PRTD for re-entering Canada by private car?

[VictorCA]

Hi all,

I am planning to land in Canada in January. My plan is to get there and buy a car within the first couple of days. I would like to drive to the US to buy some stuff for my apartment and then drive back to Canada. I understand that the PR card will take around 6 weeks to arrive and I would like to go to the US before that. While reading up on the PRTD, I found that you need it if you will be return to Canada by airplane, boat, train or bus. There is no mention there of returning to Canada by car. Does anyone know what the requirements are for that? Would it be sufficient with my PR visa and COPR (like for the initial landing)? My passport is from a visa-exempt country but I don't have an eTA (I received my PR Visa before my country became visa-exempt).

Please advise. Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[zardoz]

Hi all,

I am planning to land in Canada in January. My plan is to get there and buy a car within the first couple of days. I would like to drive to the US to buy some stuff for my apartment and then drive back to Canada. I understand that the PR card will take around 6 weeks to arrive and I would like to go to the US before that. While reading up on the PRTD, I found that you need it if you will be return to Canada by airplane, boat, train or bus. There is no mention there of returning to Canada by car. Does anyone know what the requirements are for that? Would it be sufficient with my PR visa and COPR (like for the initial landing)? My passport is from a visa-exempt country but I don't have an eTA (I received my PR Visa before my country became visa-exempt).

Please advise. Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

A PRTD is not required for crossing the border. It is needed in order to be carried by commercial transportation. Therefore, a private vehicle does not require a PRTD but you are advised to carry your CoPR document to prove your PR status and identity. The eTA system does not apply to permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

 

[Bs65]

Plus of course you will need either a US visa or if from a US visa waiver country to fill out an i94 form to enter the US.

 

[VictorCA]

A PRTD is not required for crossing the border. It is needed in order to be carried by commercial transportation. Therefore, a private vehicle does not require a PRTD but you are advised to carry your CoPR document to prove your PR status and identity. The eTA system does not apply to permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

That's great news! Thank you for the info. Do you know if a copy of my CoPR would be sufficient, or should I carry the original one with me?

 

[zardoz]

That's great news! Thank you for the info. Do you know if a copy of my CoPR would be sufficient, or should I carry the original one with me?

While a copy would probably be sufficient, as all you need to do is confirm your identity to CBSA, the original would carry more weight that you are who you claim to be. It is not a travel document and will not be used as one.