Updated: Mon Jun. 01 2009 14:26:27

CTV.ca News Staff

U.S. officials said Monday they won't turn away Canadian travellers who show up at land border crossings without passports, despite new regulations that make it mandatory to have a "secure document" when crossing into the United States.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative came into effect today after more than a year-long delay, and requires Canadians crossing into the U.S. and Americans returning home to have a valid passport if they are aged 16 or older.

While travellers are being urged to obtain the correct documents as soon as possible, officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Monday they will accept identification such as a birth certificate and photo I.D. for a few weeks, if not months.

"If you cross anywhere within the United States, whether it's on the northern border or the southern border, we're applying this informed compliance phase," said Kevin Corsaroan, chief customs and border protection officer on the U.S. side of the Peace Bridge.

"We don't think it's going to go away any time soon -- we believe it's going to go on throughout the summer. We're waiting for further guidance from the department on that."

According to Corsaroan, few travellers arrived at the border crossing without passports on Monday, but officials will not turn away those who do not have one.

"We will not refuse a Canadian entry into this country if that's their only violation," he said.

Travellers turning up at the border without a secure document are being told how they can obtain one and are given an information sheet that reads: "Noncompliant. You are not in compliance with the secure document requirements that went into effect June 1, 2009, for entry into the United States."

"U.S. and Canadian citizens must present a secure travel document for entry into the United States at land and sea ports of entry."

Jessica Whitaker of London, Ont., received the warning letter after crossing the Peace Bridge with just a birth certificate and photo I.D.

The 20-year-old vowed to get a passport before her next trip to the U.S.

"I'm just going to be waiting for my passport next time I cross," she said. "I think it's a good thing to have."

The new rules contain some exceptions, including:

• Canadian citizens aged 15 years or younger only need to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizen card.
• Canadians 18 years and younger who are travelling with a school or other group, such as a sports team, also only need to provide proof of citizenship if they have parental consent.
• Canadians can also use a valid NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card that are used by truckers, or an enhanced driver's license that is offered in Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec.

CTV's Paula Todd reported from the border crossing at Niagara Falls Monday afternoon that most people arrived at the border with the right documents.

"I don't know if that's because we are incredibly well mannered as Canadians, or that this message has been out nice and loud for more than a year now," Todd said during an interview on CTV News Channel.

She said U.S. officials are keeping track of the numbers of travellers crossing the border and what kinds of identification they are carrying, which will help them determine how long they will be flexible with what documents they will accept.

Meanwhile, business and tourism officials are concerned that the new regulations will slow trade at the border and turn people off from North American travel.

New Brunswick Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson has complained that the number of American tourists to the province has been on the decline since the new regulations were announced.

The province is now focusing on enticing travellers from Quebec, Ontario and Europe to make up for the shortfall.

Ron Moran, president of the Customs Excise Union of Canada, said the new regulations are important both for improving security at the border and for speeding up travel times.

Moran said Monday that in a post 9-11 world, gone are the days when a customs officer would lean into the car, ask if everyone is a Canadian citizen and wave you across the border.

"The reality is when you administer your points of entry in that manner, you really don't have a clue who you're letting into the country," Moran told Canada AM. "So certainly having everybody have readable documents is something that is very highly supported by the men and women who (are border guards)."

According to Moran, a uniform set of rules that everyone must follow to engage in cross-border travel will move traffic more quickly during peak periods.

"The reality is a readable document is quicker and just as importantly, it's more prudent," he said.

Passport Canada says that about 54 per cent of Canadians have a passport compared to only 30 per cent of Americans.

Travellers flying into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean have required a passport since 2007.

But the regulation was not applied to land crossings in order to give people more time to obtain passports.

Passport Canada said it has been overwhelmed with applications, and has been processing an average of 20,000 passports per day over the past few months.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Tk
"Guards won't turn away Canadians with NO passports."

English is an odd language. If you must use this phrasing, it's "Guards won't turn away Canadians with no passport." Why not "Guards to allow Canadians without passports"?

WallyJ
Oh, come on Canada, you"all luv the Americans..and why wouldn't you, we are friends, neigbours and have a common interest in hockey..you may loose some day..shape up Canada..we luv you guys..
We are Peace makers and Peasce keepers..

WallyJ
America, you are a sweetheart..that's why I live and luv my country..

