5 years ago
Crossing the border into Canada is routine for many Western New Yorkers. It's just a matter of showing a driver's license and hoping there isn't a long delay at customs.
Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. State Department announced tighter border security. Known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, it will require U.S. citizens to show a passport to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Panama. Canadian citizens will also have to show their passport to enter the U.S.
"It's ridiculous," said Charlie McCarthy of Buffalo, who owns a cottage in Canada and frequently crosses the Peace Bridge. "Canada and the U.S. are so close together. We never had a passport before that we needed, and I just don't think it's necessary."
Borders businesses are biting their nails.
Steve Richardson, manager of the Duty Free Shop in Fort Erie, Ontario, said the worsening exchange rate for U.S. citizens, and the SARS outbreak in 2003 affected their business, and so will required passports.
"I guess it's great for the security of the country, but it's not very good for the economics of any business that surrounds the borders," Richardson said.
According to the State Department, a passport or other accepted travel document will be required starting December 31, 2005 for air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America. The documents will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada starting December 31, 2006. Starting December 31, 2007, the documents will be required for all air, sea, and land border crossings.
"It doesn't bother me. I already have one," said Sheila Martinec of Tonawanda, shopping at the Duty Free Shop.
Others said it is worth it for additional security, but some blamed President Bush for going too far.
"The U.S. is going to suffer, and Canada will suffer because they won't be getting the tourists," said Bob Potts of Fort Erie, Ontario.
"Some may or may not choose to (visit)," said Daryl Wells, spokesperson for Fort Erie Racetrack. "There are casinos on the other side of the border."
According to the State Department, the passport will be the document of choice, however, for land crossings, they anticipate they will accept international frequent traveler programs such as NEXUS. No other document, such as a birth certificate, is considered an acceptable substitute for the passport at this time. The department is planning to add other travel document options as they become available.
Passport information can be obtained by visiting your post office, many federal and state courts, and some municipal offices. They typically take six to eight weeks to obtain, and cost $97 for those over 16 years of age.
For more information on passports, visit the State Department's website at www.state.gov.
