Crossing Borders
There are many wonderful places to visit in the United States, but you may also want to explore the neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico. All three countries are connected by road and RV travel is relatively easy. Always remember that you are entering a foreign country and will need some special paperwork.
Entering Canada
Canada and the United States have enjoyed a relatively warm relationship over the years. The cultures and language are similar (even in French-speaking Quebec, most people speak and understand English). Canada is very safe and welcoming to visitors.
Residents of the United States and Canada are still able to cross borders relatively easily, though security measures have been increased as concerns about terrorism have grown. If you carry the correct paperwork, your border crossing should be relatively free of hassles.
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada who are coming from the United States. You will, however, need:
1. Proof of U.S. citizenship. This could be a U.S. passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state where you were born. (For information on how to obtain a U.S. passport, check with a local passport agent, which may be located at a nearby post office.) If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and you do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. An important note to remember: A driver's license or Social Security card is not valid proof of citizenship.
2. Photo identification, such as a current, valid driver's license.
Here are some other rules to be aware of:
All U.S. citizens who are entering Canada from a third country must show a valid passport.
Alien permanent residents of the United States must present their Alien Registration Card (commonly called a “green card”).
If you are a dual U.S./Canadian citizen, you should present yourself as a Canadian citizen when you are entering Canada. However, U.S. citizens should use their U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States.
Because of the international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians who are traveling with children will often need proof of custody, or else a notarized letter from the other parent authorizing travel. (This requirement is in addition to the proof of citizenship explained above.)
Any person who is under the age of eighteen and traveling without his or her parent or guardian should carry a letter from the parents or guardians authorizing the trip.
Mexico
Each year, between 15 and 16 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico. Most visitors enjoy their stay, though some will encounter minor difficulties and occasionally even serious inconveniences.
You shouldn't expect travel conditions in Mexico to be just the same as you will find them in the United States. Fortunately, the Department of State and its embassy and consulates in Mexico offer various services to assist U.S. citizens who run into problems while in the country.
The State Department offers the following tips to those planning on traveling to Mexico.
Before You Go
As you travel, keep aware of local news coverage. If you plan a stay in one place for longer than a few weeks, or, if you are in an area where communications are poor or some natural disaster or civil unrest has occurred, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency.
Other useful precautions include:
Leaving a detailed itinerary and the numbers of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative back in the United States.
Bringing either a U.S. passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate and photo identification.
Carrying your photo identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event of serious illness or other emergency.
Photocopying your list of traveler's checks and keeping them with you in a separate location from the originals and leaving copies with someone at home.
Leaving things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive jewelry at home.
Bringing traveler's checks, not cash.
Using a money belt or concealed pouch for passport, cash, and other valuables.
Not bringing firearms or ammunition into Mexico without written permission from the Mexican government.
QUESTION?
Can I use my cell phone while out of the United States?
Check with the customer service department of your cell phone carrier. There are different service plans that may or may not provide service in Canada or Mexico. Be aware such service can be expensive if you do not travel out of the country regularly.
