Re-entry visa required for side-trip to Seattle-Vancouver?
Mar 19, 2015, 11:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Re-entry visa required for side-trip to Seattle-Vancouver?
Hi,
I'm flying into Vancouver from Singapore. Going back to explore Vancouver for a few days before driving down to Seattle for a few days, then back up to Whistler. I know many have discouraged having the car in Whistler, but having checked out the rates, this seems the cheaper and more flexible option for us.
From my understanding, Singaporeans are not required to apply for a tourist visa beforehand into Canada. My question is to confirm whether we would need to apply for any visas before we arrive, due to us travelling in then out then in again into Canada.
Also, the US side. We would need to apply for an ESTA, even if we drive in from Canada?
Any other tips regarding the drive would be much appreciated.
I'm flying into Vancouver from Singapore. Going back to explore Vancouver for a few days before driving down to Seattle for a few days, then back up to Whistler. I know many have discouraged having the car in Whistler, but having checked out the rates, this seems the cheaper and more flexible option for us.
From my understanding, Singaporeans are not required to apply for a tourist visa beforehand into Canada. My question is to confirm whether we would need to apply for any visas before we arrive, due to us travelling in then out then in again into Canada.
Also, the US side. We would need to apply for an ESTA, even if we drive in from Canada?
Any other tips regarding the drive would be much appreciated.
Mar 20, 2015, 8:06 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
I can't speak to your specific question, but I can say that, Americans and Canadians excepted, the Customs & Immigration rules for crossing to / from Canada at the land border are exactly the same as crossing by air.
So whether you are flying to San Francisco, or driving to Seattle it's the same, and all relevant visas and documentation apply.
So whether you are flying to San Francisco, or driving to Seattle it's the same, and all relevant visas and documentation apply.
Mar 20, 2015, 3:05 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,379
I can't speak to your specific question, but I can say that, Americans and Canadians excepted, the Customs & Immigration rules for crossing to / from Canada at the land border are exactly the same as crossing by air.
So whether you are flying to San Francisco, or driving to Seattle it's the same, and all relevant visas and documentation apply.
So whether you are flying to San Francisco, or driving to Seattle it's the same, and all relevant visas and documentation apply.
If the only time the OP is going to enter the US (including connections on the way to Vancouver) is at the land border then they won't need to apply for an ESTA at all.
Mar 20, 2015, 3:27 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YOW
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Mar 21, 2015, 8:31 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Thanks all for pointing me in the right direction. Turns out my ESTA is still valid since I have one from last year anyway. But I don't won't be needing it. However, I would need the I-94 form. But the question is where I would get one. Is there any way to get one before hitting the checkpoint so I don't have to stop there too long to fill in the form?
Mar 24, 2015, 12:11 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
Thanks all for pointing me in the right direction. Turns out my ESTA is still valid since I have one from last year anyway. But I don't won't be needing it. However, I would need the I-94 form. But the question is where I would get one. Is there any way to get one before hitting the checkpoint so I don't have to stop there too long to fill in the form?
Apr 5, 2015, 1:09 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Thanks ajGoes, but that link is for checking the completed forms. My trip is later in the year. Actually, what I meant was that do I need to physically fill in the form at the checkpoint or is there any way for me to get a blank form to fill in earlier so I don't hold up the line at the checkpoint.
Apr 13, 2015, 9:38 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
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Posts: 7,607
Thanks ajGoes, but that link is for checking the completed forms. My trip is later in the year. Actually, what I meant was that do I need to physically fill in the form at the checkpoint or is there any way for me to get a blank form to fill in earlier so I don't hold up the line at the checkpoint.
Apr 21, 2015, 4:24 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bahamas
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 958
Usually I get sent to secondary when I cross by car as most inspectors don't know the regulations for non-US or non-Canadian visitors.
Apr 22, 2015, 8:07 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
I passed through the USA transborder checkpoint at YVR yesterday, so I did a quick check to see if I could grab you an I-94. All they had available in the customs hall was the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B (the blue one used by arriving air travellers) - I couldn't see an I-94 anywhere.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Apr 24, 2015, 7:24 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: somewhere north of London, UK
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Thanks all for pointing me in the right direction. Turns out my ESTA is still valid since I have one from last year anyway. But I don't won't be needing it. However, I would need the I-94 form. But the question is where I would get one. Is there any way to get one before hitting the checkpoint so I don't have to stop there too long to fill in the form?
Apr 25, 2015, 4:26 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Sorry to sound so long-winded. I'm trying to visualize how it would be like crossing the border by driving. Would it be similar to driving through from Singapore to Malaysia where we don't even get out of the car? We simply show our passports at the checkpoint and the immigration officer would stamp our passports? Or do we need to park our vehicles somewhere and then go and retrieve them once we've cleared secondary?
Apr 25, 2015, 5:27 am
#15
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Sorry to sound so long-winded. I'm trying to visualize how it would be like crossing the border by driving. Would it be similar to driving through from Singapore to Malaysia where we don't even get out of the car? We simply show our passports at the checkpoint and the immigration officer would stamp our passports? Or do we need to park our vehicles somewhere and then go and retrieve them once we've cleared secondary?
For cars with 100% American/Canadian passport holders with proper documentation it is questions and then let through. Passport or equivalent travel documents are scanned but no longer stamped at the kiosk.
Anyone who needs additional processing will be asked to park and head into the office. This include issues during initial questioning and passport holders who need additional processing.