Crossing US Border from Canada Information Request?

Question

My friends and I have decided to go on a trip to New York City, with a touring group called Tai Pan Tours. Our group consists of three teenagers aged 17, and one aged 19. We are all Canadian Citizens, with the proper ID that is required to cross the border. We do not possess any criminal record of the sort. Our goal was a 3-day trip to New York. So my question is that if we possess a consent form signed by our parents granting permission to go on this trip, which is planned by Tai Pan Tours (but not supervised), would we be able to pass the border without trouble? I was informed that I may be refused permission to cross due to the fact that we are not without an accompanying guardian of the age 21. But from what I've read under the DHS Customs and Border Security document of 'proposed rulemaking', we would be allowed through with a signed parental consent form, with a copy of the ID of our parents, as well as a signature that states that the 19 year old would be the guardian of our group. Of course, the 19 year old would also sign in agreement to it. It also states that for those purposes, an adult would be considered 19 years of age or older. There is no mention of the age 21 within the document.

So would this be a valid method to cross the border without trouble?

Answer 1

You'll be fine. I did the same thing, I went with three other 17 year olds.. when I got to the U.S. Border, we gave him the consent forms, and he looked at us as if we're little babies (couldn't careless about the consent forms, just wanted to see passports). However, I still advise you to bring your consent form, cause you never know.. the u.s. customs are notorious for being a******s. As long as you have your passports, and the driver has his driver's liscense you should be fine. Watch out on the way home though, when going through Canadian customs.. to avoid paying tax on the items you bought in the states, say that the total items you purchased are under $100.

Good luck, and have fun in the big apple!

Answer 2

To get into the US the only thing REQUIRED (very strict) is a passport and an extra form of identification

Answer 3

check with your travel agent

Answer 4

As long as you have a written consent form from each of the parents saying that it is OK for all these teenagers to be on this vacation, including the dates and other pertinent itinerary.(location) and of course, all the legal documents, passports, etc.. you should be fine. I am a frequent traveler between the U.S. and Canada and have been alternating between Vancouver and Seattle for 15 years. I am currently 30 years old.

Good Luck!

Cheers

Jeffrey

Answer 5

keep your passports with you

Answer 6

If you have the proper ID including a passport and you are only coming for a few days, you should not have a problem.  Anyone under age 18 might need a notarized verificable permission note.  You might get detained for a few hours while a few calls are made and you might also be interrogated.  A lot of children are abducted and taken to Canada so Border Patrol are required to check their pictures and missing children reports.  this might mean your trip will only be 2 days unless you have no deadline return.  *see the link below* and Welcome to America  

Answer 7

I can't see where there would be a problem, but in this day and age things could change any day.  I would be asking Tai Pan Tours since they are in charge of the arrangements and it is their job to be up on all of these rules

Answer 8

Yes it is a valid method of  crossing the border.If you have parental consent and an a supervising  adult you are good to go.