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.)
