Has anyone driven from Alaska to the states? (Fairbanks, Bethel: live in, price)

[Teak]

Originally Posted by warptman

Would be more cost effective if you drove all the way down. No real way to avoid Canada if you drive. Get a passport and drive! If either of you have had a DUI in the past, they won't allow you into Canada unless you pay a big amount of money. Once you do get your passport, you have an excuse to travel the world!

from:Fairbanks, ak to:HWY-16 to:I-5 S to:I-15 N to:Flagstaff, az to:33.60547,-101.854248 toallas, tx - Google Maps

Since when did Canada require that USA citizens show a passport to travel through Canada?? I traveled through Canada several times in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s without ever being asked for a passport. Have the rules changed? The only rules that I was aware of at the time were:

1) Valid state driver's license;
2) Proof of insurance;
3) Sufficient cash to get through the country; (they didn't want Americans trying to sponge off their welfare system)
4) No guns (must declare at the border);
5) No drugs.

[AADAD]

Originally Posted by Teak

Since when did Canada require that USA citizens show a passport to travel through Canada?? I traveled through Canada several times in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s without ever being asked for a passport. Have the rules changed? The only rules that I was aware of at the time were:

1) Valid state driver's license;
2) Proof of insurance;
3) Sufficient cash to get through the country; (they didn't want Americans trying to sponge off their welfare system)
4) No guns (must declare at the border);
5) No drugs.

A valid U.S. passport is the gold standard. They already have your drivers license when they take a pic of your license plate. It solves many issues at the border. In addition there are several threads here that talk about any conviction on alcohol means you can't go through. ANY conviction.. Times have changed. =)

[warptman]

Thanks to the smirking chimp bush, yes, you have to have a passport to cross the border on both sides of it.

Passport Requirements at the Canada Border - Do Americans Need a Passport to Visit Canada?

DHS | Crossing U.S. Borders

[Grannysroost]

I think needing a passport came about after 911... It was supposed to be law a few years ago, but got extension after extension until I think it was this past June? You now need a passport anywhere out of the US, Mexico included also...or at least to get back in from Mexico

[blueflames50]

If you do not need or want a passport book (I don't see why anyone would not want one but...) you can get just a passport card....here is the web and a bit of info....

U.S. Passport Card

Purpose

The new wallet-size U.S. Passport Card is a travel document that can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. Note that it cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.

Validity and Cost

The U.S. Passport Card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book: 10 years for an adult and 5 years for minors under age 16. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16, regardless of whether they are previous passport book or card holders. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal by mail for a cost of only $20.

[Nephler]

I think this needing a passport is bull crap (meaning the law is crap), yes you need one to cross, but I still think it's bull. I use to cross back and forth all the time in Soo MI and Soo Canada. Now they give ya crap.

Either way, having a passport is a good thing to have no matter what. I'll had mine for years.

[gumbykase]

Well a buddy and I are looking to take a trip going the other way, from Wisconsin to Alaska. I'm assuming its safe to say if we both have a passport card, no guns, and we're sober, we wont have many issues getting there? Or am I wrong? I just don't want to get there and have to turn back because we forgot something ya know?

[warptman]

Originally Posted by gumbykase

Well a buddy and I are looking to take a trip going the other way, from Wisconsin to Alaska. I'm assuming its safe to say if we both have a passport card, no guns, and we're sober, we wont have many issues getting there? Or am I wrong? I just don't want to get there and have to turn back because we forgot something ya know?

When are you planning this trip?

[gumbykase]

As soon as we can get the funds to get through the country and get settled. We're actually looking to move into Alaska

[Jonotastic]

Originally Posted by PassTheChocolate

I have a friend who just moved up to Fairbanks she is thinking of driving down to Texas. We're talking about making it a road trip where I will fly up there and drive back with her.

The goal is to drive down into Washington and proceed through California, over to Vegas, Flagstaff, New Mexico and onward to Texas.

What is the easiest/safest route without having to go through Canada?

I have gone from Seattle to Anchorage and Anchorage to Seattle.

Drive through Canada, there are so many animals along the way, especially through Canada. You don't have many options, just mapquest it.

Enjoy!