Travelling to Canada and returning to US under VWP on same day

[Lovemad 7]

Hi everyone,

I am now a permanent resident of the US and my parents, who are UK citizens traveled to the US under the VWP to visit me. They flew into Newark and completed their ESTA before arriving, but have no stamp in their passports. They are considering making a trip to Canada for a day and then returning to the US on the same day. My question is whether there is likely to be a problem if they sought to re-enter the US on the same day? I am aware that the 90 day period which they are allowed to remain in the US would not be renewed but any advice about whether they should consider doing this would be appreciated.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Hi everyone,

I am now a permanent resident of the US and my parents, who are UK citizens traveled to the US under the VWP to visit me. They flew into Newark and completed their ESTA before arriving, but have no stamp in their passports. They are considering making a trip to Canada for a day and then returning to the US on the same day. My question is whether there is likely to be a problem if they sought to re-enter the US on the same day? I am aware that the 90 day period which they are allowed to remain in the US would not be renewed but any advice about whether they should consider doing this would be appreciated.

Foreign tourists cross over to the Canadian side of Niagra Falls all day long and come back, so I wouldn't think there is a problem. My husband and I went into Mexico for the afternoon when he was visiting prior to K1 stuff.

If I had any concern, I would call Customs & Border Protection 703-526-4200 or 1-877-CBP-5511, press 0

[lost_at_sea 995]

Wait - your British parents are visiting you in the USA and their passports weren't stamped? That's very unusual. The stamp is made to show how long they have permission to stay in the US for (it'll show a leave-by date generally 90 days later) and a squiggled pair of letters on it by hand).

I'm sure you know what they look like, but I mean one of these: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/USA_Passport_Stamp.jpg

Don't think it matters for them visiting Canada, but not having been stamped seems very odd to me.

Could be nothing - I think a lot of stamps are being done electronically now, but hadn't come across a UK passport being electronically logged only going into the USA.

Edited June 28, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[aaron2020 11,651]

Generally, UK citizens traveling between the US an Canada should have no problems. Most UK citizens do not need visas to visit either countries. Only those with prior entry or immigration problems would need visas.

Canada will let them in as citizens o the Commonwealth.

The US will let them return on the VWP.

[david'sgirl 134]

We have done this when David was visiting on VWP and once he was here as a permanent resident. There should be no problem at all. We entered at the rainbow bridge at Niagara falls and came back in someplace else in New York on one trip and went to Montreal and Campobello island both as day trips as well. The Canadian entry people are lovely. It was our own USA ones who had us come inside for more questions. We now know that when they ask for passports, they also want the Green card if you have one.

[Lovemad 7]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Wait - your British parents are visiting you in the USA and their passports weren't stamped? That's very unusual. The stamp is made to show how long they have permission to stay in the US for (it'll show a leave-by date generally 90 days later) and a squiggled pair of letters on it by hand).

I'm sure you know what they look like, but I mean one of these: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/USA_Passport_Stamp.jpg

Don't think it matters for them visiting Canada, but not having been stamped seems very odd to me.

Could be nothing - I think a lot of stamps are being done electronically now, but hadn't come across a UK passport being electronically logged only going into the USA.

Yes, my parents did not have their passports stamped, but obviously they had completed their ESTA forms successfully prior to arriving in the US. They will, of course, take their plane tickets with them to show that they will be leaving within the 90 day period.

[Wishin-n-hopin 15]

Most likely, it will not be a problem. I took my husband to Canada for a day trip (before he was my husband), just to see the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. He had no problem coming back into the US. The customs officer will ask you the "nature of your trip"....just tell him/her that you are just going over to spend the day at the "falls". Going to the Canadian side for a few hours or a day is not uncommon, and is perfectly acceptable. If you have any doubts, explain the situation to the customs officer BEFORE you cross over into Canada. Make sure your parents have all of their documents and proof of their return flight with them, and they should be fine. Then....go and enjoy your day at the Falls!! :-)

[Lovemad 7]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Just thought I'd put it out there that my parents managed to leave and return to the US with no issues at all. So hopefully for others travelling under VWP, whose passports are not stamped when entering the US, there shouldn't be any issues.

Edited July 28, 2013 by Lovemad

[canexp 0]

Hi everyone,

I am now a permanent resident of the US and my parents, who are UK citizens traveled to the US under the VWP to visit me. They flew into Newark and completed their ESTA before arriving, but have no stamp in their passports. They are considering making a trip to Canada for a day and then returning to the US on the same day. My question is whether there is likely to be a problem if they sought to re-enter the US on the same day? I am aware that the 90 day period which they are allowed to remain in the US would not be renewed but any advice about whether they should consider doing this would be appreciated.

Generally, UK citizens traveling between the US an Canada should have no problems. Most UK citizens do not need visas to visit either countries. Only those with prior entry or immigration problems would need visas.

Canada will let them in as citizens o the Commonwealth.

The US will let them return on the VWP.