CANADIAN /
FOREIGN TOURS & CRUISES . . . PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Please Note: The WHTI-compliant documents
described below are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States. You
may be required to present additional or different travel documents when
entering foreign countries, including countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Before you travel, make sure you know the entry requirements of the country you
plan to visit. See Country Specific Information for more information on the
country you are traveling to.
AIR TRAVEL
All U.S. citizens traveling by air are required to present a passport book to
enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the
land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens
entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport,
passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland
Security.
CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the
original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship
such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school
or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter
under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or
other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's
GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.
Citizens or legal permanent residents of the
United States do require passports or visas to cross the USA-Canada border.
Naturalized U.S. citizens should carry a naturalization certificate or some
other evidence of citizenship. Legal permanent residents of the U.S. who are not
U.S. citizens are advised to carry their Alien Registration Receipt Card (U.S.
Form 1-151 or Form 1-551). Some persons may require a visa to enter Canada.
Specific information for passengers taking cruises and foreign tours, including
Europe, may have more stringent regulations and should be noted. Passengers not
having acceptable identification for crossing the border (either way) may be
removed by border representatives; refunds for services not received made only
upon receipt of same from suppliers. We are not responsible for any costs of
alternative transportation back home or other associated costs thereof. Persons
under 18 years of age who are not accompanied by an adult should bring a letter
from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada. Passengers
are reminded that health, accident and other insurance coverage is their
personal responsibility and they are encouraged to check with their insurance
provider (s) to assure that they have adequate coverage for all Canadian and
foreign tours, including cruises, in addition to coverage ordinarily carried by
the passenger for U.S. purposes. Trip Insurance is available and recommended. It
is important to note that all details are tentative, including the date of
implementation of the passport requirement. Additional information is
available at
www.travel.state.gov.
Crossing the
U.S.-Canadian Border
with Minor Children
Especially when they are not yours
As indicated all passengers
crossing the U.S.-Canadian border need a passport or passport card showing their citizenship
and place of permanent residence. When traveling with your own children, a simple declaration of parenthood along
with passports for the children will suffice, but when you
are traveling with children other than your own, due to government attempts to
reduce the number of children improperly being taken out of the country, we have
been advised that you will require a letter from the child’s legal guardians
that must at the very least contain:
• The child’s full name
• The child’s birth date and that he or she is a U.S. Citizen
• The name, address and contact telephone numbers for the legal guardians
• The guardian’s express permission allowing you to take their child across the
border
• Dates of crossing, both into Canada and back into the USA
• Destination (s) where you will be taking the child
• Your name and permanent address
• Signed and dated by the guardians
Have at least two original documents notarized. The temporary guardian or escort
needs to carry a copy and keep this with his or her identification. If the child
is old enough to be responsible for his or her papers, he or she should also
carry a copy. If the officials at the border want or need a copy for their
records, they will keep a photocopy.
(The information provided has been assembled from several sources. Great Day! Tours accepts no responsibility for its validity and the final interpretation is made by customs officials.)