Tom in Maryland
Jeff said he is going to Europe. Don't Canadians need a passport to enter European coutries? So won't Jeff still have to get a passport for his alternative plan? Just wondering

Marcia Schwarz
Our U.S. neighbours could care less about coming up to Canada or having passports, as approx. 25% of the population have them. We are pompous snobs in Canada, and Torontonians should be more considerate of the effects this will have on our Tourism dollars this year. If you were employed in Niagara Falls you'd be more concerned about the passport dilemma. Marcia Toronto

Wilf
just use common sense. There was enough time to get a passport or just stay home and stop complaining. I had mine for the last 17 years.

Brent in Canada
Man, with 6 people in my family traveling to the USA will cost us $322! I highly doubt that we will be going to the USA anytime soon even though our daughter is a dual citizen.

gord
With all due respect the Americans could care less if Canadians travel there. At most border crossings the first impression is that we Canadians are more of a nusiance than anything to the great USA. Travel in Canada, the yanks could careless if we come or not.

Egons Lasis
I can't believe the number of Canadians driven by materialism to shop south of the border. I'm proud to support my own economy. My bigger beef is the hastle to have my Ontario Health Card renewed. Born in this country, I am treated like an immigrant every few years and am made to jump trough hoops similiar to those of getting a passport. Yet, that same photo health card is rejected as proof of identication everywhere I go. Unless you have a Driver's License, you almost need a passport in your own country!

Baltic316
A significantly higher percentage of Canadians hold passports compared to Americans. The real problem will be for Americans returning home. It is a hassle many on both sides of the border don't need and over the course of the summer will undoubtedly affect both sides of the border. Perhaps this year more Canadians will spend time and money exploring their own country.

Laura, Dear Laura Yep thats Me!
The thing about requiring a passpost to enter USA that bothers me, is that this move is a result of 911 primarily, and I stood on Parliament Hill and was insulted when Celucci expressed some hostile and bigotted atitudes toward Canada, terrorism, and what Canada's supposed role in terrorist attacks on the twin towers were. I worked in Ottawa at that time, and was evacuated several times from my office building due to possible anthrax contamination. I was present to watch American diplomats start acting like thugs with Canadians. And nothing has changed. American diplomats continue to slip up and try to continue to label Canada as a entry point. It is not smugness that finds this American behavour repugnant, but common sense. Yes the Americans have the right to do as they see fit. But I don't have to agree, and I won't get a passport as long as my dependant adult son who requires my one on one intervention 24 hours a day is not allowed into the country because of his disabilities. I don't feel smug. I feel disgust, and quite frankly I too have a right to express that in this forum. So I don't attack the myopic responses of folks that don't like to hear a clear concise opinion.

Linda
Those who are lauding the system in Europe are only partly correct.Once you are withing the EU,travel does not require a passport.
HOWEVER,there are a lot more restrictions and much tighter security checks to get you inside the EU.You are almost certain to require a passport there.
If North America had any where the levels of integration and harmonization that they have in Europe,I doubt we would need passports either.
But,as usual,Canadian paranoia almost always sees co-operation on anything in the USA as a threat to their sovereignty,or as bullying by our southern cousins.
People may be able to bamboozle Canadians about the need for security,but they won't fool the USA.Even though the 9/11 hijackers didn't enter from Canada,it's almost certain that the bombs planted on Air India were as a result of terrorist actions here.I doubt they would be welcome in the USA.
At least the USA has the courage to defend their country.Something that to many Canadians think is unnecessary here.

angela
what about aboriginal canadians? what about those aboriginal canadians who were guaranteed free travel on the lands without borders?

Bob
Here we go the BULLIES OF THE USA gets what they want again. Lets stop them from entering our Canada because they don't speak both Canadian Bilingual languages. Come on it's about time we sent them back to the (USA) UNITED SARCASTIC ARROGANT.

EDWard
As a Canadian living in Europe for the last 8 yrs, I travel back and forth between countries on a regular basis(daily)and I always have my passport with me, have to. Same with EU citizens, although it's an EU card. There are regular checks at the borders over here, and when required you have to provide your "papers". It's not the border free Utopia you think it is!

Richard
DM in NB>> you misread the message. He's got a passport, he's got money, and CDN $ is up. Why would he go to a country that looks almost the same as his own if for a couple hundred more he could see a whole different culture?

In my opinion, what is idiotic is you calling what Jeff said idiotic.

