by Victoria Montgomery

Created on: June 28, 2009

Gone are the days when you could pack all the kids and the neighbors into the car and go racing across the Canadian border for a day's outing to Vancouver or Niagara Falls. The idyllic summer vacation in Canada now requires more than just a swimsuit and suntan lotion or, a parka and snow boots, depending on your destination.

Crossing the border into Canada is usually not difficult to do, but you must now bring along your passport. The days when a driver's license was all you needed are gone. A new law took effect on June 1, 2009 that requires U.S. citizens to have a passport when crossing.

Although passports are required for U.S. citizens, there are a few options for identification. Frequent travelers to and from Canada may apply for a pre-approved NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card, which usually means crossing can be much quicker. Land based travelers may also obtain either a U.S. Passport Card or an Enhanced driver's license. These options are less expensive and faster than a regular passport though they may not be used for international air travel. Also, children traveling with school or religious groups don't always need a passport but can get by with a birth certificate.

Border crossings often mean long lines and long waits. On hot days, the waiting can seem interminable. But don't despair. There are a few simple tricks to either passing the time or making the crossing a bit shorter. Check border crossing times a little before you hit your crossing of choice. There are often several options within a short driving distance. An alternate crossing may have shorter wait times.

That being said, be prepared to wait. Border wait times can stretch anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. It's a good idea to bring along something to drink and some things to do, especially if traveling with children. Drag out your camera to take some snapshots or maybe some activity books to keep the kiddies occupied until your turn comes. Planning ahead will make the wait tolerable should you get stuck in long lines.

When you get to the border, have your passports in hand and ready to show to the border guard. Make sure you are courteous and respectful. Chances are everything will go smoothly. The guard will ask you a few questions and check your identification and you will be on your way. If for some reason, you are asked to pull to the side for a vehicle search, follow directions and be cooperative. Having a prior criminal conviction is a sure way to have this happen. Just remember it is up to the border guards whether you get to proceed into Canada or not, so being irritable because they are taking a long time is probably not a good thing. Keep in mind that they are only doing their job.

If traveling with children, make sure they have sufficient identification. Children may be able to cross the border with only a birth certificate depending on the circumstances. Children of divorced parents may, besides a birth certificate, require a copy of the custody papers as well as a letter of permission from the absent parent. Children traveling with someone besides parents will also require written permission along with their other identification.

Getting across the U.S.-Canadian border will, in all likelihood, go off without a hitch. Prepare your identity documents ahead of time, making sure to allow ample time for processing of passports or acquiring the necessary documents for a hassle-free trip. Follow the links at the end of this article for more helpful information about border crossing and the new travel regulations.

http://www.tripadvisor.com

http://www.cbp.gov

http://www.travel.state.gov

http://www.visitcanada.com/PassportsAndCustoms.html

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