June 1, 2009

 Western Hemisphere

     Travel Initiative

 

    U.S. Border Crossing Requirements Are Changing - Get Compliant by June 1, 2009!

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens (Adults 16 years of age and older) returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be now be required to present one of the travel documents listed below.

Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

Groups of Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:

• The name of the group and supervising adult,
• A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child,
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.

Approved Travel Documents


U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person's identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) – Several states and Canadian provinces/territories are issuing this driver's license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.

Special Groups – Information for Parents and Children, Native Americans and Boaters.

Knowing what documents are required and having them ready when you return home will help streamline the entry process and ensure your return to the U.S. is as smooth as possible.

Helpful Suggestions for Crossing the Border:   

• Have approved documents readily available when traveling by car.
• If traveling with children, who are not a part of your family, have a note or proof the child has
  permission to cross the border with you.
• Turn off radios and cellular phones when talking to border agents.
• Declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, animals, birds, eggs, meat, and meat products.
• Declare all items acquired for personal use (keep all receipts handy).
• Resident aliens must carry residency cards at all times.
• Dogs and cats must be free of any diseases communicable to humans. Dogs older than three months must have proof of a rabies vaccination.
  
  
  
  Border Wait Times
  
  Click here to view estimated wait times for crossing the Canada-United States borders. Border crossing wait times are updated every 10 minutes.
  
  
  Non-Resident Tax Information
  
  Please visit the following government website regarding new rules and regulations regarding GST non resident rebates.                      
  www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/gi/notice221/notice221-e.html
  
  
  
  Currency Exchange
  
  The Howard Johnson Hotel by the Falls offers a very competitive U.S. currency exchange service at the Front Desk for your convenience.