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Passcard for Canada?

Americamper
Explorer
Explorer
Planning a tentative trip to Banff and was wondering if I can get in and out with a passcard rather than a passport?
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20 REPLIES 20

fpoole
Explorer
Explorer
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...
Frank Poole
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Photomike
Explorer III
Explorer III
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.
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bb_94401
Explorer
Explorer
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.
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rwiegand
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Cheers, Roger
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cdbinns
Explorer
Explorer
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.

Geewizard
Explorer
Explorer
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.
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Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.

FreebirdFlies
Explorer
Explorer
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.....

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
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.

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fpoole
Explorer
Explorer
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..
Frank Poole
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Reality_Check
Nomad II
Nomad II
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.
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tonymull
Explorer
Explorer
Emergencies are not just physical. Suppose someone close to you, relative or whatever needs you right now? You'll want to fly home not drive 2 or 3 days. Just get the passport. I've been on that end a few times when I flew from Fairbanks or Anchorage back to Atlanta, wondering, even on a jet, if I would make it in time or not. Can't imagine what that would be like driving all night and day.

bka0721
Explorer II
Explorer II
Also, be sure the vehicle you are driving is registered to you or someone traveling with you. Up to date registration and insurance. Don't travel into the country without a load and then return with a load (Truck Camper in Bed) as they pull up the photo of your vehicle upon entry. If it does not match, they will do a review/inspection. Pets need to have proper vaccination receipts with you that they are up to date. Don't bring guns in or out without proper credentials or paperwork completed before arriving at the border. Basically don't bring a handgun into the country.

If your passport was issued with a Passport "Card" that can be used in lieu of the standard booklet style passport. This "Passport Card" is IR and can be read as you approach the border entry. These are only usable with Countries honoring this I.D., such a Canada, Mexico, Bahamas and a few others.

Happy travels.

b





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fpoole
Explorer
Explorer
Never heard of the "Passcard".. Whas'dat???
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/card/Difference-Between-Passport...
found it, sounds like the NEXUS Card... interesting..

I normally use the NEXUS card which is well worth the hassle of getting for the special lines at some locations, not all..

While I have the Passport, NEXUS, and had a WA Enhanced DL, SD apparently doesn't have one yet, they only want one and need to "Cover" or put away the others or their RID will pick them all up and drive them crazy, aka as PO'd.... which at a boarder X-ing is not a good thing to have happen.

Curious on the Passcard, I'll search it...
thanks..
Frank Poole
Roam'n ROG (Full Timer since Oct '15)
2016 RAM 5500, C/c, 6.7 Diesel, AISIN HD 6-spd, 19.5 DRW, 72 Gal fuel, 4x4, 10โ€™ Alum FB, 440 Amps, 4.10 Axle
2016 AF 990 640-Solar/10-6v Batts
GlowStep Stow Nโ€™ Go, E-Bike
RS1 Buggy
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