Crossing the US-CANADA border

[Tenspeeder]

Greetings and salutations, fellow two-wheeled warriors!

I'm planning a wicked cool day trip: I want to trek into the USA. I live in a town that's very close to the British Columbia/Washington State border, along the very route that heads toward Bellingham, Washington.

Thing is: I have no idea what is necessary to cross the border on a bicycle. Does anyone know about that, and in specifics, the route heading from here TO Bellingham?

Thanks'

Steven

 

[aa9t8]

my wife and i crossed sumas a month or so ago on the tandem. i do not have a passport but we crossed. we came back by your border crossing. i do not even remember much hassle at the border. dl, care card, c/c, etc. normal id
hey i want to ride out to cultass on tue?

 

[Tenspeeder]

my wife and i crossed sumas a month or so ago on the tandem. i do not have a passport but we crossed. we came back by your border crossing. i do not even remember much hassle at the border. dl, care card, c/c, etc. normal id
hey i want to ride out to cultass on tue?

Sounds like fun, but I save my pleasure riding for weekends. I work afternoon shifts, so I stay near the homestead during the week.

WHat's the cost for crossing the border, anyhow?

 

[aa9t8]

NO COST FOR CROSSING
just make sure everything is in order. no warrents or concealed weapons of mass destruction. the border guards are the law unto themselves. that means what they say goes. you can be detained on a whim. so smile cooperate and do not be a smart ass. going to ride to cultass with just me and all my other personalities

 

[Canadiense]

I often cross into the USA at Sumas for valley rides. Very pastoral and pleasant riding experiences. The border has never been a problem for me as I merely present a Canadian passport and look the part of an innocuous cyclist. Get off your bike and go inside as a pedestrian, leaving your bike outside. They hardly ask any questions and will likely just waive you through. Coming back is even less of a hassle.


If you are not a Canadian or US citizen it would be more difficult for sure.

 

[stokell]

If you are a Canadian citizen a valid (Canadian) birth certificate, passport or citizenship card will do CURRENTLY. (sorry for shouting.)

The U-S is proposing changing that shortly and requiring Canadians to have a valid passport (they only last 5 years) or a dedicated travel document. Citizens of other countries (even those residing in Canada) may require a visa.

I live in Toronto near 2 very busy crossings. In these locations you will find the border guards very business-like.

 

[geoffs]

If you are a Canadian citizen a valid (Canadian) birth certificate, passport or citizenship card will do CURRENTLY. (sorry for shouting.)

The U-S is proposing changing that shortly and requiring Canadians to have a valid passport (they only last 5 years) or a dedicated travel document. Citizens of other countries (even those residing in Canada) may require a visa.

I live in Toronto near 2 very busy crossings. In these locations you will find the border guards very business-like.

Things might have changed since I was there last but if you know someone who is not canadian you can claim all the taxes paid from purchases at the border.
We had receipts for all our camping gear and a pile of other stuff that we had bought as well as all the receipts from a Canadian that we were cycling with and received a tax refund. Wonderful !!

Cheers

Geoff

 

[Wayne Henderson]

I cross the border at Sumas/Abbotsford regularily. Right now you just need a birth certificate and photo ID like a drivers license going either way. If the officer is in a good mood you can get away with less.

Canadians without a passport will be barred from entering the United States after Dec. 31, 2006, unless they have a special U.S. "laser visa" border crossing card that includes a fingerprint or other "biometric identifier" such as a retinal scan. Those cards are issued mostly to Mexicans who want to enter the U.S.

In January 2008 Americans will need the same documents to re-enter their own country.

Some politicians are trying to get enforcement dates delayed.

Entering Canada will still not require a passport or 'laser visa'.