Visting Canadian Side of Niagara Falls (Visa Question)
 

Here's the scenario in a nutshell:
Two people with Thai passports (they have a 10 year entry/exit to USA visa). They will be in the US. They want to visit Niagara Falls. Obviously, they want to visit the Canadian side of the falls (see the Funicular and the Journey Behind the Falls).

Will they need to pre-arrange a Canadian Visa to walk across the Rainbown bridge to enter Canada?
Is there a difference in visa requirements if you walk across vs drive across the bridge?


Follow-on question:
We'll be driving from Detroit to Boston. The plan is to stop in Niagara to see the falls (hence the question above). I notice that saves about an hour and a half to cut through Canada (rather than go around Lake Erie). What would the visa situation be? It will be me (US citizen), my GF (US citizen) and my future in-laws (Thai Passport situation described above).

Do they need to pre-arrange a visa for the 4 or 5 hour road trip across Canada?

Thanks in advance.

You really need to check with an official Canadian source:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

They will require a visa to enter Canada at any port of entry.

And yes, if you are going to get the visa's to enter Canada, you might as well do the drive through Canada rather than around Lake Erie on the US side. And if you happen to be on the north side of Detroit, go up to Port Huron and cross there.

My preference going to MI is Port Huron/Sarnia crossing. Detroit/Windsor bridge and tunnel just too crowded.

the 401/402/403 combo through is the midwest to NYC/NE short cut.

I agree with the advice given here so far and would point out that there is more to do in the Niagara region than just seeing the Falls--there are also winery tours and Niagara on the Lake.

I agree. NOTL is kilometres better for a getaway and as a base of winery tours.

OP was planning to stop on their way from Detroit to Boston so his in-laws can see the falls.

I did see that and was thinking that Detroit to Boston is too long of a drive to do in a day if you are stopping to see the Falls so I thought I would mention other things to see in the area as well.

I took the kids on the Marine City-Sombra Ferry a couple weeks ago on the way home from a couple days in Detroit area. Certainly no time saver, but it was interesting, and the CBSA agents seemed a lot more pleasant.

You will have to deal with two border crossings, both of which can be a problem. You might be detained at either place. If you can be flexible with your time, then go ahead. But the trip via Cleveland is not so much longer if you want to be certain.

You would do two border crossings either way--one in and one out of Canada.

The point is to avoid entering Canada altogether on the trip from Detroit on I-75 south to I-90 east to Boston. If Niagara is important, the view from Goat Island is impressive enough.

OP said that "Obviously, they want to visit the Canadian side of the falls (see the Funicular and the Journey Behind the Falls)."

I-75 to I-90 is over 100 miles longer than cutting through Ontario.

They need a visa. About the walk vs. drive, they wind up in Canada and could then take a bus, train, car or plane anywhere in Canada and never leave. Hence the manner of enrty really is not germane.

You can check TIMATIC vs. wait for a month for the Canada government to reply.

All the visa info in the following from TIMATIC refer to a Canadian not their US visa:

ational Thailand (TH) /Embarkation Thailand (TH)
Destination Canada (CA)


Canada (CA)



Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
for the period of intended stay.

Visa required, except for Holders of a valid student or
employment authorization are allowed to return to Canada from

the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon without obtaining a new
visa, ifFor details, click here
Minors:
- If a travel document issued by Canada to minors under 16
years of age displays "Signature Not Required/non requise"
For details, click here
- Parent(s) traveling with a child under 18 years are strongly
advised to For details, click here
Additional Information:

- Holders of a multiple entry visa are allowed to return to

Canada from the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon if they are
returning to Canada within the initial period authorized by

a CBSA officer on initial entry to Canada. This does not

apply to those who leave the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon
to a third country or are transiting the USA on their return

to Canada.
- Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to
cover their stay and documents required for their next
destination.