Can anyone help with a quick question about entering the US on a Canadian passport?

[WillyWonka]

Were not expecting to be travelling to Canada this year but dh's family have recently asked us to go over instead of them coming here. With two dd's (6yo & 1yo), the easiest option would be to fly into Detroit and cross the border to Windsor where dh's family live but we've just realised that his (Canadian) passport expires in November and we're planning to travel in August.

Understand that US immigration usually demand that you have a minimum of six months remaining on a passport but believe that Canadian citizens seem to have certain exclusions. Getting dh's passport renewed will be a HUGE pain in the bum as the guarantor list is so prescriptive. We only know a couple of people who could sign and even then, only vaguely. In fact, the last time we saw them was when we asked them to sign last time round, five years ago .

So does dh need to get a new passport before we go ?

Sorry this wasn't so quick after all...but thank you if you're able to offer some outline advice. Will clearly contact the US Embassy for something more official but just want to know whether I need to panic

the consulate office in London will act as guarentor for a fee, can you do that?

We're oop North, so would mean dh taking a day off work - he's self employed - plus the rail fare, so would be a costly exercise for us.

aha.

Won't your GP sign for a fee? Or use a solicitor to do it? I"ve used both in the past and they've worked (and once at the embassy) The US can be such sticklers

Don't think our GP would know dh from Adam, he never goes, but will call the surgery to ask. Even a no mark like me can sign passport photos in the UK

I am a Canadian citizen (living in the UK) and as far as I know you do not have to have a guarantor for renewels (this is fairly new) only for new issues.

I also think that the rules for driving across the border is way more lax than flying across it. Although I think there has been some changes to that recently as well.

Your best way to get the most up to date and correct answers is to get on Passport Canadas website.
www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng

I wouldn't even waste my time with the US embassy.

Good luck!

yes you do need a guarantor for renewals - I renewed in Feb of this year. Embassy staff acted for me and I paid for the honour!

Well thats bizarre as both my sister and brother renewed their Canadian passports around the same time and didn't need one.

okay...did a little further research into this one....you have to be residing in Canada to be waved of the guarantor....