north of Saskatoon, almost the top of the world for this Indiana boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted April 8, 2006 Report Share Posted April 8, 2006 Re: Canada - passport question We're planning a trip to Hawaii in December of this year and our travel agent suggested we get a passport, for various reasons, even though we don't need it. She also mentioned Canada and Mexico travel. I've been to Canada a few times using the birth certificate and driver's license, and it seems to me it depends on the border agent you get. Some of them just wave you through, some of them give you the 3rd degree. Personally, I'd go ahead and get a new passport now. With the laws changing, you're better off with it, than without. Our travel agent also said that the cost of the passport is going to double very soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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