Homeland Security to require passports for U.S. entry

[Canuck_Buck]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Homeland Security Department will require virtually all air travelers entering the United States after January 23 to show passports -- even U.S. citizens.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/11/22/passports.air.ap/index.html

Chertoff said his agency's data revealed that in September 2006, 90 percent of passengers leaving from Canadian airports had passports.

The department estimated that 69 percent of U.S. air travelers to Canada, 58 percent of U.S. travelers to Mexico, and 75 percent of U.S. travelers to the Caribbean hold passports.

....I see this as a good thing...responsible law abiding citizens will always have their paperwork ready and in order...

Anyone have trouble with border crossings?

[CalHunter]

The last time I went hunting in Canada (BC), the gal at the border gave me lots of grief for not having a passport. My understanding is that Canada now requires passports and so does Mexico. I think all of us should be on the same page and have a level playing field but I sure Mexico's el presidente will disagree with that. Anything to keep the $$ flowing back to Mexico.

[ranger56528]

I beleave in two years everone will be requierd to have a passport to travel,weather it be land or air between U.S. Canada,Mexico or werever.

[Canuck_Buck]

I am not suprised calhunter about the BC crossing, did they hassle you coming back into the US? What happened if you don't mind sharing?

I went down to Virginia last summer to visit some good ole boys and do some fishing withsome 'mericun buds,brought some of my own gear too.
Crossing was long due to the lines up at the 1000 islands check point. I did notice agents randomly moving among certain cars along the line up, I assumeasking people to have their paperwork in order, both Canuck plates and US plates were spoken with. I watched them for a while and then noticed one agent look at me and my truck quickly and give me a nod. That was it.

I had all my paperwork updated and in order. The female border agent, ( with a pistol on her belt )maintaining constant eye contact, politely and sternly asked me several questions as to the nature of my visit etc and was very methodical about the process, clicking away on her computer all along.

She wished me a pleasant stay, gave me a big smileand then stamped my passport and wished me a safe drive down and I was off. Wow. I was impressed at the efficiency and her professionalism.

Coming back to Canada, I encountered a similar process, yet another female agent ( no pistol but I hear that is changing soon for the better )asked aseries of similar questions. Sheasked how much I spent, did I bring gifts and how long I was in Virginia, and did I enjoy my stay.etc.

I noticed she too was click clacking away on the keyboard too. So I got the feeling and think they had my visit/personal entry point info on the monitor screen and she was verifying my story as entered by the US agent.

This was the most professional crossing I had ever encountered. I felt like they showedgenuine concern for me personally and our for both our countries' security, I commend the US border agents for their sincere professionalism and they have my respect.

[kevin1]

You're trying to enter a foreign country , does it surprise you that they'd want to know who you are and where you come from ? Until nationalism is erased this will be the state of things .

[Canuck_Buck]

ORIGINAL: kevin1

You're trying to enter a foreign country , does it surprise you that they'd want to know who you are and where you come from ? Until nationalism is erased this will be the state of things .

Hell no, not surpised at all, I was pleased with the whole experience. The agents on both sides of the border obviously had some excellent training and treated me with repsect. It was a safe and secure feeling I was left with and I can honestly say there was no bad experience. It was all postiive and the way it should be at border crossings.

Now, mind you, I am middle aged born and raised white Canuck Buck, maybe that have something to do with it being easy. Hard to say, But I didn't feel like I was given favor or treated differently.

I had been across many time before back n forth for short periods as well as long vacations away from home. Back in my younger days there wouldn't be any guards on duty on the canadian side in the early morning hours......we could just drive through coming back from NY Stateside.

I was left with the feeling that there was finally some co-operation and information sharing between the border agencies and this I feel is a good thing because they were protecting us all. That US agent was kinda cute too the way she smiled at me, I just wanted to catch her a big fish and cook it for her after that experience.......ooohhhh and she had a nice gun too...!

[James B]

I have made 35 trips to Canada since 1979 to hunt and fish. It is my understanding that we will not need passports for our 2007 trip which is already booked. However after that we will need them. I don't know yet if I will get a passport after that or just retire from going up there.

[Sagittarius62]

I live with in 500 yards of the Quebec border. My wife, kids and I love to go fishing at a few locations just over the line, on the Saint Lawrence, and it's tribs. passport for me and momma at $97 plus one for each of my four kids at $87, total $542 dollars, I think not. We will fish in NY. Bye-bye tourist dollars. This will effectively close the border for everything from one day shopping trips to two and three day excursions along the border. No more trips to Montreal and Ottawa for shopping or hockey. I live next to an Indian reservation that straddles the border. This is where the majority of the hi-jinks take place, from people smuggling to drug running. No passport required. Stupid idea period.

[Canuck_Buck]

sounds like the new system works both ways !

[James B]

As usual, it won't hurt the guy with the big bucks.[:@]