How easy to drive across the US / Canada border?

[CY88]

I'm going to be staying in the US, fairly close to the Canada border, and I'm interested to know whether, as a tourist, you can just drive across for the day (like in european countries), or whether its more hassle than its worth?

[MentalSarcasm]

I would imagine you'd have to go through a border control station like they used to have between EU countries, so at the very least you'll need to take your passport with you if you want to cross over.

[louiebaby]

We just needed a passport, but that was before 9-11 and the war on terror, so they might have tightened it up a bit.

[n1ckt001]

I did it last summer (from Canada into US though, into upstate NY from Cornwall, Ontario), you'll need your passport at the very least.

Last year for going from Canada into US I needed to park up, go into the building and fill out the Visa waiver (green form), and pay some cash for the privilege I think (not a great deal, maybe $10). I assume it is a similar process going the other way.

The process for entering the States now involves registering online in advance doesn't it as well? This wouldn't be a problem for you as you'll already be in the States, and I don't think Canada have a similar system in place, but maybe worthwhile checking.

[thegman]

You can just drive across. You need a passport but no visa for Canada as it is part of the waiver scheme. Don't try to bring and food or plants back.

[Chris71]

Used to be very easy. It's exactly what one of my dad's mates did when he got his draft papers for Vietnam. He had only been a US citizen for about 48 hours and he wasn't quite ready to die for Uncle Sam with all the other recent immigrants and politically neglected minorities.

[anonymous-user]

It's very easy - passport required only. Check hire car insurance though.

[Thunderace]

We've crossed from BC-Washington State and back a few times. It can depend on which crossing point and the time of day. It's taken as little as 5 minutes of form filling on a backroads crossing or the delights of sitting in a 3 hour queue last summer. The car may be searched, finger prints are scanned, can't remember the exact cost - it's about $10-20 dollars to enter the US, no charge into Canada.

Crossing the border

Edited by Thunderace on Wednesday 12th August 13:25

[sawman]

Should be easy enough, you havent got any DUI charges on your record though have you?

[CY88]

Nope. Sounds straightforward so long as the hire car insurances covers it then Thanks all.