BORDER REGULATIONS 2007

Just a bit of information we want to share with you while you are preparing for your trip and planning to pack your gear fro your scheduled trip.

A big concern hanging over everyone’s head is the passport to get into Canada. You do not need the passport to get into Canada. But...if you want to get back home---into the United States--you will need to have a passport. This year (2007) you only need your passport if you are crossing the border by air or by water. If you are crossing by vehicle, you need to have your valid passport by spring of 2009. This date has been changed two or three times, but I think this time it is definite.

The regulations for kids 15 and under, do NOT need to have a passport. But they will need to show their birth certificate. For kids 16 to 18, they will need a passport as well as all adults. If kids 16-18 are traveling with an organized group, such as Boy Scouts, church groups or school groups, they will need only a birth certificate and a signed note from their parents. But ALL ADULTS will need to have your passport by 2009, unless flying into Canada or boating. So the best advise we can give you, is to JUST DO IT.

Get your applications and get it done. It is a regulation and we all need to comply. You need a passport to go to any other foreign country, so it is now the law you need one to get back to the US from Canada. They are good for 10 years, so get yours and you will be taken care of for that many years. Go to your local post office and pick up your application and get it filled out and sent in. If you wait until the time they are required, there will be a PILE of them to be done, the processing time will more than likely be time so much longer. JUST DO IT! Once you have your passport, all background checks have been completed and it is much easier to pass through any border crossing.

There is still the regulation on meats being brought into Canada from the US and for going back into the US from Canada. Each person is allowed to bring 5 kg of all meats into Canada. This is about 10 lbs of meat per person. If you bring more, it may be taken away and sent to the Salvation Army. (Good cause, but you don’t want to lose it since you have already paid for it)

As for any left over meats, it is NOT allowed to cross back into the US unless they still have the USDA sticker on the sealed package where you purchased it.

NO POTATOES are allowed to cross over the Canadian border. Those, too, if they find you have brought them, they will be taken away and go to the food drive.

You are allowed 1 case of beer OR one liter of liquor per person of legal age. Any more than the allowance, you will be charged for it at customs or it may be taken away.

You are allowed 1 carton of cigarettes per person of legal age. Same as for liquor, if you have more, you will be charged or they might be taken away. You will be better off to buy it once you cross into Canada if you are wanting to have more.

If you have any questions regarding border crossing, check out these websites.

www.cic.gc.ca

www.diait.gc.ca

www.infonorth.net

www.canadawelcomesyou.net (This one is a very user friendly website. I hope you find it helpful)

Or you can call 1-888-242-2100 during work hours 5 days a week.

If you have a conviction (such as DUI or a criminal record of any type) and it is over 10 years old, it should have been redeemed. But this is strictly up to the customs officer if entry is allowed. Check the addresses or phone them and find out additional information for yourself.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

L & M Fly - In www.Lmflyin.com