MESSAGE FROM SEPTEMBER 2005:

If you are a guest from outside the USA, check with the Canadian Consulate in your country to receive the best information for your travel. Ask your own authorities what they will require upon your return and what items you will be able to bring back.

Here are a few reminders on what citizens of the USA may need or can expect when crossing the border.

1. Identification — Though not required at this time, a passport is best and may be required for some US government staff. The current intent is to require passports for air and sea travel, to Canada and Mexico, effective December 31, 2006 and via land travel effective December 31, 2007. Both countries require similar information i.e. proof of residency and citizenship with current photo identification.
   • Citizenship — certified copy of your birth certificate or baptismal certificate. Note: US laminated copies are not useful as the raised seal attribute of a certified copy can not be determined; a voter’s registration card does not constitute proof of US citizenship. Permanent residents of the US who are not US citizens are advised to carry their alien registration receipt card; AKA: Green Card (US Form I-151 or Form I-551).
   • Residency — drivers license, state I.D. card, Military I.D, government issued I.D.

2. Traveling with children under 18 — If a child is not traveling with both parents, a notarized note signed by the other parent or both parents, if neither is traveling with the child, is all but required. If you do not travel with that information you may be detained until the circumstances are fully assessed. You do not want to spend your time that way. The letter should state: “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter. He/she/they has my permission to do so.” Sample letters are available on the websites or you may contact Greg or Lynne and we will happily get a sample to you.
   • Identification as above, except children under 14 do not require photo I.D., but it would be prudent, and they must have a certified birth certificate.

3. Further information can be found at:
   • http://help.customs.gov — U.S. Customs & Border Protection
   • http://gocanada.about.com — Canadian travel site, Canada for Visitors

4. Typical Border questions at Canada Customs are:
   • What is your nationality and residency?
   • What is the nature of your trip?
   • How long will you be in the country?
   • Do you have anything to declare (food, alcohol, firearms, etc)?

   And sometimes you hear:

   • Are you transporting large amounts of currency ($10,000 +)?
   • Do you have a criminal record?
   • Where will you be staying? Do you have reservations?
   • Can you provide proof of your nationality and residency?
     PS: Be honest and concise with your responses. Offering more information may seem right or nice, but is not necessary and may mean more questions. (Voices of experience!!)

5. At the Airport, expect to be asked to prove your residency and nationality when you check in. If you can not, you will scramble to get documents in time to catch the flight or rebook your flight (voice of experience, again!). You will go through security and customs, so allow time. Security is metal sensitive, so take it off—even jewelry! Do not carry knives, corkscrews, etc; there is a list at the entrance way. The extra screening caused by metal devices is enlightening, and you could still get that honor via the random selection route.

6. On your return, expect a similar process plus the declaration of what you bring back. If you have specialized equipment, new digital camera for example, take the time to have US customs provide you with verification that you brought it from home or have proof of same.

7. GST: Canadians have the “pleasure” of paying 7% for all goods and services. Fortunately it applies only to Canadians so, those who are not Canadian, ensure you get the papers to recover the GST you paid out. Yes, that does mean you pay it first, so keep your receipts and recover it on your return home. The application form is included in the booklet Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada. It's widely available or you can contact the Visitor Rebate Program at 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 902-432-5608 (outside Canada) or http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/vrp-e.html. This rebate does not apply to the provincial sales tax or the accommodation tax.

8. Bringing goods to the convention: Arrangements have been made with Paul Griggs of Events on the Move. Please contact the Denver office if you need more information now, or wait a bit and we will get those specifics out to you.

All in all do not be daunted – getting to and from Canada and the USA is a pretty painless and easy procedure. Have your identification ready, relax and you will be across in no time, and ready for stimulating programs, enjoyable activities, renewed friendships and fun! Please visit the SRM website, http://www.rangelands.org/srm.shtml click on our identifier and follow the paths for more information about the meeting and the Vancouver area. The web site will be updated regularly and is a key resource for program details, registration and activities. Registration information will also be in the Pre- Convention Trail Boss that will come your way early this fall.

This article was originally published in the September 2005 MRN.