Visa waiver to US - can I visit Canada

August 17, 2009 9:39 AM

If I (a UK citizen) visit the US on a visa waiver, can I cross into Canada and back?
posted by A189Nut to Travel & Transportation around Canada (11 answers total)

Yes.

Q: Can a VWP applicant for Admission Be Readmitted To the United States Following a Short Trip To an Adjacent Island, Canada, or Mexico?
A: Generally, VWP applicants admitted under the VWP may be readmitted to the United States after a departure to Canada or Mexico or adjacent islands for the balance of their original admission period provided the person:

* Can identify an authorized period of admission that has not expired,
* Plans to depart the United States no later than the expiration date of their period of admission,
* Presents valid, unexpired passports which reflect admission to the United States under the VWP, and
* Continues to meet all criteria set forth in 8 CFR 217 and section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 0020 with the exception of arrival on a signatory carrier.

posted by Happy Dave at 9:47 AM on August 17, 2009

I don't know if you require any documentation for Canada though. It would probably be fine, but you should check.
posted by scrutiny at 10:02 AM on August 17, 2009

Yes, they should have documentation, as it's an international border and they are not a US citizen. I'm not even sure US citizens can cross without documents these days.
posted by Happy Dave at 10:04 AM on August 17, 2009

Yep, as of June 1st, you need a passport (or equivalent travel document) at the Canadian border regardless of citizenship. And even if they hadn't, they'd still need the passport to get back in to the US.
posted by Happy Dave at 10:06 AM on August 17, 2009

U.K. citizens don't need a visa for Canada, and presumably they already have their passports with them if they expect to get back into the U.S.

The "balance of their original admission period" rule is no doubt to legislate against the idea that visitors sometimes get that they can get another 90 days in the U.S. if they just take a day trip across the border.
posted by galaksit at 10:06 AM on August 17, 2009

Yes, I have done this on several trips. You will have the VWP taken at the border, and then you need a new one when you cross back into the US. Make sure someone collects your VWP stub! Depending on your port, you may cross back into US border on the Canadian side at the airport before your flight.

Expect questioning at both sides about the intention of your trip, and as mentioned above, always bring information about where you are staying and funds, etc.
posted by wingless_angel at 10:08 AM on August 17, 2009

That stub is the I-94 which in my experience isn't always taken, even though it is supposed to be. Land border crossing in Vermont seems pretty relaxed about this.
posted by galaksit at 10:38 AM on August 17, 2009

Don't worry if they don't take the I-94 on your way out, just don't lose it and either give it to the immigration agent on re-entry or, if they don't take it then, hand in both when you finally leave.
posted by IanMorr at 10:43 AM on August 17, 2009

Though looking at Wikipedia and remembering recent experiences, wrt the I-94/I-94W itself, this is in fact all changing -- depending on how you arrived in the U.S. and the new computerised systems they use for pre-flight checking of passengers before departure. Last time I entered the U.S. (on a work visa) the form had changed and they now even ask for a contact e-mail address! I've not personally travelled on VWP since the introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization this year so I suppose my views are a little outdated.
posted by galaksit at 10:45 AM on August 17, 2009

I've not personally travelled on VWP since the introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization this year so I suppose my views are a little outdated.

ESTA is only needed for arrival by air or cruise ship. If you enter the US by land you only need an I-94.
posted by IanMorr at 11:23 AM on August 17, 2009

Yes. Like everyone else, I've done it. You just fill in the forms a second time!
posted by saturnine at 2:31 PM on August 19, 2009