I visit different parts of Europe every year because every year I learn something, I feel I was away on vacation. Prior to that, I used to go to the Us and it always felt like my back yard; same food, same language, same store chains, same everything. In other words, paid money to see my neighbourhood. Spending money to do that is idiotic in my opinion. Open your eyes and travel the world my friend... there is more to it that DC, VT, MA or NY.

Chris in Ajax
The issue here is not the requirement to have a passport. The underlying issue is the suspension of rights as soon as you cross the border. Few Canadians realize that they have zero rights while in the USA. The USA is still holding Canadian citizens hostage without trial and without access to the Canadian consulate under the guise of "National Security". Yes you are required to show your pasport to get into different countries all over the world and yes you are required to have a visa for some of them. In the vast majority of those countries you still have basic human and legal rights as a person and as a Canadian citizen. The USA is no longer the land of the free and I would strongly suggest that you do not assume taht it is. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones is at stake.

always a proud Canadian
I have no problem with needing a passport but do dispute the cost and brief length of time that our Canadian ones last. And yes, we travel to the US every year, and find the US Customs officers welcoming and obliging....unlike our own Canadian ones who don't know how to smile or be welcoming, either to Canadians returning home, or to Americans coming to visit. What's wrong with saying "welcome (home) to Canada....and now I have a job to do"....with a smile on their face???

Georgio - Ontario
Pam from sask>> It's called economies of scale (macro enonomy 101).

Also, every country has their own fees. I know some European countries charge 100 Euros (about 150) for a passport. Do they cry to their gov that Canada charges only 50Euros? I think not.

Independently Minded
At first I was disappointed that the enviable open border between Canada and the US was going to disappear, but nothing lasts forever.

Got my Nexus card and ready to go...

samir
I am a Arab and i visit the US all the time, with my long arabic name I have no issues get in, sometimes when i visit they dont ask for my id when i am driving there. maybe because i drive a ford-150 with i love alberta beef bumper sticker?

Anne
Michael from Toronto
Yes - going from country to country in Europe is like going from province to province in Canada - no documents required. You are almost right. You forgot to mention though (or maybe you are unaware) the problems they're encountering now with large numbers of visitors who enter their countries to commit crimes. This is a major problem throughout Europe, with Europeans from poor countries getting in trouble with police once they arrive in richer European countries.

So yeah, Europe may sound like the Land of Freedom now, but at what price?

CJH
get a Nexxus card if just traveling to the USA
Cheaper, less hassel still lasts 5 years.

MuskyBuck
I do have a valid passport but you will not find a US stamp anywhere on it.

I choose to live and support in Canada, I choose to travel and I choose NOT to support the police state below us.

Dennis L. Krahn
Very amusing reading the comments on the passport article.

Ancient soul: the days when 'everyone' carries a handgun are long,long gone! I lived in Texas for some time, less people are carrying guns there than those that are.

Laura, I am sure the US will miss your business.

Rude Border Guards in the US?? We had an idiot in Canada charge us GST on a dental work and had to have our accountant retrieve the money from the Government. I would rather deal with someone having a bad day than a moron.

To all of you whining about a passport; don't plan on travel to any other country; I have been to many foreign countries; they all ask for your passport. You can't even buy tickets to a foreign country without showing a passport.

In closing, it was comforting to read postings from both sides of the border that dealt with reality and common sense.

David
Why Canadian passport only lasting for 5 years???
Doubling the life of a passport to 10 years would not only make it more affordable and convenient, but follow the lead of countries like the U.K., Australia and U.S.

We should have a 10 years passport!!!

Spud Lite
I don't care how difficult they make the experience, I'm STILL not going down there!

Beefy
Jon - entering another country is not a "civil liberty"

Border Services guy from Ottawa
What's the fuss? The US is a foreign country. No one thinks twice about having to produce a passport when going to Europe.
Hope we're also tighting up on Canadians (and Americans) entering Canada from the States since there's a much bigger problem with illegal weapons coming north than with terrorist going south.

This ISN'T Europe
*SIGH* When will you all learn that we don't live in Europe? Yes, the EU got rid of border line-ups but they share the same currency, gave up a lot of their sovereignty and even then, not all of the countries have signed the Schengen agreement. Ever enter the EU from a non-Nato country outside of the Schengen agreement? Not the easiest thing - I promise you.
How else do you propose we reduce the number of firearms coming into this country from the US? The people with fake medical cards seeking treatment courtesy of OUR tax dollars? What about the US keeping BC drugs out? Not to mention everyone who books it to the border to evade police or transport kidnapped children or illegal migrants. Learn what customs on both sides of the border actually DO before whining about the line-ups or the moody/tired customs officer and talking about getting rid of the border. After an hour long line-up, you're probably not the rosiest person to talk to so maybe you're the one putting the border guards in a bad mood - just saying.

