Thursday, February 20, 2014

Canada Is Confusing

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

We still don't get it but we move ahead.  Juan took the day off from work just to do his on line application.   It's pretty much bullshit but nothing against all our great Canadian friends and I am sure anyone from any other country has the same about entering Mexico and the U.S.

I still don't understand the Canadian website.  It says, "Visitors and Temporary Residents".  What is the difference?  Juan's application is only available for Temporary Resident.   No difference to me.

I can't find anything on the Canadian website about insurance requirements or permits for the rv.  We are a special case, no doubt.  I guess I need to make a call.  They have never answered my emails and it has been over two weeks.  

I know this is worth it, but in the back of my head I have this fear of getting to the border and being turned away.   Juan says it doesn't matter.  We'll go as far as we can and if they turn us away we'll travel across the U.S.  

Just venting my frustrations.  Kevin said he sees no reason why we would have issues.  Think about it.  Two seniors, both males, one American, one Mexican, the American is a Mexican resident, one vehicle is in the American's name and the other in the Mexican's name (Mexico only allows one name per vehicle no matter what marital status one has).   You tell me!

12 comments:

  1. As far as I know, vehicle insurance that covers you in the US also covers you in Canada but you should ask your insurance company. Your medical insurance you will also have to consider or ask about. I know nothing about visas.

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  2. Chris, I left a comment on your last post.
    You might need some patience getting into Canada. I would try to do some PR before you arrive with the counsualte and get some official assistance. As stated in my previous comment, my friends had problems (both U.S. citizens).
    The one in the van camper gave up and never entered after driving up from Los Angeles. The other went to he embassy in Seattle after getting turned away at Vancouver Airport. He spent a day at the U.S. and Canadian consulate after some crazy immigration stuff and finally entered the following day.
    Canada is a great country and they are working hard trying to keep it that way.

    Rick in SoCal

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    1. Thanks Rick. I plan on calling this next week to see if I can talk to a live person. Most probably, things will go well and we will spend a wonderful summer in Canada. The consulate here in Monterrey doesn't allow in-person appointments. The woman at the consulate hands you a piece of paper and sends you away. Hmm, sounds like what I hear about Mexico :)

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    2. No TIP required for car or trailer.
      Insurance is required in USA & Canada, but you will not be asked for proff unless you get into an accident,

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  3. I still find it mind-boggling, the amount of let's call it "protectionism" that goes on between our three countries. Honestly? I just don't get it.
    If you've ever gone to Europe in the last ten years or so, you'll see the surprising difference. Even back in the day where there were borders and guards and such, it wasn't that much hassle to cross from one country to the next.
    Well, except of the Eastern Block countries, but that was a different deal.
    Having said that, LIVING in Europe is a bit of a different thing than anywhere in North America. You can cross the "border" no problem, but you need to "register" with the police within a certain number of days. This is how they deal with "immigration control". THEN, if you have to leave for whatever reason, they know where you are and will punt you out.
    Anyway, I'm sure you'll enjoy Canada. Just certain parts are having some nasty weather right about now....stay away! Or...put on your winter tires and bundle up!

    Good luck.

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    1. I'm finding Canada's immigration laws very protectionist like in Australia. But hey, it seems to work, it may not be fair but it helps to keep out the riff raff.

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  4. I have no official answer but I believe temporary resident status might be for the hundreds of Mexicans that come to Canada to work. We have about 100 in Kelowna that work in the orchards.

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  5. Chris, maybe some of the folks on Mexico forum on rv.net would have some insights regarding Canada and the rules, etc. Getting into Canada sometimes depends upon the attitude of the border folks. Having all you documents in order is a plus. Our last crossing was the easiest we ever had---go figure.

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  6. RV.Net sure helped us,
    thanks to Chris when we drove down for the first time last fall...

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    1. I posted on the Canada forum of Rv.Net. I only got a couple of non-descript responses and most were that our situation was unique. I'm calling on Monday to find out.

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    2. Sure hope we can meet up!!!!Hang in there.....you were so supportive when I was "in a panic" ......Marilyn

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  7. From digging around a little bit I've found that a visitor is a person who isn't a citizen of Canada and are legally able to visit for business or vacation. A Temporary Resident Visa is for someone "Transiting" or travelling across (Though I don't know why that would make a difference) I hope Juan and yourself sort this mess out soon!

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