Originally Posted by
saltspring
Well, I waltzed through immigration at YVR in 2 minutes (using the line for Canadians with those self-service machines) and wasn't asked for it. Leaving Japan too was fine. Not needed, and had no problems.
Glad it all worked so smoothly for you and your son. ^
Originally Posted by
kyden
The one time you need it is the one time you don't bring it. Better to be safe than sorry.....well for most people in this thread.
Agreed. We've crossed the U.S. - Canadian border by car and on foot with grandchildren a fair number of times over the past several years and have only been asked for a letter a couple of times.
Once upwards of 15 years ago two carloads of two brothers and their families attending a wedding with us in Canada let their children switch cars for variety at some point before crossing the border.
The youngish children in one car were hauled in for a round of private questioning that somewhat alarmed them to make sure there was nothing amiss - rather silly given the circumstances IMHO but consequently we feel better having the backup documentation in our glove box or roll-aboard to minimize the chance of unpleasantness and delay.