Driving down to US and back: what do I need?

[Alexandrin]

Hello,

I've been in Vancouver, BC, on vacation since late June, and am staying until late October. I came from France, and obviously had an Electronic Travel Authorisation that was approved.

I'm going to Oregon to watch the eclipse on Sunday. I already have an ESTA (I went to the US last summer, it's still valid) so crossing the border to go to the US won't be a problem. I'm wondering if I need anything else to cross back to Canada the next day, or if my existing ETA will be enough?

Thanks in advance,

Sam

 

[Jalex23]

Hello,

I've been in Vancouver, BC, on vacation since late June, and am staying until late October. I came from France, and obviously had an Electronic Travel Authorisation that was approved.

I'm going to Oregon to watch the eclipse on Sunday. I already have an ESTA (I went to the US last summer, it's still valid) so crossing the border to go to the US won't be a problem. I'm wondering if I need anything else to cross back to Canada the next day, or if my existing ETA will be enough?

Thanks in advance,

Sam

Your current ETA is enough.

Be sure to carry with all your travelling documents (passport, permits, ETA, etc.)

 

[Alexandrin]

Okay, thanks!

Isn't the ETA linked to the passport though? Or do I need to print the confirmation email, or simply be able to show it on my phone?

 

[Jalex23]

Okay, thanks!

Isn't the ETA linked to the passport though? Or do I need to print the confirmation email, or simply be able to show it on my phone?

Carry as much evidence as you need.

 

[Bs65]

Okay, thanks!

Isn't the ETA linked to the passport though? Or do I need to print the confirmation email, or simply be able to show it on my phone?

An ETA is only required for boarding a plane, as you are driving to the US and coming back by car it is irrelevant..

You will need to complete an I94 at the US land border regardless of the ESTA which is only for Air/sea travel to the US although having an ESTA makes the I94 application easier to get processed. The I94 cost is I believe 6 dollars per person.

Also do not forget to hand in the i94 if you get a paper version when you leave the US else can cause problems for any future trips if you forget.

There is also I see now an online i94 application process to setup in advance but you will still need to follow through with US CBP at the border so see both the following links.

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1133/kw/i 94 cost/session/L3RpbWUvMTUwMjg2MzkwMy9zaWQvY3JSOHpncW4=