Canadian Customs

[Wallysaurus]

I have a question for anyone who has crossed into or out of Canada in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area recently. My wife and I are going to spend a couple of days in that area and my sister told me that they now require you to have a copy of your birth certificate when you go through customs. I have made numerous trips (25-30) to different parts of Ontario and Quebec in the past, but none in the past three years. Have they restricted things that much?

 

[AvesPKS]

I just made the trip from Detroit to Windsor and back in April, and they require either a passport, or a valid driver's license in conjunction with a birth certificate.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: AvesPKS
I just made the trip from Detroit to Windsor and back in April, and they require either a passport, or a valid driver's license in conjunction with a birth certificate.

agreed. They usually dont ask for it, but you should have it in case.

 

[AvesPKS]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: AvesPKS
I just made the trip from Detroit to Windsor and back in April, and they require either a passport, or a valid driver's license in conjunction with a birth certificate.

agreed. They usually dont ask for it, but you should have it in case.

Right. Have it just in case. They were being pretty strict when we went. In fact, my buddy only had his driver's license, and if it weren't for the fact that I had my passport with me, I don't think they were going to let us in. The guy was giving my friend a real hard time, saying how easy it was to obtain a fake license anywhere.

 

[BillyGoat]

yep, US has they borders under quite a lock right now

 

[SagaLore]

My wife and I just came back from Niagra Falls, Canadian side. I heard the same thing, and brought our birth certificiates just in case. But on the way there, the inspector just slouched on his stool and asked how long we'd be there and we were in. However on the way back into the U.S., the inspector asked for our driver's licenses (or some type of identification) and questioned what we were bringing back with us.

 

[Josh]

I just went into Canada the past weekend from New Jersey. Going into Canada was a joke the "custom agent" didn't even LOOK at us. He just asked our reason for visiting and said go on. He didn't look at passports, nothing. I thought it was crazy, but I talked to a couple people in Canada and they said the same thing about going into Canada, it's a joke. But, going back into the US is another story. The customs agent eyed us all down and asked us all our names to refer to the passports then asked a few questions, then asked my Dad to unlock the doors of the car and he proceeded to do a really quick scan of the car and let us go. Nothing too major...but still better than Canada

 

[Wallysaurus]

Thanx for all the replies. I may be out the cost of our hotel reservation then. My wife has found hers, but mine seems to be missing. I'm not sure whether I can obtain a copy by tomorrow or not. Again thanx for the replies.

 

[Wallysaurus]

One thing more. Other than the usual sight-seeing things, does anyone have any suggestions on restaurants and/or night spots?

 

[Josh]

Originally posted by: Wallysaurus
One thing more. Other than the usual sight-seeing things, does anyone have any suggestions on restaurants and/or night spots?

If your going to Toronto and you like chinese food then eat at "Fredrick's Chinese Restaurant". BEST CHINESE FOOD.

 

[GL]

Usually when you travel to a different country, one should use a passport. That is the purpose of a passport you know The only reason you need a birth certificate is if you don't have your passport with you but are trying to use other I.D.. Customs wants to be assured of your citizenship. A passport accomplishes this. An American birth certificate is usually sufficient too, as most Americans born in the U.S. don't become citizens of other countries. But a passport is a sure ticket.

As for things to do, if you're going to Toronto, check out Toronto.com. Later this week the Champ Car race is hitting the Toronto lakeshore, and the weather has been fantastic so you should check out restaurants with patios. Definitely check out that toronto.com link if you're headed our way as they just got done with their Best of Toronto poll where people vote for the best restaurant, club, etc in Toronto.