Going to Canada? Coming back?

The Washington State Ferries just wrote to tell me & you:

SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation is reminding citizens traveling to Canada to ensure they have the proper documentation and to be prepared for delays at border, whether traveling by road or via the Anacortes/Sidney, B.C. ferry.

As of June 1, U.S. and Canadian citizens age 16 and older who enter the United States at land and sea ports will need to present a passport, passport card, Washington State enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or a “trusted traveler” document such as the NEXUS card. Parents traveling with children ages 16 and under are required to provide a birth certificate for each child (original or certified copy). If both birth parents are not traveling, written authorization from a parent or proof of custody must be presented.

U.S. citizens who are Washington state residents are eligible to purchase an enhanced driver license (EDL) for the cost of a regular driver license plus an additional $15. The EDL meets the requirements for proof of citizenship to re-enter the U.S. from Canada. More information about the EDL is available at www.dol.wa.gov/about/news/priorities/edl.html.

In addition to ensuring proper documentation, travelers planning to take their vehicles on the ferry from Anacortes to Sidney, B.C. are strongly encouraged to make a reservation online (www.wsdot/wa/gov/ferries) or by phone (5-1-1).

Travelers can learn more about requirements for crossing the border at www.getyouhome.gov.
For more highway and ferry travel information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov.