BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN

Subject: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: mg
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 01:47 PM

Hi..I am supposed to go to Canada in 2 days and just found out my passport expired. Dumb me.. thought I had another year and was going to renew it in Seattle this trip.

It expired in August. I have state ID, no time to get certified birth certificate (I think..any online sources that would get it to me tomorrow)? Driver's license.

I hear you can get through but not get back? Do they send you to Australia? mg

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: pdq
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 01:50 PM

Actually, they send you to Texas.

"It's a whole 'nuther counrty".

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 01:54 PM

Renew it. I did it, and it's easy and fast (I think it took less than 2 weeks to get the new one).

See the Dep't of State website

Requirements are there, and you can get the forms on line.

(Your last passport has to have been issued within the last 15 years.)

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: meself
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 01:57 PM

"I think it took less than 2 weeks"

But she's supposed to go in two days ... !

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:02 PM

There are private outfits that rush it through in 2 days, but they are expensive. I think she already knows this. She wants to know if she can get back into the country without up to date passport.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: maeve
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:04 PM

If you only have 2 days before you travel ("supposed to go to Canada in 2 days"), it seems you'll have to go directly to a Passport center. I'll PM the info, found by following links branching from the site Jeri gave you. Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:12 PM

Zierer visa service can do this.

www.zvs.com

expensive tho'

And, you won't even make it into Canuckistan without it, so no worries about not getting back home.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: maeve
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:15 PM

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_twCanada/US requirements
Some information here.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: maeve
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:22 PM

Mary, take a look
here
This is a link to RushMyPassport.com

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: maeve
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:27 PM

One more rush service A.Briggs passport rush service

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Skivee
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:27 PM

From the site to which Mauve linked:
If U.S. citizen travelers to Canada do not have a passport, passport card or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver's License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport.
Looks like you're covered.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:30 PM

Sorry--I misread. Two weeks and a time machine ought to work.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: maeve
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 02:33 PM

Take a look at the next bit from the same site, though. I believe this is where mg sees her problem. Canada will accept the documents you posted; the USA has different requirements. Maine rejected the Enhanced Drivers License- no idea about Washington.

"When returning to the United States from Canada, it is very important to note that all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States via air. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) who need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate."

Good luck, Mary. I hope you can figure out a satisfactory solution.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 03:58 PM

Apparently, the State of Washington began having Enhanced Driver's Licenses in 2008. I don't know if they're universally issued, or if it's a special thing - but the link will give you a photo you can compare with your license.
Good luck.
-Joe, who also needs to renew his passport-

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 04:16 PM

Wow... the one time I was in Canada, there was no special ID required beyond driver's license. Things sure have changed in the world.

(well, it WAS 28 years ago.)

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 04:16 PM

So since you'd be legally in Canada, but not allowed to enter the United Sates, would that mean you'd be entitled to stay in Canada? Or would it be like that film The Terminal?

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 04:38 PM

If your driver's license was issued by New York State they now have an enhanced driver's license that can be used in lieu of a passport.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 05:16 PM

mg lives on the west coast so it is not likely her drivers license was issued in New York.

A friend of mine says that if one is refused re-entry into the US, not to worry. Canada doesn't want us either so they'll find a way to get you back in. :)

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Amergin
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 05:22 PM

Washington State does offer the enhanced driver's license....it enables you to enter Canadia by car....

Personally this is whole thing is crap....I remember when growing up in North Idaho flipping across the border for a day...rather often....

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 08:51 PM

Getting in, 'gin, isn't the problem. It's getting back. We have the same situation here in Alaska.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: artbrooks
Date: 18 Nov 09 - 10:18 PM

Washington driver's license issued in the last 2 years? Should be ok. If not, I don't think you're going.

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Willie-O
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 07:16 AM

Screw it, just go. We'll let you into Canada--as everyone has pointed out this is an American program, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative--and when you go to re-enter the US, they'll give you a lecture and let you in. There is no NO MAN'S LAND.

Just take your best ID--your expired passport, in fact--it's technically not valid of course but still carries weight. and maybe get a notarized note from someone official where you live. Or just fake it and tell em you didn't realize it was expired--probably your best bet.

OR just stay...a fine singer as yourself would be welcome of course

W-O

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 09:35 AM

There are some real horror stories about travel nowadays. Like the woman who needed to get home to England but lacked the credentials and the money to make the trip,

This lady was living in New York City so taking a chance, one day she wandered down to the docks and spotted a worker getting ready to load supplies onto a boat. "Please I need to get back to England" she pleaded." If you sneak me onboard tonight I'll give you favors all the way across the ocean." Well needless to say later that night he put her in a duffel bag and carried her onboard. After she was safely hidden in the hold he said, "When I bring you some food, twice a day,I'll collect." And being true to her word she agreed.

This went on for about a week when by accident the captain found her." Please don't get angry," she started to say and explained the story to the captain who began laughing. "Why are you laughing?" she demanded.

"Because you're on the Staten Island Ferry."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Greg F.
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 10:23 AM

C'mon now, stop whinin!- y'all USAsians should be GRATEFUL for all this! Dontcha feel safer from those nefarious towelhead Tay-Rists already???

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: open mike
Date: 19 Nov 09 - 03:43 PM

when my house burned, congress/senator offered to help
acquire replacement passport...no help has come yet...
i have submitted multiple forms...


good luck Mary...and send us a post card if you are
having an "extended" stay in Canadian Territory!

Subject: RE: BS: passport expired..oops US/CAN
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 11:45 AM

Or ask about our free "extraordinary rendition" program. You could wind up vacationing at a Syrian all-inclusive.