Travelling to the USA w/British Passport and Permanent Residency questions

[BMW Fanatic]

I know we are on a car forum guys but maybe some of you can help me out considering I can't find any solid information on the web, just a bunch of conflicting statements.

So here's the deal; I am from the UK (moved to YYC 3.5 years ago), I hold a British Passport AND a Canadian Permanent Residency card. I am traveling to the states, San Jose, CA, to be exact via LAND on Wednesday night/Thursday morning, could be either through Montana, Washington or Idaho (all locations have 24 hours service so we're still deciding on what route to take for scenery etc).

My question to the British passport holders in Canada or anyone who knows about this stuff, did you have to fill in the ESTA? If so, how did you get passed the flight # section when travelling by land? Also, do I need to fill an I-94W out before I get to the border or when I'm there? Do I even need to fill it out?

Thanks guys! Happy driving.

[Darth One]

i will wait for an actual British person to chime in, but i believe the Canadian permanent residency is enough for admittance to the US. you don't need a flight number for a land border crossing.

are you going to visit Arkym/Pyspeed?

[Superfly_M3]

Not every Canadian Permanent Resident is allowed into the States. If you requie a visa to get to the States from your country, then you will also need one even if you are a Canadian Permanent Resident

[Jaypod]

A buddy of mine has a British Passport and has been in Canada as Landed Immigrant (I believe) for the past 30 years as he has been too lazy to get his Canadian Passport. When we cross the border by land, he is required to Check In with US Customs and state the nature of the trip. They give him a card (sorry dont know the number) and he is required to turn that back in to Canadian Customs when he returns across the border. Bit of a hassle but only takes about 30 mins.

[MaxL]

I have just a Canadian PR, and usually I just drive through to the US without any paperwork. Sometimes they ask me to fill in I-94W (the white card), but it's necessary only if the purpose of your visit requires a visa (e.g., moving there for a long time or to work). If you are going just for a trip, I am pretty sure you only need to show up with your passport and have the address of where you are going in case they ask.

Oh, and do not forget to have your PR card to be able to get back to Canada.

[DJDeez]

Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic

My question to the British passport holders in Canada or anyone who knows about this stuff, did you have to fill in the ESTA?

No, never.

Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic

If so, how did you get passed the flight # section when travelling by land?

You simply do not fill in the flight information, an officer will be more than happy to let you know which portions will need to be filled in. For the address while in the United States, you enter the details of whichever hotel you will be staying in.

Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic

Also, do I need to fill an I-94W out before I get to the border or when I'm there?

You will be asked to park your vehicle and go inside. An officer will have you fill out an I-94W form and will take fingerprint/retina scans. You will receive a 90 day visa waiver stapled to your British passport, they will also collect a $6.00USD fee.

Originally Posted by BMW Fanatic

Do I even need to fill it out?

Yes as the bottom part of the card will be stapled to your passport authorising your permission to enter the country.