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Legislative Update 07-31-02
Things You Need to Know Before Driving to Canada

Dear District 18 and New District 32 Residents:

It has come to my attention that some Alaska residents have recently been denied access into Canada while driving the Alaska Highway. Since September 11, 2002, both Canadian Customs and U.S. Customs have had to tighten security in order to protect our borders from terrorists.

Travelers have the obligation to learn the requirements for entry into foreign countries before they go if they want to avoid delays and denied entries. I have compiled the following information that will assist you in making sure your stops at border crossings go smoothly.

In order to enter Canada, a U.S. citizen must have:

• Proof of citizenship. A passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate is required. Canadian Customs is no longer accepting driver's licenses as proof of U.S. citizenship.
• A U.S. driver's license for vehicle drivers. If a driver does not have a driver's license he/she will be reported to the Canadian Mounted Police. Driving without a license violates Canadian law.
• Proof of access to funds. As a rule, Canadian Customs likes to know that a person traveling through Canada has at least $500 dollars available for emergencies in the summer and at least $1,000 available in the winter so that a person does not have to beg or borrow funds if they should break down or have other problems. The funds do not have to be in cash. Your most recent credit card bill showing the credit available or your most recent bank statement showing available funds are good to have on hand.
• Proof of automobile insurance. The proof can be obtained through your insurance agent.
• If you have a pet traveling with you, a shot record is required as proof that your pet's shots are up to date. If you have a bird or exotic pet, a health certificate is required. Your veterinarian can get you the shot record and the health certificate.
• The Customs agents will do a criminal background check when time allows or if they have reason to be suspicious about anything. If a person seeking entry into Canada has any criminal activity in the past five years (five years from the end of the sentence) they will be denied entry into Canada. Criminal activity includes DWI's and domestic violence, which are felonies under Canadian law. The Canadians want to protect the safety of their citizens.

If a U.S. citizen has a criminal record, he or she must (since June 28, 2002) get a rehabilitation application through the Canadian Consulate. The application will be sent to you to be filled out and mailed back. Applications from U.S. citizens usually take 6 weeks or less.

Entry into the U.S. from Canada requires the same information and is subject to the same scrutiny. While Customs officials do not always check every person crossing the border for each of the above items, it is best to be prepared rather than be turned back at the border or be seriously delayed.

If you are interested in speaking to someone at the Canadian boarder, the phone number to the Beaver Creek border crossing office is 867-862-7230.

Additional information can be found at the following websites:

General Information on Entering Canada:

Canada Customs Information for Visitors:

Additional Information about Pets, Plants, Food, Jewelry, Guns, etc.

U.S. Customs’ Website for Travelers:

I hope this information is helpful to you.

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