Border not opening

News today is reporting that both sides agree that the Canada U.S. border will remain closed past the June 21 deadline although nothing has yet been signed by officials

Link if anyone wants to read that news: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-us-border-crossing-deal-1.5605636

Little off topic but is it frowned upon boating over the boundary line up at LOW and RR? I realize fishing across it is a no no but just navigating. We have always crossed it making our way to the gap because of the shallow water.

Has anyone made calls to the resorts they have reservations with to see how they are handling the situation in regards to deposits, etc. We are to go in August, but I am the only one in the family with a passport that is not expired and I don’t foresee getting the others renewed in time. I am waiting until July to see what the border and passport situation are but just curious.

I posted this on the scout lake post but it probably belongs here as well

I believe the current restriction runs till June 22nd. They have been extending it a month at a time so far. The current word is they are not likely to open anything up on the 22nd. This means they will probably extend it to at least July 22nd. Then possibly Aug. 22nd. That gives you several resets depending on your trip date in Aug. It sounds like Canada is nowhere close to thinking about opening up travel for things like fishing trips. We normally take a fall trip around mid Sept. That gives us at least 3 resets before then to see if they decide to change their mind. At this point I’d say a Sept. opening is 50/50 at the best. This whole Covid poop is hurting a lot of economies and business in both the US and Canada for sure.

You can travel to Canada on a expired Passport as long as you have your Valid ID with. If concerned call the bordering crossing and they will answer your questions for you. Our trip was schedule june 8-12 thank god it was at a private Island so did not lose any money.

You can travel to Canada on a expired Passport as long as you have your Valid ID with. If concerned call the bordering crossing and they will answer your questions for you. Our trip was schedule june 8-12 thank god it was at a private Island so did not lose any money.

orve4 wrote:

You can travel to Canada on a expired Passport as long as you have your Valid ID with. If concerned call the bordering crossing and they will answer your questions for you. Our trip was schedule june 8-12 thank god it was at a private Island so did not lose any money.

That was not the answer I got from either the passport agency or the border crossing site when I called them. That may have changed since I last talked with them about a month or so ago. I’d want to have that in writing from someone official before I made the drive to the border only to be not allowed in. I guess it wont matter if they don’t open the border in time for our mid Sept. trip. I’d like ti think by then I should have my renewed passport. At least I’d hope so. It was sent in back in Feb. I should have had it even before all this covid stuff started. At the time I sent it their processing time said 4-6 weeks. When I called them about 1 month ago I was told it may be another 3 months. I asked if any countries were making exceptions due to the delays. I was told none they were aware of.

tpmorgz wrote:

Has anyone made calls to the resorts they have reservations with to see how they are handling the situation in regards to deposits, etc. We are to go in August, but I am the only one in the family with a passport that is not expired and I don’t foresee getting the others renewed in time. I am waiting until July to see what the border and passport situation are but just curious.

Just have a birth certificate, only need a passport if you are traveling by air.

You might get away with it once but if you cross the border with any frequency you will need some form of a passport to get back in the states.

supercat wrote:

Just have a birth certificate, only need a passport if you are traveling by air.

I’ve never know anyone to get into any foreign country ( Including Canada ) with just a Birth Certificate. I do believe that a few states enhanced drivers license will get you entry into Canada by land crossing only. I believe that Minnesota’s Enhanced DL is one of those states

We have had a guy (different guy every year) not have an active passport and get across just fine. Just bring your Birth Certificate or valid ID. This is when driving across the border.

Decades ago, I used my Birth Cert to get into Canada and Mexico and back into the US upon return. Used to be a bunch of us, few had passports.

