CANADIAN TRAVELER ALERT
BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION
Here is some important
information we wanted to pass on to you regarding travel
across the Canadian border.
The
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is in effect as
of January 31, 2008. The WHTI is a US law that requires all
travelers to present a valid passport or birth certificate
with a raised seal along with a valid driver’s license when
traveling to or from the US and Canada.
1.
Requirements of Canadian citizens traveling to the
US
by land and water:
As of
January 31, 2008,
all Canadian citizens crossing the border will need to
follow the following requirements:
-
a
government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license,
PLUS a
birth certificate or citizenship card;
OR
-
A
valid passport;
OR
-
A
NEXUS or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;
OR
-
An
enhanced driver's license (in testing phase in
British Columbia
);
OR
-
An
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card;
OR
-
For
those 18 and under, a birth certificate.
2. Update
on passports for US citizens traveling to
Canada
by land and water:
-
As of
February 1, 2008, all U.S.
citizens crossing the border will need a valid passport or valid
driver's license and raised seal birth certificate
issued by a government agency.
-
The
fee for a passport will be $100.00 for adults age 16 and
older and $85.00 for children age 15 and younger -- an
increase of $3.00, effective 2/1/08.
-
The
fee for passport photos to at the Ontario County Clerk's
Office is $10.00.
-
Children under the age of 16 will need either both
parents or legal guardians to appear to apply for a
passport, or submit a notarized Statement of Consent
form. The form is available online at
travel.state.gov
-
Travelers will also be able to apply for Passport Cards
that will be valid for crossing the border by land or
sea. The cost of a Passport Card is $45 for adults age
16 and older and $35 for children age 15 or younger.
Please Note: Passport
Cards will not be produced and mailed to applicants
until late Spring 2008 at the earliest. More
information will be forthcoming.