Mom to 3
I'm not overly upset by the requirements to have a passport to travel to the US as everyone's correct that you need it to go anywhere else. What bothers me is the cost for the passports for a family of 5, and the hours of standing in lines-not great with children under 6! Of course I could send all the documentation in by mail, but they've already said there's no guarantee you'll get your birth certificates and such back. I find this to be far more of a concern than the fact of needing the passport to enter the US.

DM in NB
Jeff says "I'm already booking my vacation to Europe instead of the US."


Lines like this are just plain idiotic. So you won't travel to the US because it now requires a passport, BUT, you have no problem traveling to Europe, which ALSO requires a passport.

Morgan Hannah
Morgan - Milton
Wow...I truly can't believe how many people are so upset about having to get a passport to go into a foreign country. Get over it people! If you can't afford to get a passport (just like me)then try exploring our great country! Hasn't anyone seen the commercials showing people from Europe and the Mediterranian expounding about the wonders we have in our own country? Temagami, Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountains, the entire island of Newfoundland, Old Quebec City? I am so incredibly proud to be CANADIAN! I haven't been down to the US in over 10 years and don't feel like I have missed anything at all.
Just because we happen to share a continent with another country doesn't mean that we have a right to go to that country, nor does it mean people from that country have a right to come to ours. Passports are a reality for travel to most countries, now there is just one more. Big deal.

Frank
Jenni M - I believe status Indians are covered under what is known as the J treaty - they are allowed to move freely between the two countries under this treaty.

Michael from Toronto
It is sad to see how the North American countries move towards a more isolationist approach, whereas European countries have been moving in an opposite direction. I recently returned from a trip to Europe and, yes, one needs a passport to enter the EU; but then going from country to country in Europe is like going from province to province in Canada - no documents required. I am surprised Canada and the US could not implement a similar approach.

Scott - Montreal
We weren't exactly blind-sided by this new regulation. I'm pretty sure I've been hearing about this for over 2 years now. Suck it up and spend $85.00 or do everyone in America a favour and stay at home. Enough senseless whining!!

Mandy
Will this stop the American Border Officers from being rude to Canadians crossing the border? I cannot tell you how many stories I have heard of inappropriate comments from the BO's from the States about the "damn Canadians who think they can just do as they please without a passport". Another Bush legacy that will bite us all in the rear.

Anne
Ugh. What a bunch of whiners. In Europe you need passport whenever you leave the continent, or even to visit certain countries which are not part of the European Union. Not to mention you also need a visa!! Oh, and guess what: visas aren't free either!

So stop complaining and stay home, if that's such a big hassle. If Canada isn't going to implement the same rules, it's not anyone else's fault but Canada's.

Stop Whining Mmmmmm....
This type of complaint blows me away.. the cost of passports is going to be the least of your expenses for 5 people to go to Disneyland...if you can afford to take 5 people to Disneyland, passports are going to be a small fraction of your costs! And consider the bigger picture....travel to ANY other country requires a passport, and we've known about this coming for years.

Bill in BC
Good for the CBSA. Now we have to do something about the criminals at Kanawake who are upset that CBSA will be armed at the border posts they use to smuggle guns, drugs & tobacco.

Mike from Toronto
I don't understand why people are having a hard time grasping the theory of having a passport to travel to another country. The USA is still another country. Would you try and fly to India without a passport? Of course not! That's also why Ontario's new secure driver license is a dumb idea. If you want to travel to another country get a passport. End of story.

Roger T
"Border guards won't turn away passport-less Canadians"....of course not, they'll just detain Canadians at the border and jail Canaidans. It's always the American solution.

Mmmm
Too bad passports cost so much. Say a family of 5 wants to go to disneyland. What's that 5 x $90.00, plus the cost of pictures and the hassle of forms and picking it up? Easily another $500.00 for what might be a 1 time trip. And then they expire in 5 years, rather than say the Australian passports that last 10 years. I wonder how hard it is for terrorists and criminals to get fake ones anyway?

