Travelling the AlCan through Canada will require passport in 2008

[LdyGuique]

The following makes sense in terms of overall border security; however, it impacts anyone planning to travel the AlCan.

When I drove up this past summer with my daughter, neither of us have ever applied for a passport -- it would have been a layer of planning that would have to have been factored in. When my other daughter, son-in-law, and their kids came in through the Ferry via Haines, they, too would have been impacted.

We certainly encountered a lot of the mobile seniors in their motorhomes trekking in both directions -- again, it would impact them.

Cruise ships make multiple ports of call along the PNW -- this will affect all of those passengers.

Travel to Mexico will require passport by 2008
Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Americans will need passports to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama and Bermuda by 2008, part of a tightening of U.S. border controls in an era of terrorist threat, three administration officials said today.

Similarly, Canadians will also have to present a passport to enter the United States, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Canadians have been the only foreigners allowed to enter the United States with just a driver's license.

An announcement, expected later today at the State Department, will specify that a passport or another valid travel document will have to be shown by U.S. citizens, the officials said.

Until now, Americans returning home from Canada have needed only to show a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification card.

Americans returning from Mexico, Panama or Bermuda currently need only a government-issued photo identification card plus proof of U.S. citizenship like an original birth or naturalization certificate, according to the State Department's Web site.

The new rules, to be phased in by Jan. 1, 2008, were called for in intelligence legislation approved last year by Congress.

(more)

[snowbear]

1. ack..

I don't like it myself... :thumbsdown: You have to bring your passport everytime you just want to go halibut fishing in Haines..

But since they're doing it.. how on earth did they come up with the "2008" date to start it? :eyes:

[LdyGuique]

3. I've noticed the 2008 date on quite a few bills --

seems as though the Administration doesn't want to take the heat.

[DenaliDemocrat]

2. The government

should give us (in Alaska) our passports for free. I think the Upper Pennisula of Michgan should get the same deal Anyone who has to get out of country to get in state should not have to pay

[Abelman]

4. I agree

Especially in towns right on the border. The one that pops in my head is Sault St. Marie, MI. Most people carry both currencies there, it's so common to go back and forth.