Is it hard to get OUT of Canada?

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SteveN

No problems getting in to Canada from the US by car, and should be no major issues getting out. Coming in, you will be greeted by Canada Customs. Going back to US you will see the US Border Agents and Homeland Security.

Have your passports, or a birth certificate and photo IDs with you. If the kids do not have the same last name, you will want proof that you have the legal right to cross the border with them, such as a letter from their parents.

If you are divorced and these are children from that marriage, bring a letter from the ex-wife or ex-husband stating that they are aware of the trip and that the child wil be leaving on a certain date and returning on or before a certain date.

One of the reasons for these checks on children is to make sure that an estranged parent has not abducted a child and is fleeing the country with them.

As for making you pay to get out of the country, that is not a fee leveed by the Canadian government. The $20 fee is known as an Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) and is a required payment for all departure flights. Think of it as a toll that the airport is charging for using its services.

I have not seen an AIF at any American airports, but I heard down there they simply include the cost in your ticket price, whereas in Canada they go the extra mile to show you all the hidden fees and taxes you may be paying elsewhere.

Danelady

You will have no problem leaving Canada. If there is any problem at all, it will be re-entering the US. Be sure to have passports or photo ID for everyone, birth certificates for the children, a letter from the parents giving you permission to take the children with you if they are not your own, and proof of residence in the US. You probably won't need all this, but better to be safe and have it with you.

surferchick

make sure you have birth certificates for the kids that proves their US citizenship. A social security card might work too. You can also get a notorized letter before you leave that proves you are the parents/legal guardians of the kids. I didn't have an problems traveling in/out of Canada with my son. It was 3 years ago but all I needed was his birth certificate.

NaTa

If the kids accompanying you are not yours or if one parent is travelling, you need a letter from other parent or parents/guardians authorizing you to take the kids in and out of the country. Besides, you will need a passport or birth certificate. If you have proper documents, crossing the border will not be a problem.

JuanB

Although American authorities tend on average to be more inquisitive, the reality is NO. Odds are you will have more questions bringing kids out of their country of citizenship rather than back to their country of citizenship. It's kidnapping and single parents without custody bolting that they are concerned about.

Basically, if you have all their Birth Certificates and both birth parents are there, you have no worries. If you have a legal custody agreement bring it. If both birth parents aren't there you are best to have a signed and notarized letter giving permission with contact information including phone number.

Alex

It is only slightly more difficult than traveling within the u.s. The problem is the extreme security in the U.S, so the problems will be the same as going from new york to california.

Are you American? You DO know that everyone, kids included, needs a US passport to get back in, right?

I had to read this a couple of times to understand why you'd be concerned - it's the last-name thing, I see now. That's confusing at a backyard BBQ, so now I understand where you're coming from.

Why not call the Canadian consulate in your city (or nearest one) and *simply* explain that you have a "modern" family with several last names in the group. Then ask them if any documentation other than passports might be needed.

I'll bet you it will be OK, but do ask. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

mama of 2

I'm not sure but I have heard you have to pay to get out. Somewhere on TV, they said they had to pay like 20 bucks before they let them get on the plane at the airport to leave.

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