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Posted date : May 13, 2019

I took particular note of your editor’s comment in the fall issue which stated, “I have found no rationale for the many and varied decisions given by border guards.” You are so right! Here is a classic example. My wife and I spend just less than six months each winter in California from late October […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I have orange, grapefruit and lemon trees at my home in Arizona. Am I allowed to bring fruit from these trees when I return to my Alberta home? Weldon H Alberta Response: Ed.: Sorry, but absolutely not. The Department of Agriculture is very strict on these things to safeguard Canada’s crops from plagues, diseases and […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I would like to know how many months we can be in the U.S. every year and when does the year start? All this in plain English. Thank you. Joe Hall Niagara Falls, ON Response: Ed.: The year starts on the day you cross the border. You may stay for up to six months during […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

Regarding the 30-day absence rule, I have recently had a fellow snowbird inform me that they have been told that you must actually return to Canada in order for those days not to be counted toward your U.S. time as opposed to travelling, for example, to Mexico for 30 days. Can you clarify this for […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017

I enjoy reading the various questions and answers re: Dear Bird Talk. One answer caught my attention in the summer 2017 issue 103. It was mentioned that, sometimes, a border guard will only allow you a shorter period (for instance – only 90 days). In that case, you will have to comply with the shorter […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, I own a condo in Vero Beach Florida and for a few years, my son has driven us down, stayed for a week or so and then I have bought him a ticket to fly home. This worked well for me and he was happy to do it. In the spring, I […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, I read an article online that was published by the Star which stated some information of which I was unaware and am wondering if you could clarify. We are aware that we can stay for up to 182 days out of a year. What I was unaware of is it also states […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, We understand that there is a limit of 182 days for Ontario residents to be in the states per year. Does the year run from January to December (calendar year), or how do they estimate your stay in the states? Beth Duffield Point Edward, ON Response: Ed.: For clarity, a Canadian is […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, We have just entered the U.S. at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo. We have a mobile home in Florida where we will be living for five months. We had all of our documentation at the ready and prepared for the crossing, something we have done for 15 years. The border guard asked […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017

Dear Bird Talk, The official U.S. government website help.cbp.gov/app/answers notes that Canadian vacationers are only required under American law to present a valid passport. Admittedly, they add the caveat that individual officers may ask for further proof. Imagine my disappointment to see evidence both in your Travel Information Guide as well as in replies in […]