Anglers or hunters heading to Canada this year for a fishing or hunting trip should be aware of changes to border-crossing requirements.
To return to the United States at a border crossing after visiting Canada, adult travelers now must present both a photo identification -- usually a driver's license -- and proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Children 18 and under must have a birth certificate.
U.S. and Canadian citizens no longer can use verbal declarations to enter the United States.
And, of course, if you're flying to or from Canada, you will need a passport.
(For details on the new border requirements, see www.startribune.com/a3939.)
If a Canadian hunting or fishing trip is in your plans for next year, you will want to get a passport because one will be required by June 2009 to visit Canada.
Things are more confusing for anglers who want to cross into Canada in a remote area -- such as Lake of the Woods or Rainy Lake or lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. They can get a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit (RABC) from the Canadian government. The permit is good for one year. It takes up to six weeks to get one. Cost is about $30. (For information, see www.startribune.com/a4311.)
If you are boating across the border to fish in Canada for the day -- such as at Lake of the Woods or Rainy Lake -- and don't land on Canadian soil or have contact with other boats, you can return to the United States without checking in with customs, said Linda Loveless, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area port director at International Falls. But always be sure you carry proper ID documents.
And if you plan to land in Canada, you might be able to report back to CBP by phone. A NEXUS card or an I-68 boating permit allows people to cross the border without having to report in person. For more details on reporting requirements, see the Customs and Border Protection fact sheet for private boat operators at www.startribune.com/a4321.
Still have questions? Contact lodge or resort officials or try U.S. Customs and Border Protection in International Falls at 218-283-2541 or Canadian Customs in Fort Frances, Ontario, at 807-274-3655.
DOUG SMITH
outdoors
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