Changes in the Need For a Passport

[Buffalo]

Today, I was going to apply for a Passport in preparation for a trip to Ontario, CAN. in June/July. Had my pictures (2) taken, yesterday, at Costco ($4. 99+tax). New Passport is $97. 00 for 10 years. Renewing an existing Passport for 10 years is $67. 00.

I had heard that as of 12/31/'05, everyone needed a Passport for re-entry into the US. That has been changed.

Before going down to the Post Office to fill out my application, I decided to get on the website of the National Passport Information Center (travel. state.gov , 1-877-487-2778). Much to my surprise, the deadlines have changed to needing a Passport for Air Travel outside of the US by 12/31/'06. For Land Border Crossings (Canada & Mexico) you will need a Passport by 12/31/'07.

Just to verify what I had read, I called the above mentioned phone number (long wait) & finally got a person to verify that information is accurate. It is.



What really prompted this research was an article in todays Phoenix newspaper regarding a new Federal ID Card that should become available towards the end of this year.

It will cost approximately 1/2 of the cost of a new Passport (about $50. 00) & be the size of a drivers license, that you will be able to carry in your wallet. It will not do everything that a Passport will do. It will be designed more for people that do frequent Land Border crossings into Mexico & Canada. It won't be good for travel to and from other countries. Just the Land Border crossings!!!

So, if you have no intentions of ever traveling out of the country, other than Canada & Mexico, the Federal ID Card may be something to consider.



At this time, you will need a pictured Drivers License & a Certified Birth Certificate (impression stamped) to return to the US, according to the NPIC. If you want to e-mail the National Passport Information Center with questions, their e-mail address is: -- email address removed --.



The Federal ID Card is being made available for people with a number of family members (cost) that travel across the borders, frequently. The card is small & fits in your wallet, unlike a Passport that is much larger & inconvenient to carry around on a regular basis.



I hope this, new to me, information helps.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Midnight]

Off topic Joe, where about in Ontario are you heading.

 

[testraub]

I love having a passport as I can go dang near anywhere in the world I want. I also carry it to back up my DL and as proof of who the heck I am (just in case _I_ ever forget).

 

[Featherman]

Border solutions

My take on this istuation is the corresponding country should be responsible for providing the certification they are looking for. In other words if I want to gain entry into the U. S. I should be allowed to submit my information to the U. S. authorities for them to validate and the same should apply to any U. S. reisdents who want access to Canada.



Probably too simple of an idea.

 

[TRCM]

I got a passport... out of date tho. but my DL and ret mil id should work for just about anything.

 

[Buffalo]

Featherman,

My understanding is that getting into Canada, for a US citizen, is not a problem. However, getting back home is.



Midnight,

i will be going to a family reunion in Wasaga Beach on the south-east side of the Georgian Bay. Beautiful area. Topless beaches, also. That's always a plus!!!

From there, I will go to the Toronto area, Rockwood, Unionville, Burlington, etc. Then on to Chatham, Essex, & the Windsor area.

My Dad was Canadian & I had dual citizenship until I was 18. I'm originally from Detroit, MI. Moved to AZ in 1976.

The trip from Wasaga Beach to Toronto is a beautiful drive. Also, the drive from the Windsor area to Wasaga Beach, along the coastline is beautiful. Great towns & really nice farms. I really like it there.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Nate]

How would they not allow you back in the US if you are a US citizen??

 

[sarj]

... and what do you have in your pocket that proves you're a citizen? When states want to shovel out ID cards & DL's to immigrants, they mean nothing as to status, except you can drive a car legally. The passport is Federal verification you are who you say you are. It's better than a DL for ID. It's also a great backup if you lose your DL with your wallet & need to write a check of use a credit card. Everyone should go through the trouble to get one.

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks Joe, that is useful information. My wife and I are planning a trip to Alaska this summer and will be getting passports.

 

[RKerner]

For those of us that live near the border, it's getting to be a bit confusing at times. Just last weekend, the Canada customs guy asks if my 14yr old son has a picture ID. I told him I was unaware of such a requirement as I have used his certified birth certificate for ID for the last 6 years. At least the Canada Customs guys are fairly consistent. The US side guys change personnel about once every couple of months so you always seem to get some hard *** new guy. I cross the border at least 20 times a year so I'll be getting my wife and kids all passports. Heck, I cross the border 4 times just to go to the NW Angle and back to go fishing.

 

[Buffalo]

Nate,

From what I understand & have heard, entry into the U. S. is MUCH tougher than trying to get into Canada. I believe 9/11/01 caused that to happen.



I crossed, both ways, in 2004 (at Detroit's Ambassador Bridge) with a travel trailer & had no problems. One word of caution, don't get in the line with the 18-wheelers. They have their own line & it can be LONG!!!



The line extended onto the exit ramp of the freeway, over the freeway bridge then onto the Ambassador Bridge property. I heard they even have guys that will "baby sit" your 18-wheeler, while in line, so truck drivers can take care of personal needs.



Having a Passport is the "Best" way to go.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[GAmes]

I love having a passport as I can go dang near anywhere in the world I want. I also carry it to back up my DL and as proof of who the heck I am (just in case _I_ ever forget).

:-laf :-laf :-laf