Pulled the trigger, Party of three inbound from Alberta, for the January class.
None of us have passports, though we all have started the paperwork to get them.
Not a chance that they will be ready in time so it looks like we cant fly. We will drive down.
Not looking forward to the drive but what can you do?
See you in January.
John
I'm not sure about your customs rules but for USA I can not enter Canada with out a passport by land sea or air. You may want to talk to your customs folks and either expedite your passports or get some acceptable documentation. I know that US customs agents are not flexible for $20 like the ones in Mexico.
When checking around about whats needed to cross, We received conflicting info as to whether passports would be needed or not.
Conflicting info from the U.S and from the Canadan government. By air or sea, passports for sure, but by ground it looks like birth cert, and picture ID should be ok for now, Passports would be required by ground now, but the volume/backlog in passport applications in both countries has pushed this back for now.
Everything can always change in a instant, I will just cross my fingers for now, Hope it works out, and hope the passports come in time.
It used to be so much simpler.
John
When checking around about whats needed to cross, We received conflicting info as to whether passports would be needed or not.
Conflicting info from the U.S and from the Canadan government. By air or sea, passports for sure, but by ground it looks like birth cert, and picture ID should be ok for now, Passports would be required by ground now, but the volume/backlog in passport applications in both countries has pushed this back for now.
Everything can always change in a instant, I will just cross my fingers for now, Hope it works out, and hope the passports come in time.
It used to be so much simpler.John
You can pay extra to get them processed quicker....I did mine during X-mas a couple years ago & paid extra, got it in 4 days. (in Saskatoon)
What? extra money for fast service. I was not given this option. If is just a little more coin then I will be happy to pay, I will be on the phone tuesday to find out more, hope thats still the case.
I seen your pics earlier, I would not have belived that you could find logs like that in Saskatchewan, or mabey thats were the last of them went:)
John
Hello John,
Here is an excerpt from the US Customs web site:
"January 23, 2007 - ALL persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card."
....and...
"Summer 2008 - Date to be determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State. ALL persons traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport, Nexus, Fast card or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries."
Looks like you're fine to drive in.
Louanne
What? extra money for fast service. I was not given this option. If is just a little more coin then I will be happy to pay, I will be on the phone tuesday to find out more, hope thats still the case.
I seen your pics earlier, I would not have belived that you could find logs like that in Saskatchewan, or mabey thats were the last of them went:)John
Yep, I think I paid about $100, maybe a bit more, had it in about 4 days or so?
Hah, nope I live in Indiana now, & my logs are from Michigan.
Once you get north of S'toon about 3 hours, the tree's get pretty thick. Other than that though, could be tough to find around there lol.
jjohn,
Hey fellow Albertan. I'm always on the look-out for others from our great province on this forum. Where are you from? My husband and I took the class last May, and we too did not yet have our passports, so we flew to Abbotsford from Edmonton, rented a car at the airport and drove down to the class (approx 1.5hrs). Was a lovely drive from there and made the trip feel alot shorter. Maybe you could still look into it quickly!?!
Debby
Good Evening Debby,
I am east of Edmonton, From Edmonton take hiway 14 east toward Tofield , Turn right at range road 204, drive south to township road 502. I am roughly 2 miles east on 502.
Its about a 40 minute drive from the center of the south side of the city.
I was considering doing just what you suggest if the passports did not come, but the passports arrived yesterday, So we are good.
I take it you found the class helpful? and you are going to build using the methods taught?
John
jjohn,
Yes, we are planning to start building our home this spring/summer. Call me at 628-2046. Absolutely loved the class and can't wait to get started. I'm excited to hear you are taking the class too. Right now our plans are being drawn up by the draftsman. We have friends who live down that way. We live in the Northeast end of Edmonton, but our property to Northwest of the city about 45 minutes. Would love to hear from you before or after you take the class!
Debby
Joined: 2007-11-30