Essential Things To Bring When Crossing The US-Canadian Border

Planning a trip to Canada is usually quick and trouble-free even though it requires more than patience as you wait at the border. However, many travelers these days are unsure of what is involved in crossing the border. Planning your trip to Canada requires careful preparation of what you will need. So here are some helpful tips and essential things you should bring when crossing the border.

The Right and Important Documents

Making a checklist of the important documents you will need to assure that you forget nothing before leaving home will keep your entire travel hassle-free. Place all the required documents into a single envelope so that they'll be ready to be handed to the border patrol officer the moment you're asked to present the supporting documents.

Unless you're entering by air, you don't yet need a passport to cross the border. However, starting July 1, 2009 you will require a passport to enter Canada when traveling on sea or land as well. For the meantime, you are expected to provide a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license or an official proof of citizenship. For the latter, a birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization will do but not Social Security and Voter Registration cards. For children under 18 years old, any one of the following will suffice: birth certificate, citizenship card, permanent resident card, passport if he or she has one, or Certificate of Indian Status.

A parent who is traveling alone with his or her children should present a letter that shows the other parent's permission to take the children out of the country as well as his or her signature and contact information. But if the parent presents legal papers stating that he or she has sole custody of the children or when the parent's name is affirmed on the children's birth certificate, the letter of permission can be missed out.

Also make sure that your vehicle's insurance documents are with you. You might not need them at the border but you'll certainly need them if in case your car gets pulled over for any reason.

Moreover, it is a wise decision to bring with you health cards for everyone joining the trip even though they are not required for crossing the border. You may also want to purchase travel insurance for just the period of time you're out of the country. Of course, you wouldn't like to be caught unprepared if in case an emergency happens.

Electronic Gadgets, Book and Food

Bring along an iPod or laptop wherein you can listen to music and watch a video or a book to read in order to make the traveling time pass more quickly as well as to entertain everyone especially the children and teenagers. As you get to the border, you may have to wait an hour or more before you actually enter.

Make sure you bring packed food or lunch just in case you would have to wait longer. Prepare some sandwiches or snacks and bring plenty of water and juices to keep you hydrated along the journey.

Pack Your Patience

Expect to be interrogated as you hand over the documents to the border patrol officer. You might be asked about your purpose in entering the country or where you came from, and so forth. Give honest and clear answers without being impolite and arrogant. Your children may also be asked a few questions like if you are his or her Mom or Dad. Don't take offense if your car is chosen to be part of a random inspection. Be patient and even thankful that the border patrol officers are doing their job and trying to make sure that everybody's safe.

Don't forget all these essential things and tips so that you'll definitely have a worry-free border-crossing trip.