Passcard for Canada?

bb_94401 wrote:
2x getting the Nexus card. If you cross the border between Canada and the US, you will find a special lane at 20 border crossings. Crossings that have nexus lanes can be found on the web

Peace Arch in WA, definitely want the nexus lane on the right


All occupants will need their own Nexus card to use this service

Even at the smaller border crossing without a special lane, minimal questioning.

If flying back into Canada or the US, there are special Nexus kiosks at the select major airport and can self check through immigration.

If flying out, the nexus card allows you to use the TSA preferred lines and most times don't have to take off your coat, shoes, nor remove your laptop.

If boating across the border, a call to customs for either side allows you to continue without having to dock or get inspected.

Like all preferred traveler programs they still can do random checks, so it is always good to be flexible.

Yah, what he said... 2-hr lines can be a 3-5 minute drive through.

As a side note, I used to do dive trips to Caribbean and returned through Miami or Huston (believe Huston this time), they had the kiosk for Nexus with the color floor tape guiding the way, old military thing which worked.

It went so fast, just pop in the card, get a fingerprint/facial? scan and follow the line to the customs agent who just looked at the receipt and waved me through. Didn't even stop.

I was the only one in line... and the kicker...

It went so fast, I forgot to claim my luggage, heheh, and couldn't get back in without seeing the Airline agents... had it all delivered later, but that's another story.

Point was that it happened so quickly, I forgot about the luggage....

NEXUS is nice...

I am always one to error on the side of caution. Having a passport is one of those things. I was looking at what to get a couple years ago, went through the "trouble" of getting a passport and glad I did as it opens up a lot of extra abilities that I may need (flying, tour boat, other countries).

As it was the reason that I was getting a passport was to attend a memorial service for my Dad in the US 10 minutes over the border, after 3 months of getting it (can you say some stupid requirements - I understand some of them but really does it have to be THAT hard?) I arrive at the border and am told that I could have shown up without it and they would have let me through. Nice thing is that I have it and it is done for a couple years and will be easier to get next time.

2x getting the Nexus card. If you cross the border between Canada and the US, you will find a special lane at 20 border crossings. Crossings that have nexus lanes can be found on the web

Peace Arch in WA, definitely want the nexus lane on the right


All occupants will need their own Nexus card to use this service

Even at the smaller border crossing without a special lane, minimal questioning.

If flying back into Canada or the US, there are special Nexus kiosks at the select major airport and can self check through immigration.

If flying out, the nexus card allows you to use the TSA preferred lines and most times don't have to take off your coat, shoes, nor remove your laptop.

If boating across the border, a call to customs for either side allows you to continue without having to dock or get inspected.

Like all preferred traveler programs they still can do random checks, so it is always good to be flexible.

I've visited 30-some countries in the last couple decades, by far the hardest country I've ever found for a US citizen to enter is the USA. (Haven't tried going to N. Korea) As with all bureaucracies the way to a successful outcome is pretty straightforward-- follow their rules, to the letter, and don't be a smart-aleck. Bureaucrats cannot be relied on to have sense of humor. At least most ICE waiting rooms in the US have air conditioning and flush toilets, so it's not so bad.

So rather than try to "get by" with something, just get a passport. It's cheap, painless, and you'll be ready to rock when you win that all-expense paid vacation to the south of France.

We drove from Maine to Alaska last year via Canada. we crossed back and forth several times. in all cases we used our passport cards and had no issues. We did have our passports with us, just in case, but never needed them.

Very easy (5 minutes each) to go into Canada and back into the US when I moved from Alaska to Washington state with a camper full of stuff, the backseat of the truck full of stuff, and my dog. No guns, no ammunition. Yes Sir, No Sir.
Passport and vet certificate was all that was needed. Oh, and decency, honesty, and respect.

Easy.

Get a passport.

I just renew passport for my wife.
Passcard was like $35, passport $100.
Not such big difference in price, but big difference where you can use each.

Hassle can happen going either way. Ooze good attitude and be completely HONEST with your answers to their questions. This can help a LOT, going both ways.
The experienced officers know how to read facial expressions, body language, and vocal response.
DO NOT PLAY GAMES or attempt to fool them. It will likely causes you problems.
The young officers are learning, and it is best to be as "readable" as possible.
Just my experience-and hearing how things went sour for others.....

For the record, I've never had any issues any direction. My point was that the rules are different because Canada has their own rules. Don't assume that just because you can get into Canada that you can get back into the US.

Reality Check wrote:

jimh425 wrote:
I don't know what a passcard is, but in adjoining states we can get in/back with an enhanced driver's license. Keep in mind that it's generally easier to get into Canada unless you have a DUI than getting back into the US.

Interesting how different experiences lead us..

I've always found it way smoother coming home. When I'm heading north, I'm a visitor requesting the opportunity to visit. I understand the game.

But upon returning, I'm coming home. This is my home. I'm not asking, and there isn't any doubt where I'm heading or whether I'll get there. Longest I've been spoken with coming back in is a long minute, and that's with 3 or 4 unrelated guys in the truck.

Just find the different perspective's intriguing....

I find the comments about getting a passport 'in case' to be smart planning. One never knows what will happen.

My experience going through the various WA crossings is that it's a PITA coming home to the US... and that the more isolated ones are harder, dunno if it's just boredom and something for them to do or ??? but it's always, for me, harder/longer to get home than to Canada...

Weird I guess...

heheh, and NO sense of humor... as it probably should be I guess..