Canada Bound? Passport Card Less Expensive Than Passport

The US government announces they've finally made less expensive "Passport Cards" available to the American public. Check out the full story on our sister blog, RVing Mexico.

Homeland Security Locks Horns With Congress: Get Ready for Tighter Border Crossings

Last month the US Congress passed legislation that was thought to put off tighter identification requirements for folks crossing the US borders by land. Now the Department of Homeland Security has fired a shot back at Congress: Expect tighter identification requirements by the end of the month when making land crossings.

In a terse statement, apparently aimed at congressional leaders, Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said it was, "Time to grow up and recognize that if we're serious about this threat [that of terrorist activity], we've got to take reasonable, measured, but nevertheless determined steps to getting better security." It didn't take long to get a response from Congress.

Noting that Chertoff's department was forced to temporarily suspend a similar requirement for air travelers last summer when the rule caused a massive U.S. passport backlog, Representative Thomas M. Reynolds (R-N.Y.) said that Chertoff, "frankly has as much credibility on telling people to grow up as Geoffrey the giraffe." Geoffrey is the advertising mascot of America's largest toy retailer, Toys R Us.

What's the bottom line? At this stage of the "chess game" between Homeland Security and Congress, it looks as though Congress is on the losing end. Chertoff says travelers entering the US will need to do more than just declare their citizenship verbally, they'll need to prove it. If they don't have a passport, an "enhanced driver license," or border pass card, then a photo identification plus proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) will be required.

It would appear similar documentation will be required to enter the US from Mexico.

For more information, visit The Washington Post.

Is This Your Summer To Travel North?

For this first post I have decided to get the Passport info out of the way. It's on a lot of people's minds, with many questions. Changes are occuring and with advance warning obtaining a Passport will be a minor bump in the road.

RVers who hope to venture to Canada, should be aware of changes in Passport regulations and begin planning now.

As of January 23, 2007, all AIR passengers must have a valid Passport to ‘fly’ into the USA, however RVers and other land travellers have another year - maybe longer before this form of identification is required. Originally Passport date for land and sea passengers was set for January 1, 2008, but according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) for Canadians the latest deadline is June 1, 2009.

Read the FACT SHEET covering the new PASS System (People, Access Security Service) and about WHTI for Homeland Security Until the deadline is reached, proof of citizenship and identity such as a Birth Certificate plus a Photo ID (e.g. Drivers Licence) will be accepted.

Several points RVers should be aware of…
▪ Although in 2007, land travellers do NOT require a Passport to drive across the border; however if you had to quickly return to the USA by Air for medical or an emergency of some kind – without a Passport you could not re-enter the USA.
▪ The passport requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens travelling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
▪ A Canadian Passport can be replaced if it is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible on your trip.
▪ Click here to report a lost stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible American passport.

If you have items you would like addressed or comments on this topic feel free to let me know. Travel safe everyone, P&J

Peggi McDonald is WebHost of RVLiving.net and author of several RV books including RV Travel to Canada E-Book – next update Spring 2007 see RV Bookstore for details.