Biarrote
To "teach the guards some manners", I don't know where you cross the border. We have been going to the US, about once a month, for the last 15-20 years (even when the US $ was so high)and we have NEVER, and I mean NEVER, had any trouble to cross. Quite the opposite. The US guards are always friendly to us, even joking sometimes. But I wouldn't say the same about the Canadian guards. My experience is completely the opposite. It is a hassle to come back home, practically each and every time. One in a blue moon, we get a nice guard, but it is the exception and not the norm.

We will continue to go the US. It is their prerogative to make rules and regulations. If you go to Europe, you need a passport to get into it. After that you can cross from country to country that is part of the European Union, but if you go to a country that is not part of the European Union, you do need a passport at the border. And in the rest of the world, it is the same thing, you need a passport to enter, and sometimes even a visa, how that ? So us Canadians have had it too good for too long when going the US and now, we complain. Well TOUGH !

Nobody is forcing anyone to go to the US. Noboby is forcing anyone to get a special document (enhanced driver licence, passport, etc.). If you want to stay home, stay home, more for us US addicts. And we'll keep having a great service and leave you with our insufferable canadian salespeople.

USers should not need passports to come to Canada
They're already certified by being in the USA as not threats to security.

They should be allowed to enter Canada without passports.

Crossing into the USA, of course, would still require passports for all . . . because the USA wants to operate that way.

Jenni M
Is it true that Status Indians do not need a passport? and all they require to show is their cards.....

BIG-JIM
Another MONEY grab! The US should be paying for these as they want them just because of some damn terrorists from a middle eastern country.
Canadians are on the same damn continent and should not have to go through this hassle or added expense just because of a few criminals with some stupid religious leader who is off his rocker!!!

Not Satisfied
Why is it that although Canadians have to have proper documents to enter the U.S. - Americans don't have to have passports to get into our country. If they don't plan on returning they have an easy way of gettig into the country. Our requirements should be just as tough.

Ancient Soul
Ancient Soul

USA - O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

It's not hard to be brave when everyone carries handguns around in their purses or pants. As for land of the free; they continue to build a wall of separation around themselves and the rest of the world -- where is the freedom in that? I guess the only thing that remains for them to do is rewrite their national anthem (which by the way appears to be mostly about triumph in war)..."Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just"...seems any cause will be sufficient...

Peter in Toronto
Didn't the Ontario government also introduce an enhanced driver's license? According to this news item, only Manitoba, BC and Quebec are listed.

Diane M.
Requiring a passport to enter another country is hardly new and in these times just makes common sense.People have had more than enough time to acquire one.This didn't happen overnight.

BrettL
For those complaining about America and their decision to require passports, please read. I am American, I married a Canadian, and drive across the border weekly. I have crossed too many times to count, and have never experienced a true problem. If you cross, and are approached with a "problem" guard, it probably has alot to do with YOUR attitude toward him/her. I've dealt with guards (on BOTH SIDES) that have been in "less-than-pleasant" moods, yet I always leave their post with a smile, and typically they are left with one as well. Why? Attitude. Please, for the sake of those who enjoy reading article and sharing opinions, leave the ATTITUDE for your own dealings and interactions. We, quite frankly, are not interested.

opinion
Good idea, lets just hope it applies to either way travel. It will protect us both if strict adherance is followed.

David Chan
Well done! It's about time. To all whiners, we aren't listening to your silly backyard criticisms.

opinion
A good idea all around.

Alex (Toronto)
European countries cooperate on security because the cost of slowing down trade at borders would destroy their economies. Border wait times cost tens of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs in Canada and the US. It would make more sense to allow the FBI and RCMP to cooperate. There is no reason that crossing the Canada-US border should be more complex than crossing from New York to Pennsylvania or from Ontario to Quebec. Terrorists and criminals move from state to state and from province to province, and somehow law enforcement still manages to function without sacrificing national sovereignty. Europe's experience clearly shows that borders are neither a sufficient nor useful means of ensuring security within countries.

Stephanie-Alberta
Its About Time.

Teach the border guards some manners
I have no issues with showing a passport to get into any other country if that is the law. What I do take issue with is how rude the American border guards are to those entering their country. I have never experienced such rudeness in Eurpoe or any of the other 35 countries I have visited. I know they say it is to see if you are lying but rudeness does not prove anything in my books. Spend some money now on training the border guards to ask questions without being so rude and disrespectful. NOWHERE in the world (including the former USSR) that I have visited have I met such disrespectful people. That is why I avoid the states at all costs.

