BxBarracuda
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My first thoughts are that it will be a hassle, at least at first, for those who live within driving distances of the border or their jobs require them to travel across the borders often. Through time it will it will seem normal as they will be prepared beforehand.
For those flying between boders, it will be another step to take before flying.
I think it will most effect those, usually in their late teens to early twenties, who decide to visit across the borders on a whim.
Reply #1. Jun 01 09, 10:03 AM
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dippo 
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So what does it currently require?
Reply #2. Jun 01 09, 10:24 AM
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Cymruambyth
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Prior to today, travel between Canada and the US was a matter of packing a bag, getting into the car and driving south, or taking a cab to the airport, or the 'bus. Ours was not only the world's longest undefended border, it was also an open border.
There are several documents that are acceptable in addition to passports - enhanced driver's licences (they have a computer chip), a Nexus card (I'm not sure what that is), a treaty card for native North Americans (who have never recognized the border anywat!).
Like Bx, I get the feeling that this will primarily affect those who make impulse trips but I've been listening to reports on radio saying that there have been no hassles on either side of the border and that 80% people crossing have the required documents. Those who don't are getting a temporary permit good for one crossing each way.
I'm sad that over 100 years of open border has come to an end, though. It seems a regressive step to me.
Reply #3. Jun 01 09, 12:04 PM
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dippo
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I used to regularly cross the US Canada border (Detroit Windsor) in the 80s, and the Border Guards would just ask 'Citizen of?'. It was only when I replied UK that the problems started.
The fact that this control is only now being introduced makes something of a mockery of all the hassle foreign visitors have been subjected to on arrival in the US since 11/9 (a bit of British devilment there!). Were terrorists incapable of realising they could just travel to Canada or Mexico and enter on a driving licence, which is a lot easier to obtain fraudulently?
Reply #4. Jun 01 09, 12:28 PM
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BxBarracuda
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If these new forms of acceptable ID cost anything, it might just be anohter way for the goverments to make money.
I also think it is a backwards step.
Reply #5. Jun 01 09, 12:54 PM
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collect
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Cost of the "passport card" is not too bad -- but if one wants to do more than North America, a real passport has been needed for a while now. Locals all will have the card, I suspect -- heck the border runs through the center of some towns!
Dave
Reply #6. Jun 01 09, 3:24 PM
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Jafato
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What is being discussed here is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). This is a US Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative and not an initiative by the Government of Canada or Mexico.
What it does is requires all travelers to show a valid passport or other WHTI-compliant document when traveling to the United States from areas within the Western Hemisphere.
According to the US authorities the iniative will strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for both legitimate U.S. citizens and foreign visitors. The initiative is an outcome of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act.
The requirement for passports have been existing for over 1 year now. I have not seen much more of a delay. But again I have been travelling at off peak time and been giving myself more time to check in for flights.
I suspect that the time spent at the border will be much longer. Now that every needs to show a passport or enhanced drivers license. I will be seeing this later this summer.
Just remember that you do not need a passport to go to Canada or Mexico. You only need one to come back home into the US (when driving). Obviously, with this last requirement, the Canadian and Mexican Border Patrols will be ensuring the travellers going out of the US have the proper documentation so they can return home after their visits.
Reply #7. Jul 15 09, 4:43 PM
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| meggiepoo
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I have some friends up in Toronto. I went to visit back in 2007 and all I needed was my birth certificate and photo ID. Now that I need a passport, it's unlikely I'll go back anytime soon.
Reply #8. Jul 18 09, 11:00 AM
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Hermit007
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An Ontario enhanced driver's licence (EDL) contains the same information as a regular Ontario driver's licence but also includes a machine readable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that denotes Canadian citizenship. It costs about $50 dollars.
Cheaper and more convenient than a passport, but I can remember the good old days where US Customs simply asked where you are going and for how long, and sometimes didn't even ask for ID!
Reply #9. Jun 21 10, 10:35 AM
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AntonLaVey
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Why would they do this for the US/Canadian border but not the border that is the problem? Sigh
Reply #10. Jun 21 10, 11:03 AM
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| xbunny
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I love day trips to the U.S.A,the shopping and friendly people,at the border it was always how long are you staying and have a nice day,now its look at the passport and look at you,where are you from,how long are you staying,have you ever been arrested,anything to claim,whats the purpose of your trip,and what relationship is the person sitting next to you,it seems like with the passport comes alot more questions,I thought it would be easier,but not really,I feel uncomfortable when I go now ,so i don't go nearly as much as i use to,I just want to shop and eat at Applebee's in New York
Reply #11. Jun 22 10, 9:56 PM
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