BORDER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS for RIDERS and TEAMS
Due to increased border inspection requirements, all riders who cross the US-Canada border will be required to stop and show identification to a US Customs Officer.
This includes all leg 7 riders on solo, two, four and eight person teams.
These riders will have to stop at the US-Canada border (new in 2007). Once riders have entered the bike lane at Canadian customs, there is to be no passing.
All leg 7 riders must stop and show ID to the Customs Officer there.
A rider without ID at this point will not be allowed to proceed.
Each rider's name and ID will be matched against the master list of registered leg 7 riders.
Any rider whose name does not appear on their team's leg 7 roster will have to clear Customs in the normal manner. This will take time. Discrepancies between registered and actual leg 7 riders may result in disqualification of the team.
All other team members will stop at the border in their vehicles, present ID, and clear customs in the usual manner.
Acceptable ID:
For 2008, passports will not be mandatory identification for Canadian or United States citizens crossing the border, but are much PREFERRED by Customs as they can be scanned, resulting in quicker clearance. Citizens of other countries must provide passports. US or Canadian citizens can provide any of the following identification upon entry:
Canada: Passport OR
Driver's license AND Birth Certificate OR
Driver's license AND Citizen Certificate
US: Passport OR
Driver's License AND Birth Certificate OR
New Bureau of Indian Affairs Card OR
Proof of Legal Permanent Residence
These are the same ID requirements as for anyone crossing the border. If you have any questions, call US Customs at 907-767-5511 or Canada Customs at 907-766-5540.
Food, you and the border
The US has strict regulations on food entering the country:
- No beef in any shape or form (raw, cooked or whatever). Anything homemade that includes beef is not admissable!
- No raw poultry and no eggs.
- No dog food. No dog food from the US back into Canada, either.
- Only fruit allowed easily from Canada are bananas.
- All citrus fruit has to be in original and sealed container (that means no orange slices, etc).
- All other fruit and vegetables must have proof of US or Canadian origin. Must be in sealed packages marked with country of origin.