I’ve never know anyone to get into any foreign country ( Including Canada ) with just a Birth Certificate. I do believe that a few states enhanced drivers license will get you entry into Canada by land crossing only. I believe that Minnesota’s Enhanced DL is one of those states
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I travel threw fort frances / International falls approximately 6-8 times a year and bring guest that do not have a passport or enhanced drivers license. Birth certificate only if they are under 16, and drivers license w/birth certificate for ones that are older then 16. As always call the border and determine what is right for you I’m just giving you an option I have used this since the passport went into affect into Canada over a decade ago for vehicle traffic. Not trying to start any arguments. Good Luck

supercat wrote:

I travel threw fort frances / International falls approximately 6-8 times a year and bring guest that do not have a passport or enhanced drivers license. Birth certificate only if they are under 16, and drivers license w/birth certificate for ones that are older then 16. As always call the border and determine what is right for you I’m just giving you an option I have used this since the passport went into affect into Canada over a decade ago for vehicle traffic. Not trying to start any arguments. Good Luck

That’s interesting – I would have never thought that would happen. I guess when it comes down to it – It all depends on the border agent. I’m probably a little bit chicken. There would be noting worse than a long drive to the border with a group of people and having 1 person not being allow entry. If I don’t receive my passport by sept. and they have the border open by then, I may have to give it a shot with just my DL and birth Cert.

tpmorgz wrote:

Has anyone made calls to the resorts they have reservations with to see how they are handling the situation in regards to deposits, etc. We are to go in August, but I am the only one in the family with a passport that is not expired and I don’t foresee getting the others renewed in time. I am waiting until July to see what the border and passport situation are but just curious.

Tim, I renewed my US passport last Nov. Seems to me it only took 3 to 5 weeks.

Covid has also put a damper on this option but under noraml cercumstances, many are eligable to get one expidited at this office. I know someone that recieved there’s why they were there same day

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/minneapolis.html

We had a lady in the same situation last year got some suprised time off during our weekly trip. Then she noticed her passport expired and called up to the border crossing near baudette. The crossing gaurd stated to bring up your passport along with your current ID. She came up a day later with expired passport and ID got into Canada and back across to the USA with no problem. The old guy that owns the island stated that an expired pass port is no problem and stated all you needed was the ID.

In order to get a remote border pass you only need to attach a copy of birth certificate and driver’s license. Been that way for years.

Wayne

A buddy of mine wants to go on a Canadian trip. He got a DUI about 20 years ago and I keep telling him that can cause a problem at the border getting into Canada even though he hasn’t drank alcohol since then.

Do any of you know a lawyer I can refer him to to get classified as rehabilitated?

If it’s been 20 years I would just contact the Canadian officials and let them direct you.

eyeguy507 wrote:

Little off topic but is it frowned upon boating over the boundary line up at LOW and RR? I realize fishing across it is a no no but just navigating. We have always crossed it making our way to the gap because of the shallow water.

You don’t wanna stray over the border. The Canadians are taking this very seriously, as they should. There isn’t any instance right now where I would cross from say Sand Bay on Rainy to North Arm, just looking for big trouble.

jwellsy wrote:

A buddy of mine wants to go on a Canadian trip. He got a DUI about 20 years ago and I keep telling him that can cause a problem at the border getting into Canada even though he hasn’t drank alcohol since then.

Do any of you know a lawyer I can refer him to to get classified as rehabilitated?

The best thing is to have him apply for a NEXUS card. 50 bucks. Both countries review and have to approve the applicant. If he’s approved for nexus, he’s good to go.

When I was a kid growing up in upstate NY you could walk across the rainbow bridge near Niagara falls no problem. I never went to Canada for years (decades?) once I left for college. When I wanted to go to Winnipeg from MN years ago it was passport, get out of your car, let them interview you, and search your stuff. Coming back to the US was even worse. Post 9/11 was a game changer, and I suspect it hasn’t gotten better.

I keep my passport updated until they sort out this enhanced ID stuff.

It depends on your situation. Being in a group of guys, that has been crossing since the early 2000’s… when we get there, and punch our info in, I am pretty sure they have history of us crossing, every other year, typically from Mid June until the end of June… same group of guys with a few newbies sprinkled in here and there. Never had an issue going in or coming back.

tindall wrote:

When I was a kid growing up in upstate NY you could walk across the rainbow bridge near Niagara falls no problem. I never went to Canada for years (decades?) once I left for college. When I wanted to go to Winnipeg from MN years ago it was passport, get out of your car, let them interview you, and search your stuff. Coming back to the US was even worse. Post 9/11 was a game changer, and I suspect it hasn’t gotten better.

I keep my passport updated until they sort out this enhanced ID stuff.

