I'm riding to Peoria, Il at the end of the month. Where would the closest border crossing be? Will I need anything other than a driver lic. I know as of Jan 1 '08 you'll need a passport. Not sure if time will permit but would like to try. I'll also be in Indianapolis on my way to Kokomo, In if that makes it closer to cross.

 

It started this January('07) that you need a passportbetween the US and Canada.

 

I guess I'll have to throw in the passport then

 

Actually you were correct. I just double checked this and the January 2007 is for air travel. Car and ship travel bewteen borders won't require a passport until January 2008. Sorry about the misinformation.

 

Where are you starting from and where are you going? By what route?

This will determine the "closest" border crossing.

If all else fails, get a map out and look.

 

You don't need a passport at land crossings.....yet. Next year you will but just a driver's license is not going to cut it. If you don't have a passport you need drivers license AND birth certificate or something else that proves citizenship which a drivers license does not.

 

Trip starts in Slidell, La (New Orleans) and we will be spending some time in Peoria, Ill. I've never been to Canada and did not know if the crossings were like they areon U.S./Mexico border or if you cross anywhere and it's not a big deal.

 

passport is only required for air passengers. Ground passengers can still get through with drivers licence and birth certificate. Passport makes it much easir though

 

Depends where you cross and what time and day of the week it is.

Yes, they have border crossings just like into Mexico. The Canadians have uniforms, guns and everything. As a rule though they are more polite than the US Customs and Immigration officers.

Detroit is busy and they are more thorough there than they would be at Portal, North Dakota. Also the lesser traveled the crossing the more likely it is to close at night like the one outside of Haines, Alaska.

If you know where you are going to cross you could spend a few minutes of your time and look it up on the web. Peoria is a hellova long way from the Canadian border with literally hundreds of places to cross.

 

If anyone has an alcohol related driving conviction, that person will likely be denied entry to Canada. Just sayin.