Crossing USA to Canada and back

Hi folks, does anyone out there have any experience of crossing the border south of Vancouver. We are flying into YVR in 3 weeks and then a week later driving down to Seattle. We have our ESTA done for getting into USA, but not sure what we will need for getting back into Canada a week later.

[honey lamb]

Done it both ways several times. All you need is your ESTA and the most you may be asked is your return date.

Going through the Peace Arch into the USA can be slow. As you near the border there will be waiting times flashing up and if it seems to be too long then follow the signs for buses and trucks. That is usually shorter and quicker.

Coming back into Canada is less laborious as they seem to have far more stations open

Thanks for such a swift response honey lamb, great tip re: buses / trucks lane !

This isn't actually the case - the ESTA is not required and will not be used or of any value to you at all.

An ESTA is only required if you arrive in the US by air or sea. It is not used for land border crossings.

So, you can save yourself some money there. You'll have to fill out an I94W form at the border and pay $6.

[honey lamb]

This isn't actually the case - the ESTA is not required and will not be used or of any value to you at all.

An ESTA is only required if you arrive in the US by air or sea. It is not used for land border crossings.

So, you can save yourself some money there. You'll have to fill out an I94W form at the border and pay $6.

I beg to differ. Each time I have gone through the Peace Arch and presented my passport, I have been asked if I have an ESTA. In any case the saving is not that great. An ESTA costs only $14 and is valid for two years. The I94W form is only valid for that journey

You can disagree if you wish but the US Government website says:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail ... /related/1

Do I need ESTA to enter the United States by land?

No. If you are coming by land you do not need to apply for ESTA

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail ... -or-mexico,

If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and you enter the U.S. by land from Mexico or Canada, you are only required to complete the paper I-94W form at the land border crossing. ESTA is currently required for air and cruise ship travel only.

The I94W form is valid for multiple journeys up to a maximum stay of 90 days.

As far as I am aware the ESTA therefore has no value if you do not intend to enter the US by air and therefore you may as well wait until you next fly to the US to apply, so that you get maximum validity for your money.

This isn't actually the case - the ESTA is not required and will not be used or of any value to you at all.

An ESTA is only required if you arrive in the US by air or sea. It is not used for land border crossings.

So, you can save yourself some money there. You'll have to fill out an I94W form at the border and pay $6.

Having just completed an RV trip that took us in and out of the USA twice from Canada, I can add to GF comments. We were asked by the agent if we had an ESTA, we confirmed yes but still had to go to secondary as our last entry to USA was more than 3 months prior. GF is right as we then had to fill in an I94 and pay our $6.

As always the USA Border agents were vigilant asking numerous questions regarding our trip and when we were sent to secondary we had to leave everything (except passports & wallets) in the vehicle, leave he keys on the windshield and enter the building to queue for he next stage of questions (our agent was actually really friendly, tho).

Agreeing with the legendary HL, that the queues can be horrific - first time we entered the USA we were queuing for an hour (Sat lunchtime), so keep an eye on the posted times. 2nd time was 10 minutes (Sat eve) both thru Blaine.

Canadian recently was quick, painless and pleasant....but not for the Americans in front of us ):

PM me if you have any other questions y)

I'm doing this myself next month, hence my interest!

Not sure I like the idea of leaving the keys in the car whilst you queue!? Doesnt that void your rental car insurance for a start?

I'm doing this myself next month, hence my interest!

Not sure I like the idea of leaving the keys in the car whilst you queue!? Doesnt that void your rental car insurance for a start?

I would guess that as you are in what should be one of the most secure areas in the country and you have received a clear instruction by an officer of the law, your insurance coverage would still be valid.

Have a great trip y)

Presumably they will ask how long I intend to stay in the US. I am actually making two trips - the first for a few days, then a week later, back in for a week. Should I explain that in full or just refer to my initial trip over the border which is 3 days?

[honey lamb]

Actually, the argument is irrelevant to this situation as the OP already has an ESTA - as I did on all my crossings

Actually, the argument is irrelevant to this situation as the OP already has an ESTA - as I did on all my crossings

Go HL ^) ^) Actually GF we had a similar situation and chose to recite our whole itinerary on both occasions to ensure no secondary questions were necessary. Although a little daunting (Mrs P have been to the USA at least twice a year for 12 years so are used to US Immigration) as long as you are honest and have nothing to hide, you will be fine. y)

It's just quite scary how your non-refundable holiday plans hinge on the descretion of one chap at a border post!

But then I guess it's no different to the entry at the airport.