Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

wired529 · 10-19-2006

In April 2005. the U.S. government announced the WHTI, requiring travellers to and from the Americas, including Canadian citizens, to present a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S.. This was initiated through the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
Canada and the U.S. share the longest undefended border, with millions crossing daily from both sides for business and for pleasure. These new restrictions on border crossings are going to lengthen the amount of time required to cross the border. Is this going to have a negative impact on trade and tourism?

Michael · 10-19-2006

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...sports-5.html?

beer_dude · 10-19-2006

The heightened security affects us all. You know how long it takes me to get through security in the airport now?

wired529 · 10-19-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/13913-ok-here-
peeps-usa-must-have-passports-5.html?

was actually wondering more about the impact on U.S./Canada border crossings as we are each other's largest trading partners

dangr3rdi · 10-19-2006

I really do not think it will affect trade at all. The casual tourist maybe? I fly into Canada several times a year and have had a passport for years,, I also drive into Canada for business and the wait times at the crossings have not changed at all.
The only negative, is the cost for a passport that the casual border crosser will have to outlay. IMHO it is much easier(now mandatory) to travel with the passport than w/out.
dangr

beer_dude · 10-19-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by dangr3rdi

I really do not think it will affect trade at all. The casual tourist maybe? I fly into Canada several times a year and have had a passport for years,, I also drive into Canada for business and the wait times at the crossings have not changed at all.
The only negative, is the cost for a passport that the casual border crosser will have to outlay. IMHO it is much easier(now mandatory) to travel with the passport than w/out.
dangr

Definitely agree! I have been using a passport for years. Really makes travelling easier. Even though I mostly go to Mexico which does not require a passport.

Donny · 10-19-2006

Ya'll have obviously not tried crossing at Blaine (or Sumas) Washington. The lines have been horrendous and don't get me started about the Canadian side not having weapons in case of trouble - the guards vanish and close the border!

Ginger · 10-20-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donny

Ya'll have obviously not tried crossing at Blaine (or Sumas) Washington. The lines have been horrendous and don't get me started about the Canadian side not having weapons in case of trouble - the guards vanish and close the border!

Donny's right...big issues there. We live not five minutes from the Peace Arch border crossing at Blaine, WA. The wait times there can be absolutely rediculous. You really have to plan when you are going to cross.

And Donny's right...our Canada Customs border officials are not armed. This is not right by any means, especially with the level of organized crime bringing drugs and weapons across the border. However, the fact that they abandon their posts at the slightest sign of incoming trouble is unfathomable. They have now been warned by our gov't officials that abondonment of post is grounds for immediate dismissal.

B Kromm · 10-20-2006

The more I think about the travel document requirements the less it bothers me (hmmm isn't that just typically Canadian). That's not to say that the border guards from either side will become infallable, but, it gives a deterrent to the ,ummmm, casual criminal if you will. Realistically, like most crimes, if there is a concentrated will to commit, the bad guy is gonna find a way. Just a reality.

The only part of this can of worms that ticks me is that, if I'm not mistaken, U.S. passports cost about the same as Canadian ones, but have 10 year lifespans. Therefore, it''s gonna cost us, effectively double. Prolly still a small price to pay, but, just one of those governmental thorns doncha know.

As far as arming the Border Patrols go, the ones that I had seen the last time we went to Washington through the B.C. interior would've been more of a danger to themselves than anyone else had they have been provided with a semi-automatic pistol

Brent

10-19-2006	#1 (permalink)
wired529 beachaholic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: saskatchewan Posts: 312	Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative In April 2005. the U.S. government announced the WHTI, requiring travellers to and from the Americas, including Canadian citizens, to present a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S.. This was initiated through the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Canada and the U.S. share the longest undefended border, with millions crossing daily from both sides for business and for pleasure. These new restrictions on border crossings are going to lengthen the amount of time required to cross the border. Is this going to have a negative impact on trade and tourism?

10-20-2006	#9 (permalink)
B Kromm beachaholic Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Calgary, no we're not a County in Montana, Alberta Posts: 373	I'm all for Docs and Security The more I think about the travel document requirements the less it bothers me (hmmm isn't that just typically Canadian). That's not to say that the border guards from either side will become infallable, but, it gives a deterrent to the ,ummmm, casual criminal if you will. Realistically, like most crimes, if there is a concentrated will to commit, the bad guy is gonna find a way. Just a reality. The only part of this can of worms that ticks me is that, if I'm not mistaken, U.S. passports cost about the same as Canadian ones, but have 10 year lifespans. Therefore, it''s gonna cost us, effectively double. Prolly still a small price to pay, but, just one of those governmental thorns doncha know. As far as arming the Border Patrols go, the ones that I had seen the last time we went to Washington through the B.C. interior would've been more of a danger to themselves than anyone else had they have been provided with a semi-automatic pistol Brent

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10-19-2006	#2 (permalink)
Michael añejo Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Silicon Valley, California Posts: 4,162	http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...sports-5.html?

10-19-2006	#3 (permalink)
beer_dude reposado Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,202	The heightened security affects us all. You know how long it takes me to get through security in the airport now?

10-19-2006	#5 (permalink)
dangr3rdi ruined Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 91	I really do not think it will affect trade at all. The casual tourist maybe? I fly into Canada several times a year and have had a passport for years,, I also drive into Canada for business and the wait times at the crossings have not changed at all. The only negative, is the cost for a passport that the casual border crosser will have to outlay. IMHO it is much easier(now mandatory) to travel with the passport than w/out. dangr

10-19-2006	#7 (permalink)
Donny añejo Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 3,215	Ya'll have obviously not tried crossing at Blaine (or Sumas) Washington. The lines have been horrendous and don't get me started about the Canadian side not having weapons in case of trouble - the guards vanish and close the border!

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