POZ Community Forums

Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: AMG Coordinator on August 04, 2006, 01:09:28 pm

Title: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: AMG Coordinator on August 04, 2006, 01:09:28 pm
That you have a good  (legible) certified (state seal) copy of your birth certificate.

Current state issued photo I.D. (i.e. driver's license/state issued i.d. card).

Voters registration cards will be of no use.

We've been over this many many many times so we assume that everyone has checked their birth certificate to insure it has the certification required, and that they are in possession of that birth certificate. 

AMG Coordinator

Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .
Post by: AMG Coordinator on August 04, 2006, 01:45:09 pm
O.K.  I think I understand what is happening here.

Some attendees who have never been to Canada or had to "clear customs/immigration" are feeling a little anxious about the process.

I'm wondering if some of our more seasoned travellers could take a couple of minutes and post to this thread about what they can expect.  It's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds and having a step by step description will probably make that clear to them.

Could someone do this?

AMG Coordinator
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: Sae on August 04, 2006, 02:07:39 pm
Customs 101

AIR TRAVEL TO CANADA

Normally you must clear customs at point of entry...when you get to the country.  However with Canada and the U.S. its a bit different sometimes, but here it is for Montreal.

When you are entering Canada, you must clear Canadian Customs once you've landed in Canada.  When you go to the airport, the airline will verify your documentation before you leave.  You will be given a Customs Immigration form on the plane that is scheduled to land in Canada...be sure to fill it out (usually during the flight is best).  Take that form, and your passport or other documentation and you will be herded to Customs and Immigration in Montreal (believe me, you have no alternative, follow the signs).  You will go down an escalator and see customs very clearly below you.  Get in line...or be told which line to get into, expect a wait in line depending on how many people land at the same time.  DO NOT WORRY:  ALL AGENTS SPEAK ENGLISH AND FRENCH.  They will switch immediately to your language without you asking.

They will ask how long you are in Canada for, purpose of your visit:  seeing friends, vacation....tourist, if you brought any alcohol or went to the Duty Free or whatever.  Then you are cleared through and given your piece of paper again.  KEEP IT WITH YOU IN YOUR HAND.  Go downstairs (down this weird flat escalator) and get ALL your luggage.  Once you are done that follow to the exit signs and you will have to give that piece of paper to a guy standing at the end of the hallway AS you are exiting.  Normally you clear through (I've always cleared) and that's it you are in Canada.  If they want to search your luggage or ask you something else, this is where you would be told to step aside.  Don't worry, that happens all the time....its nothing.  Exit through those doors turn right follow the shuttle bus or taxi exit signs.

When you leave....you actually clear US CUSTOMS IN CANADA before you go.  Same procedure except you are returning to your own country.  This is far more intensive.

Hope this helps...
Sae.
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: The Canuck on August 04, 2006, 02:15:46 pm
Customs 102

No lame jokes such as '' I have guns in my handbags '' and the likes....you would end up in jail in no time..brought to court with a very high fines to pay,and send subito presto back to the USA. They don't tolerate ANY jokes of that type.  ::)

I guess everyone are aware of not making these jokes but believe it or not, it happened in Quebec City two times within 8 weeks. Both were French tourists and made that type of jokes at the airport. They must still regret it as-of-writing.  ;)

Regards,

The Canuck

P.S. Actually this apply to ANY airport in the world or when going through Customs.

Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: AMG Coordinator on August 04, 2006, 06:20:54 pm
Suzette and Canuck

Thanks!   ;D

The only other thing we would add is addressed to those who are using their birth certificates and photo I.D.

You will NOT be treated any differently and it shouldn't take you longer then if you had a passport. 