Consumer Rick
I don't mind staying in Canada to shop. And now that at the USA border is requesting official documents to cross, more Canadians will stay home and spend here. But, will Canadian retailers continue to rape us over the coals knowing that most of us won't head for the border.

Richard in Ontario
Plain and simple. If you don't want to travel to the US then don't bother getting a passport. Of course don't plan on travelling to Europe either since you will need one to do that. This situation has been known for a long time now and nowhere did I see where you were compelled to comply. I for one don't blame the US for tightening the restrictions since we've seen a few times where people are crossing the border with bomb making equipment etc. We are not squeaky clean folks. Again no one is being forced to travel to the US.

Rhonda
Not sure why it would turn off travel to North America, regardless of where you go in the world you need a passport. I like the idea of everyone having a passport in order to travel, makes it a lot easier for the Customs officials to pull their info.

There was ample warning and sufficient time for people to get their passports.

Nancy: Our dollar may be up, and the US may be in recession, but they have not reduced prices on many items, many of the same items are priced the same or more then here in Canada(I am a huge shopper I live to shop)hotels are still the same price(you are now in peak traveling season) it is mainly in the Touristy places that you will find the prices slashed(Vegas etc) but for most other places there is not much of a difference.

WE just got back from a month long trip to the US, I found some good bargains, but overall not like my previous trip there (last fall)

Jay
hahaha well this is good new for US Military people that want to stay in canada just forget the pastport at home and you get to stay lol. I really don't get the pastport issue a Driver licence update like in is cheaper easier and would surfice and then passport if no licence as a back up.

Tono
Well, it is an international border; it would be only logical that passports should be required.

Gordon
Laura, dear Laura. Such hostility and smugness. All the USA is trying to do is tighten their security. They have a right to do that. Stay at home, you'll never be missed

Rick in NB
We are all safer today. Never mind the hundreds of miles of forest where you can cross the border anywhere. Not to mention the rivers and lakes. Mexican are crossing by the truck load. The important thing is no terrorist will cross at designated check points. Because as Ron Moran said " it's more prudent".

Speor
This topic always brings out the double-talk. Either accept that passports are necessary between countries (even for the Canada/USA border!) or argue for a merger between the two countries (like within the EU).

Passports between Canada and the USA are long overdue.

cn
I don't travel to or through the States much, but definitely won't be now. Can't afford the $200 to get passports for my husband and me.

Dunny from Manotick.
This article has it wrong, Canadians and Americans crossing the U.S. - Canada border do not need a passport if they are travelling into Canada. Anyone travelling into the U.S. needs a passport. The U.S. changed their rules, we have not and U.S. Customs and Immigration doesn't stop people leaving the USA. So if you are an American and you come to Canada without your passport you can get into Canada but you will not be able to go home.

Fair
All the US is asking for is a standard piece of identification before entering their country. With it, the United States is still as welcoming to all as they always were. I think this is reasonable and to be fair, I think that there are people living in Canada that the States (and Canada) should be legitimately concerned about.

CYL
This has been published, announced, over and over for years, so there should not be any excuses for everyone to, by now have a passport.
Every country uses passports, why should this Canada/USA border be any different.

rose
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

So the rules to enter the US have evolved. Get a Passport, or don't go!
No ones "rights" are being violated.

Many things change, and people just don't like change.

Laura Langstaff
I think I'll pass on the passport thing for now. I am not in a hurry to spend my money in border towns, or invest it in a country whose diplomats treat Canada like a breeding ground for terrorism. Why would I jump through THEIR hoops, in order to spend my money in THEIR country??? NOT! My holidays will now be Staycations, where I invest my expendable money in my own country, which is cleaner, saner, more peacable, and our worst governance is better than their best. I would rather not start a vacation or business trip, being treated like a potential terrorist, and begging some border grunt for access to his country.

Canadian in Europe
European maturity and intelligent politics have allowed for the lowering of border regulations within Europe with no paranoia. Yet the Great Democracy and the self proclaimed most powerful nation on earth continues to hide behind any cover to avoid being harmed. It is pathetic. Don't worry Americans we won't hurt you!

Fed Up with America
I have had a passport for many years and always will. However, these Americans, so fed up with them. Hopefully ths will be a bigger problem for Americans than for the rest of us!

pam from sask
Passports are the best form of ID but the thing that bugs me is that in the states it is 50.00 and last for 10 years why are we not following suit with this?? because the govenment is making TOO much money..

