The allure of Canada’s beautiful cities, breathtaking mountains and unique, yet distinctly familiar culture make it a very popular retirement, expatriating and holidaymaking destination for British citizens. With more than 600,000 British citizens accepting their post at Canadian addresses, this country truly has a strong English flavour. If living in Canada is on your agenda, there is a very good chance you’ll find yourself wanting to hop the border from time to time. After all, visiting America is a very Canadian thing to do – especially in the brisk winter months!
In this article we’ll explore the prospects of living in Canada and visiting America. Canadians themselves make many trips across the border, with thousands of nationals living on the American side, working, attending school and even owning businesses. Holidaymaking here is especially popular in the winter months when the appeals of Florida or California are extremely hard to resist.
But, how exactly does a British citizen living in Canada make it across the border to experience the sights America has to offer?
With more than 6.5 million British trips to the U.S. each year, visiting this country is not terribly difficult for citizens with the right paperwork. Do keep in mind however, America is taking its entry requirements very seriously, particularly in light of the 2001 terrorist attacks on its soil.
The United States still does hold a close relationship with and respect for the UK. Its US Visa Waiver Programme is still in place, allowing many British citizens with passports to visit without visas for 90 days. Allowable trips include holidaymaking, some forms of business and transits in between countries of destination – for example driving through to visit Mexico.
The waiver programme does have its limitations. It is open only to those with “British Citizen” clearly listed on the photo pages of their passports. Anyone who qualifies as an overseas citizen, subject, national, territories citizen or protected person will require a visa.
Since living in Canada is likely to alter your status at some point in the game, it can pay to check with U.S. Immigration prior to making a trek to the border crossing. If you have applied for Canadian residency or citizenship, it is very likely different documentation and perhaps a visa will be required in the interim. It does pay to find out for certain.
Once you have all your paperwork in hand, you do need to be prepared for dealing with customs when making the crossing. Whether you travel to America via the road connections, air or in another fashion, be prepared to be finger-scanned and photographed upon arrival. This has been deemed necessary for protection in light of America’s heightened national security requirements.
Living in Canada and visiting America is a very feasible prospect. Do make sure your paperwork is in order and be prepared for a border crossing delay. If you have any questions at all about your eligibility to cross or the paperwork you have in place, call the American consulate in Canada or check with the British consulate for advice. A few phone calls could save you from disappointment in getting turned away.