You're going to be just fine.   ;)
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: Basquo on August 04, 2006, 06:40:47 pm
I'm happy to report that even though I have a birth certificate on the way from Iowa, my mother found the certified copy she knew she had somewhere, and I will pick it up at the family reunion in West Texas tomorrow!  When I come home for Montreal, I'm sure I will persue a passport.  It's a good investment since it's good for 20 years now, I think.

getting more excited by the day!
Creighton
(Basquo)
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: Robert on August 04, 2006, 06:59:31 pm
As SAE says, they will ask you if you are coming for busiess or pleasure.  They just might ask you where you are staying and for how many nights.  Rememeber we are at the Gouverneur Hotel Place Dupuis -- in Montreal.


And like The Canuk says, no jokes. 

(Gawd I wonder how lwood ever got in when he came in June?)

robert
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: kypozguy on August 04, 2006, 09:53:44 pm
Hey Basquo,

The US Passport is still only good for 10 years and they are now issuing what they are calling an electronic passport.  The new passports of 2006 will have a computer chip inside with all your information.  The passport won't look any different than passports without the chip but is high-tech.

As a well traveled HIV+ individual I think all you newbies won't have any problems as long as you take the advice of everybody stated before.  Theres an amazing world out there and you need to see it.  Luckily with my job I get paid to travel the world and the people are amazing.  I have to say though, I think Canada is the cleanest country I have ever been to!  Cheers to all those proud Canadians!

I am thrilled to be attending the AMG with my friend David and looking forward to meeting everybody.  Its going to be a life changing weekend im sure!  From everything I have read from everybody associated with this weekend, I can already feel the warmest love surrounding my soul.  Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this weekend and Thank You David for asking me.

Cheers until Aug 17th

Marc
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on August 04, 2006, 10:41:00 pm
I have entered Canada through Montreal Trudeau airport many times now and please don't be intimidated by the process.  Honestly, it is very simple and friendly.  It is far more intrusive to go through regular airport security than to go through Canadian customs.  I think the earlier post did a good job of describing how the process unfolds.  Just remember,  you will clear customs before you pick up your luggage.  You will drop off your paperwork after you pick up your luggage.  It really is very simple...and yes, almost everyone speaks English...you won't have any language problems.

Just don't be tempted to change currency at the airport...highway robbery.  The exception to this rule is the ATM machine.  They are the preferred way (and lowest fees) to change US currency into Canadian.  As I said earlier, you will find ATMs all over the place, including our hotel.

Gary
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: Jerry71 on August 05, 2006, 12:16:20 am
Hey everyone just wanted to let you know that I have my official birth certificate and drivers license.

By the way its me Jerry my other account's email was dropped so I have to start all over from day one.

Oh well Im back.

See you all in Montreal.
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: The Canuck on August 06, 2006, 10:19:32 am
Hi y'all ,

This is not about Customs but still an important matter. I suppose that most of you did take a health insurance for travelling, if not then I would suggest you do ( usually not very expensive for a short stay ). In Quebec, only the residents can seee a doctor and or go the hospital without getting a bill. As far as I know our hospital bills aren't comparable to the ones in the USA ( possibly lower ), but an hospital bill is never cheap by definition.

Regards,

The Canuck
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: david25luvit on August 06, 2006, 11:35:11 am
I have a passport and I did get the insurance.....and right now I've got this warm, fuzzy feeling...
Montreal is going to be so fabulous ;D :P :)

And Marc...  I am very touched...and honored to be attending the gathering with you.  I'm looking forward to making some great memories.  And with everyone else as well.  {{{ GROUP HUG }}}

And Canuck...the fastest way to spend money these days is to check into a hospital.  YIKES!
I pray no one finds it necessary to tour a clinic or a hospital while we're in Montreal   And "Thanks"  for the 411........  You're one smart cookie :P    Now...about those French greetings and the little kisses......... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: If you do not have a U.S. Passport--please make sure. . . . .(see 2nd post)
Post by: The Canuck on August 06, 2006, 11:44:31 am
 And "Thanks"  for the 411........  You're one smart cookie     Now...about those French greetings and the little kisses.........   

You're welcome David ! Don't forget David, it's not because we're French that we French kiss everyone.  :P

Regards,

The Canuck