Crazy. I’ve crossed into Ontario (IFalls and Baudette) about a dozen times in the last 5 years with 8 different people, and not once has anyone ever been asked to exit our vehicle or been searched. It’s never been more than an a couple minutes. I’ve heard of the stories or being hassled but I’ve never seen it or known anyone who has.

blank wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>tindall wrote:</div>
When I was a kid growing up in upstate NY you could walk across the rainbow bridge near Niagara falls no problem. I never went to Canada for years (decades?) once I left for college. When I wanted to go to Winnipeg from MN years ago it was passport, get out of your car, let them interview you, and search your stuff. Coming back to the US was even worse. Post 9/11 was a game changer, and I suspect it hasn’t gotten better.

I keep my passport updated until they sort out this enhanced ID stuff.

Crazy. I’ve crossed into Ontario (IFalls and Baudette) about a dozen times in the last 5 years with 8 different people, and not once has anyone ever been asked to exit our vehicle or been searched. It’s never been more than an a couple minutes. I’ve heard of the stories or being hassled but I’ve never seen it or known anyone who has.

From my experience, back to 1983, it depends on the situation. I try and get my passengers ready. Here are my suggestions:
Be totally respectful.
Take off hats and sunglasses.
Roll down all windows.
Look attentive – all passengers look directly at the border agent.
Really try and listen to the questions.
Know the exact answer to these questions:
How many people are in the vehicle?
Where are you from, state and city?
Do you have any pets?
Why are you visiting?
How long will you be in canada?
Where are you staying?
Do you have any live bait? Are the nightcrawlers in bedding?
How much alcohol- the exact amount, not just a case of beer and a bottle of booze.
How do you know each other?
What do you do for a living?

I am sure others can add to the list. We have been searched only when passengers have stumbled on the questions, or said why do you want to know that?

39degrees wrote:

From my experience, back to 1983, it depends on the situation. I try and get my passengers ready. Here are my suggestions:
Be totally respectful.
Take off hats and sunglasses.
Roll down all windows.
Look attentive – all passengers look directly at the border agent.
Really try and listen to the questions.
Know the exact answer to these questions:
How many people are in the vehicle?
Where are you from, state and city?
Do you have any pets?
Why are you visiting?
How long will you be in canada?
Where are you staying?
Do you have any live bait? Are the nightcrawlers in bedding?
How much alcohol- the exact amount, not just a case of beer and a bottle of booze.
How do you know each other?
What do you do for a living?

I am sure others can add to the list. We have been searched only when passengers have stumbled on the questions, or said why do you want to know that?

BINGO!!! I’ll echo the comment of hats/sunglasses off, all windows down and also take any junk off your dash and shut your engine off. It shows them you’ve been through this before. I’ve crossed at almost a dozen different locations and it’s been similar everywhere. Relax, be polite, answer the questions confidently, DON’T LIE, and don’t try to small talk unless they initiate it.

Had many people get in recently with just an original birth certificate and drivers license. Canada does not require a passport to enter by land. The US requires the passport but they are not going to deny entry to a US citizen on re-entry.

I’ll add some questions we get every single time:

How do you know each other?
What is your occupation?
Any weapons?
Any tobacco?
Anything you plan to leave in canada?

We write out a detailed list of alcohol and tobacco… They love the list and thank us for it every time.

Example: 48 12 oz cans of beer, 1.0 liter whiskey, 1.75 liter brandy, 4 cans chew, 1 carton cigarettes, etc.

The written detailed list of alcohol and tabbaco is an excellent idea. Smile too, but i agree no small talk, unless they initiate it.

I got this in an e-mail today,

“Anyone who sent in an application right before March 19, or anytime thereafter, should expect significant delays — up to several months or more — in having their passports issued. Under normal circumstances, routine applications take six to eight weeks to process while expedited service takes three to four weeks. At this time, it’s not even possible to check on the status of a passport renewal.

On June 2, the State Department announced that it would begin opening passport offices and resume by-mail renewals in three phases following CDC guidelines (only adults who are renewing their passports have the option to apply by mail; new passport applicants and all children under 16 must go to a passport center in person). Passport agencies and facilities throughout the country — there are more than 7,000 — will reopen following their respective state’s and city’s rules.”