Mitch in MB
Wonder how many Americans know about these new requirements to return to the USA by land or sea...even I heard that Bill Clinton and George Bush didn't know about this.

Gord
I once had a distant cousin visiting from the USSR who, when shown the border at Buffalo New York asked two questions. Where are the armed soldiers and where are all the tall buildings?

Canada nd the USA are sovereign countries and to visit there is a gift , not a right. Both countries have a right to require ID evidence. We've always had such an easy relationship with our southern friends this new requirement will take some getting used to. 911 has changed everything.

Matt
Jeff,
Travel to Europe has required passports for as long as I can remember?
The US will still accept non passport documents for many people.

To all the whiners, it's a different country, it isn't unreasonable to ask for ID.

Gabe
I am perplexed at the outcry occuring here!

I have known for over 2 years that this was coming. In fact, the US even delayed implementation to help Canadians!

I think this is a very obvious way to go, as each country has to defend itself.

And boycotting travel to the US over this issue is preposterous, as the requirements are the same for travel ANYWHERE else, pretty much!

Pick your battles, people!!

Ken on the Border
I live in a border community. 20 years ago I would go to the US at least once a week and Americans would come to Canada just as often. Our 2 communities were almost like Twin Cities. Now with the high bridge price and long waits I end up going to the US for personal reasons less than 3 times a year. It's a shame, when I look across the river I now see a foreign country.

Al in NB
The requirements don't bother me any. I actually had to get a passport because I was flying to the United States from Mexico. I knew this well over a year in advance and I had my passport for over a year before boarding the flight. And as for wait times at the airport, a lot shorter than they were most of the time crossing the land border.

terri
RPK,
I am with you. I know many people who go to the states to buy clothes. But they never figure in gas,hotels and food. They never really saved money.We don't need a terrorist attack Dennis, they never crossed over to the states from here.And it would be American boarder guards that would let them in anyway. Man, they have a right to do what they want. It doesn't take away from our rights because we are a foreign country to them just like any other country.

Dave
Dennis R- what do you propose to defend our border? Sounds like you would welcome checkpoints every km and fully armed personnel. Canada is not a security threat but US foreign policy is the reason they have so many problems. I do not mind passports as long as we enforce it too.

Ian
It is surprising at the statistics as to the number of passport holders on both sides of the border. I have both my passport, which is superb identification as well as my NEXUS card and I carry them just as the American Express card commercial goes "don't leave home without it". It just makes tracel that much easier and hassle free in most instances.

Al in NB
I wonder how badly this will screw up international trade...

RPK ~ Kitchener
JUNE 1st PASSPORT DAY ~ well thats a good thing.

Maybe more Canadians will stay home and purchase goods here and "HELP CANADA".

I have had a passport for years but I don't run to cross the border to buy "AMERICAN".

Maybe Canadians will look to home but that is a dream.

Jeff
I'm already booking my vacation to Europe instead of the US.

Sad Day
Sad day for Canada. Let's remember it as the 6-1-09.

Jon in London ON
Historic day today kids, more of your civil liberties have been taken away. Stay tuned!

Papers! I must see your papers!

Nancy: Our Dollar is up time to shop in the USA
Our dollar is up time to shop go shopping in the USA kids under 16 don't need a passport and for $85. the passport that lasts for 5 yrs is a good value hotels are cheaper down there since the recession everything is affordable in the USA.

MikeP
Waiting for the last minute might end up without having been able to return to Canada.
Had mine for a long time even though I do not travel south.

Dennis R
No surprise here, We all knew it was comming, The USA is a sovereign country and well within their rights, I for one will respect those rights as I would hope they would do ours were the shoe on the other foot.

As well I don't blame them for the action they have taken, we all know anybody can enter Canada at any time aS OUR BOARDERS are like a swinging barn door, hope this makes them a little safer because Canada sure as heck ain't.

What Canada will need is a 9 / 11 here like NY and then our politicians if it wakes them up will start to talk about it and commission 2000 studies and spend a few billion dollars to see what might be done to solve the issue, Ha Ha Ha they can't even stop those jerks in CPP from stealing 2 million dollar bonuses above their 1/2 million dollar pay check.

Susan Tampa FL USA
Can't live without Canada...will be getting my passport shortly...