Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Dazzerrtw

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Jan 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Crossing into the USA from Canada with a UK passport. Easy ?????

I'm 80% certain that I'm doing a trip from Canada into Alaska this summer..

As a UK passport holder, I can just fly to Canada and stay six months... No problem.

I want to cross into the USA from Canada though. Into Alaska.

Apart from the electronic application thingy, do I need to do anything else ???

Do I need a barcode on my ass, a letter from the Queen and an Eagle tattooed on my arm before they let me in ???

Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances of an easy entry ??


I've got LOADS of potentially dodgy stamps in my passport from the middle East and Africa.. Will they get their rubber gloves out ? Last time I was in the US in 2003, they scanned my retina, took my finger prints and questioned me for 15 minutes.. I was only in New York for a week at Christmas too. JEEEEEZ
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I'm 80% certain that I'm doing a trip from Canada into Alaska this summer..

As a UK passport holder, I can just fly to Canada and stay six months... No problem.

I want to cross into the USA from Canada though. Into Alaska.

Apart from the electronic application thingy, do I need to do anything else ???

Do I need a barcode on my ass, a letter from the Queen and an Eagle tattooed on my arm before they let me in ???

Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances of an easy entry ??


I've got LOADS of potentially dodgy stamps in my passport from the middle East and Africa.. Will they get their rubber gloves out ? Last time I was in the US in 2003, they scanned my retina, took my finger prints and questioned me for 15 minutes.. I was only in New York for a week at Christmas too. JEEEEEZ
That's all Standard Ted.
You should not have a problem at all under the visa waiver program; I have crossed into the US from BC on my UK passport and didn't even do anything, just turned up and paid my six bucks.
They will likely ask you about your travels - just answer them honestly - it's not like you were out there training AQ.........were you??
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jan 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsherlock View Post
That's all Standard Ted.
You should not have a problem at all under the visa waiver program; I have crossed into the US from BC on my UK passport and didn't even do anything, just turned up and paid my six bucks.
They will likely ask you about your travels - just answer them honestly - it's not like you were out there training AQ.........were you??
Cheers. That's reassuring.

I just remember more than a few posts on here about people being denied entry to the US from Canada for absolutely no reason.

They were financially solvent and just travelling through..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jan 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,897
Mostly they care about whether they think you're adequately rooted back home so that you won't be tempted to stay and work. Show them job, responsibilities, sick relatives to take care of, pet goldfish, whatever.

On the other hand, there's an article in the New York Times today which claims to be based on articles in the British tabloid press, describing Homeland Security bots searching the internet for suspect statements by ferriners like yourself, who are then added to lists for further questioning or refusal at borders. Here's a quote:

As American security agencies increasingly take to Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites in search of potential threats, two European travelers say the system lacks one important quality: a sense of humor.


The travelers, Leigh Van Bryan and Emily Bunting, said they were detained overnight after arriving in Los Angeles International Airport last Monday, questioned by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, and then sent back on a return flight to Europe. All because Mr. Bryan joked on Twitter that he was going to ā€œdestroy Americaā€ during his trip ā€” an apparent reference to partying ā€” as well as dig up the grave of Marylin Monroe ā€” a joke.
ā€œThe Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist,ā€ Mr. Bryan, a 26-year-old Irish citizen, said in an interview published in the British tabloid The Daily Mail.
ā€œā€˜Youā€™ve really messed up with that tweet, boy,ā€™ā€ Mr. Bryan remembered one agent saying, using a more profane expression for messed up.

So.....think carefully about what you write here about BMW, armoured riding gear, motorcycle mechanics, transient girlfriends, and especially tire choice.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jan 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Mostly they care about whether they think you're adequately rooted back home so that you won't be tempted to stay and work. Show them job, responsibilities, sick relatives to take care of, pet goldfish, whatever.

On the other hand, there's an article in the New York Times today which claims to be based on articles in the British tabloid press, describing Homeland Security bots searching the internet for suspect statements by ferriners like yourself, who are then added to lists for further questioning or refusal at borders. Here's a quote:

As American security agencies increasingly take to Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites in search of potential threats, two European travelers say the system lacks one important quality: a sense of humor.


The travelers, Leigh Van Bryan and Emily Bunting, said they were detained overnight after arriving in Los Angeles International Airport last Monday, questioned by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, and then sent back on a return flight to Europe. All because Mr. Bryan joked on Twitter that he was going to ā€œdestroy Americaā€ during his trip ā€” an apparent reference to partying ā€” as well as dig up the grave of Marylin Monroe ā€” a joke.
ā€œThe Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist,ā€ Mr. Bryan, a 26-year-old Irish citizen, said in an interview published in the British tabloid The Daily Mail.
ā€œā€˜Youā€™ve really messed up with that tweet, boy,ā€™ā€ Mr. Bryan remembered one agent saying, using a more profane expression for messed up.

So.....think carefully about what you write here about BMW, armoured riding gear, motorcycle mechanics, transient girlfriends, and especially tire choice.

Mark
All I can say to that is GOD BLESS AMERICA and I pledge my allegiance to the flag etc etc...

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Jan 2012
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Ted,

I went to Belize last year via the states. I had Iran and Pakistan Visas in my passport and I thought "I can't be bothered with the inevitable strip search" (and possible stay at Guatanamo!) and got a new passport from the Passport Agency. Just snipped off a corner and sent it back. OK, this costs money, but I reckoned it was worth it. The old one would have expired in a couple of years anyway.

