Do I really need my birth certificate to get into Canada?

[DODI]

I have the kids' birth certficates, my marriage certificate, my husband's birth certificate. I was born in New Hampshire, says so on kid's certificates and marriage certificate. I just don't want to drive 5 hours to the boarder tomorrow and have to turn back. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Valerie5555]

1. Maybe just your passport

not sure :shrug:

[dolo amber]

2. I went to Windsor

from Detroit...all they asked for was my I.D. No passport, no birth cert, nothing.

[DODI]

3. Thanks

It is hard to find out from either side what the new rules are, if any. Last time we went to Niagra found out we needed the kids' BC to prove they were ours. Thankfully, Bart and Lisa cooperated and it was a new guard who took pity on us. The guard asked the 6 and 4 year old if we were really their parents. Thankfully, we had not beaten them recently so they answered cheerfully, yes.

[maxanne]

4. they don't need all that

they usually just want to see your driver's licence. If you've had a DWI conviction, you will be turned back at the border.

If you've been convicted outside of Canada of an offense they deem criminal, they don't want you coming to Canada. DWI is a criminal offense there. If you do enter, you will be entering illegally, which can mean stiff penalties if you are caught - even if you aren't driving.

[DODI]

5. Never been DWI or DUI

That's good info though,

Thanks

[BushHasGotToGo]

23. Unless you are a dual citizen

n/t

[gully]

6. Travel tips here

http://eastwindstravel.com/content/tips.asp

http://travel.state.gov/tips_canada.html

What Documents to Bring:
Accepted documents:
Birth Certificate
Valid Passport, or Military ID
It is also recommended you have another form of ID such as: Photo ID, Social Security Number, or Health Card Number.
No passports or visas are needed for: U.S. citizens, British, Australian, New Zealand or Irish nationals, However, a passport will facilitate your entry into Canada. Persons under 19 travelling alone must carry a letter of consent, signed by a parent or guardian granting permission to travel to Canada.

I also hear you need proof of vehicle ownership as well?

[newyawker99]

21. Congrats gully!! 200 posts

:toast:

[FreeperSlayer]

7. Hey, you only need a DL

Detroit here, eom

[Feanorcurufinwe]

8. You could get in without proof of citizenship but

You could get in without proof of citizenship but it is required so if the borders cops want it and you don't have it you are out of luck.

[rabid_nerd]

9. went to casino niagra

and said as much and they just waved me through...

in 1998, mind you

[Newsjock]

10. Getting back is the bigger problem

U.S. Customs, at least on the West Coast, is rather rigidly enforcing the rule of either:

(1) valid passport, or
(2) driver's license and certified copy of birth certificate

Canada doesn't require a passport, but their customs folks will probably advise you if they think you're going to have trouble getting back into the United States.

[whirlygigspin]

11. and save your receipts!

You can save all your receipts while in Canada
and get a refund for any tax paid (GST)
usually at a duty free shop before returning to the US.
it's well worth it!

[Newsjock]

12. Oh yeah, the receipts

That was a particularly ugly return to the U.S. earlier this year. U.S. agent asked me where I'd been -- I said I'd been to Vancouver Island, and he demanded to see a ferry receipt proving I'd been there on the day I said I was. Thank goodness I still had it.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

19. why would he care?

bizzaro land.

[Lefty48197]

13. Getting IN to Canada is easy

getting back home is the tough part! To get into Canada, they'll just ask you a few questions: What is your citizenship?;Where are you going?; Do you have any guns, bombs, or dead bodies in the trunk? Give the right answer to all questions, and you're in! They say you need a birth certificate, or passport to get back in, but you drivers license will usually do, unless you raise suspicions. Good luck, and have fun up der eh? Canada's a cool place. Just remember, don't get excited about the speed limit signs that say "100", and the gas station signs that read "$.65"!

[DODI]

16. Hmmm

Raise suspicions huh? Well, I hope my protesting doesn't hurt my chances of getting back in the states, my Nation subscription and being a DUer. I could be stuck in Canada for a while? No Problem!! I will bring the laptop and work from my new home. Now I have to learn to speak French, or go to Ontario.

[Lefty48197]

14. One more thing

They say to bring your car registration, and proof of insurance.

[oneighty]

15. Warning..Warning...

If you take a pet into Canada MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PROOF OF RABIES SHOT.

They almost took our dog from us once (Coming back into the states). We waited for an hour before

they took pity on our crying eyes and let us keep our dog. She had her Rabies shot

but we could not prove it.

180

[whirlygigspin]

17. and remember to try

something called a poutine!
oh the calories,yum.

[mike_c]

18. last time I went I didn't need ANYTHING but ID to get in, but...

...coming back was ugly. I'd been in a hurry and hadn't brought my passport. U.S. Customs and Immigration was bad-- wouldn't let me on the plane until I could prove citizenship, and my driver's license and ORIGINAL Social Security card weren't good enough either. Luckily I had an old voter registration receipt stashed in my wallet-- it was the only thing that got me back into the U.S.

[MaineDem]

20. All good advice

The problem is getting BACK to the US. The birth certificates are good to have for sure.

They made us dump our apples. I had brought them from home but they wouldn't let us bring them back with us. They were a product of Chile, I think.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

22. just bring them

I live in New York and they have only asked for my birth certificate once. Usually they don't care.