Travel agents predict border slowdowns
Last Updated: Friday, December 23, 2005 | 9:02 AM ET
CBC News
Canadian travel agents are concerned new security measures at the American border will add to travellers' headaches in the new year.
U.S. Customs will be asking more questions about vacation destinations and will be demanding more personal information before Canadians are permitted to cross the border.
Travel agents predict the new measures won't improve Canadian's attitudes about travelling south.
"We've definitely seen a slowdown in traffic," said Ottawa travel agent Christiane Théberge.
The changes aren't so much new as they are a strengthening of current rules, explained a U.S. Customs official.
"We sort of enhanced those rules and are getting a bit more information on the passengers," said Kelly Klundt.
Canadians driving across the border will need to report a destination, including a zip code. Going to a more general destination, such as the the Grand Canyon, travellers will need to show an itinerary at the border.
People driving to reach an American cruise ship are being advised to bring along the name of the ship, and the address of the cruise line. When heading to sports events, motorists need to be able to name the stadium or other venue.
At the end of 2006 the United States plans to require Canadian visitors to produce their passports.
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