Help required for crossing into USA from Canada by road.

The title says it all we are about a week and half away from our Canada/US trip and just had a niggling thought as you do. We are going into Calgary for a few days then crossing into the US for 10 days road trip to Yellowstone/Glacier NP'S, then going back into Canada, any ideas what documentation we will need at the crossing, I have read so many reports on what you do or do not need it has confused me.(not hard to do)

We both have electronic passports and ESTA's (although site say you do not need them if travelling by road)? I also have forms CBP 6059B (customs declaration forms) if required. Has anyone any experience of crossing the borders by car and what the procedures are, any help gratefully received. Many thanks Linda y)

We did this very thing, a few years ago. I don't think we took anything other than passports, to be honest. I suppose it will depend on where you cross, but our experience was that we dealt with one guy, at a tiny office - almost like a sentry box. It was all very friendly and quite different from some of the surly experiences we've had! I think they charged about $12 each, but again, that might well have gone up.

when you pick up your car in Canada check with them what you need - especially in terms of taking the car across the border.

[honey lamb]

I've crossed several times between the USA and Canada by road, albeit with an American friend and in his car. On the way into Canada at the Peace Arch we merely handed in our passports, were asked how long we were going for and then were let through. On our return to the USA the first time, it was two weeks after the introduction of the ESTA. I was asked if I had a green form but when I said I had come into the USA on an ESTA, he tapped a couple of keys on his computer and said "Yep, there it is" and we were through. On subsequent trips all I have ever been asked is how long I was going for. I've never had to fill in a customs form nor been asked for one and it has always been easy-peasy. However I would take tonty's advice and check with your car rental company about documentation but given the volume of US/Canadian cars which cross the border each day, it should not be an issue.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I did check with Avis through BA on there small print that we were able to take the car over the border and seems not to be a problem. I will take everything with us just in case. Thanks Linda

[Nottingham Nick]

Don't be in a rush. We did the drive from Vancouver through the Peace Arch into the US last September and whilst the actual formalities took seconds the queue was a right royal pain in the a**.

There were electronic signs on the 99 as we headed south mid morning, telling us how long the queues are at the border crossings.The Peace Arch was showing 40 minutes, so we plumped for that; and the time was spot on to get us to the border. We were then told to go inside for secondary screening - which I am told is now extremely common for non US / Canada passport holders without fast track passes.

Inside there was a queue of about 40 people. By the time we go to the front, another two hours had passed and the queue behind us was over 100 strong. The agents take a high proportion of the people outside to search their vehicles - hence the slow movement of the queue.

When we got to the front, the agent who dealt with us was lovely and after a couple of the normal questions about length of stay, plans in the US etc we were on our way. BUT, we did have to pay another $6 each for another ESTA on top of our existing ones.

Allow plenty of time for the crossing and you will be fine.

Nick

Thanks Nick, had also read about this other ESTA for $6 dollars, we will be heading for Great Falls in Montana for our first night about 5 hours drive from Calgary. So if we set off earlyish that day we should be there by late afternoon allowing for the crossing. It is still snowing out there so considering what to pack is becoming a nightmare, think we will have to go for our extra large suitcase, sorry Bretty we don't do packing cubes! Linda

[honey lamb]

I was never charged anything for another ESTA.