My experience of US customs was time consuming and boring, but not bad otherwise.

Matt

PS - When I entered Belize I handed over my passport with about $200 tucked in the cover by mistake!

Fortunately the customs officer realised it was an accident and I didn't end up in the jug!
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Jan 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post

PS - When I entered Belize I handed over my passport with about $200 tucked in the cover by mistake!

Fortunately the customs officer realised it was an accident and I didn't end up in the jug!
hahah Brilliant......
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I've got LOADS of potentially dodgy stamps in my passport from the middle East and Africa.. Will they get their rubber gloves out ? Last time I was in the US in 2003, they scanned my retina, took my finger prints and questioned me for 15 minutes.. I was only in New York for a week at Christmas too. JEEEEEZ
It's largely a matter of luck, but I've crossed in and out of the US (land and air) with a passport full of stamps quite a few times and had no problems. The occasional keener will ask why all the travel, hoping to uncover some nefarious activity, but a straightforward answer regarding riding across/around the world seems to suit them just fine.

More than a couple of times the border guard has professed to being a biker and even a member of advrider or other user sites.

You might get a hairy eyeball about a stamp from a country on their bad people list, such as Syria, Libya, Nigeria, etc. but in general a straightforward comment that you have to go through some of those places to get to where you are going seems to appease them. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
Hi Ted .
Here is what it says if you try to fill in the on line ESTA form.


How do you intend to enter the USA?
As you are entering the US via land vehicle, you do not need a visa and will be required to fill out an "Arrival-Departure Record, CBP Form I-94W (green form)" with US Customs prior to being admitted into the country.

Dazzer
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Feb 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dazzerrtw View Post
Hi Ted .
Here is what it says if you try to fill in the on line ESTA form.


How do you intend to enter the USA?
As you are entering the US via land vehicle, you do not need a visa and will be required to fill out an "Arrival-Departure Record, CBP Form I-94W (green form)" with US Customs prior to being admitted into the country.

Dazzer
Cheers Dazza. I think I actually cross the border on the river and then have to find the border post.. Maybe.... I'm not too sure yet.

I guess a canoe counts as land vehicle.. kinda
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 14 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: yorkshire
Posts: 362
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Cheers Dazza. I think I actually cross the border on the river and then have to find the border post.. Maybe.... I'm not too sure yet.

I guess a canoe counts as land vehicle.. kinda
Ted have you seen the Movie " Into the wild " ?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Feb 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I'm 80% certain that I'm doing a trip from Canada into Alaska this summer..

As a UK passport holder, I can just fly to Canada and stay six months... No problem.

I want to cross into the USA from Canada though. Into Alaska.

Apart from the electronic application thingy, do I need to do anything else ???
Hi Ted,
Are you flying directly from UK to Canada? If you are don't read anymore.

Or are you landing in US (just to change planes/flights) before continuing to Canada? And then entering US later.

I did the second option about 11 years ago and it made a big difference to entering US from Canada later on that trip.
Your 'visa waiver' clock starts at your first touchdown in US so you could find all the time used up (is it still 90 days?) by the time you enter US from Canada.

In those days there was a special procedure for visa-waiver passengers called "Transit without visa" or TWOV, so your ticket and passport were handled in a special way at your first touchdown in the US. Then your 90 days starts when you go back to US from Canada.

I've since heard that TWOV isn't available anymore.

I also have a funny feeling it would be worth trawling the visa waiver website to make sure any time spent in Canada doesn't come off your 90 days when you enter US. I remember there were all sorts of different rules for visa waiver travellers if they entered US from either Canada or Mexico.
It will all have changed by now I'm sure, maybe even more complicated, but I'd check.

Or maybe someone else (UK passport) who's done that route recently (air to Canada, overland into US on visa waiver) can confirm.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Feb 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,653
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dazzerrtw View Post
Ted have you seen the Movie " Into the wild " ?
Sure have... Great film. I don't intend to end it all in a trailer though

This is also worth watching..

The Other Side - 4oD - Channel 4

Quote:
Originally Posted by McCrankpin View Post
Hi Ted,
Are you flying directly from UK to Canada? If you are don't read anymore.
The plan is to fly direct to Canada. Thanks for the info all the same.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Apr 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: NZ/UK
Posts: 2
Ref paperwork

I'm doing a 6 mth ride around the USA and Canada from 16th July and you're right with Canada. I thought about the 3 month ESTA for the USA and apparently you can go across the border into Canada and then get it reset when you cross back into the USA.

Although I didn't really want the possibility of not being allowed back in, so I applied and got a 6 month visitors visa.

Still working through paperwork for USA, applying for an exmeption from the EPA for the bike. Shipping to Vancouver as less hassle than LA

I used my UK passport for the visa and although coming from NZ, will be using my UK passport when crossing the border. Watch this space for when I cross the border as will advise how it goes, or you can follow me on FB and website

2002 GSA 1150
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Central America Border Crossing Info nugentch Central America and Mexico 45 28 Feb 2013 20:04
Europe - USA - Horror shipping company or bad luck? pweigand Trip Transport 5 20 Jan 2012 20:32
USA / Canada Carnet Processing Time and Payment Options bokad Trip Paperwork 4 31 Dec 2011 17:10
USA Canada motor bike insurance mjod Trip Paperwork 3 26 Dec 2011 10:40
Villazon, Bolivia Border crossing Mr Steam Turbine SOUTH AMERICA 8 30 Nov 2011 13:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insuranceā„¢ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:58.