No passport...!
#16
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,453
Re: No passport...!
You need a passport to get out of the US, but it's not always swiped through the computer. I don't know the details of that.
You could get a UK passport from the UK embassy in Washington (it's none of their business what your immigration status in the US is - and for all they know, you could have a US passport, which is why there's no missing visa) and then duck through Canada/Mexico on your way to the UK.
The question then is whether there is a record of your overstay from x years ago. If not, you could get a visa waiver and do another bunk. If there is - you could be in trouble. I'm not recommending that, and you'd be taking a gamble - but it's all up to you.
You could get a UK passport from the UK embassy in Washington (it's none of their business what your immigration status in the US is - and for all they know, you could have a US passport, which is why there's no missing visa) and then duck through Canada/Mexico on your way to the UK.
The question then is whether there is a record of your overstay from x years ago. If not, you could get a visa waiver and do another bunk. If there is - you could be in trouble. I'm not recommending that, and you'd be taking a gamble - but it's all up to you.
As for the Canadian officer, sometimes they wave you through without looking at documents, sometimes they ask to look at your passport or green card as the case may be.
I thought part of the issue here was this - the OP realised that if his UK passport was issued in Washington, DC, then that alone would alert the US authorities on his next attempt to enter the US that he had spent time in the US before. Getting the passport in Canada would avoid that possibility.
Robin
Robin
#17
Re: No passport...!
No, you DON'T need a passport to get out of the US by road. You don't stop at the US checkpoint, you just drive past it and stop at the Canadian side. Of course, the US authorities do have the right to stop you on the way out; that has happened to me once out of maybe a hundred instances of driving from the US to Canada.
As for the Canadian officer, sometimes they wave you through without looking at documents, sometimes they ask to look at your passport or green card as the case may be.
I thought part of the issue here was this - the OP realised that if his UK passport was issued in Washington, DC, then that alone would alert the US authorities on his next attempt to enter the US that he had spent time in the US before. Getting the passport in Canada would avoid that possibility.
Robin
Robin
As for the Canadian officer, sometimes they wave you through without looking at documents, sometimes they ask to look at your passport or green card as the case may be.
I thought part of the issue here was this - the OP realised that if his UK passport was issued in Washington, DC, then that alone would alert the US authorities on his next attempt to enter the US that he had spent time in the US before. Getting the passport in Canada would avoid that possibility.
Robin
Robin
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Appleton. WI
Posts: 59
Re: No passport...!
Quick summary...
Been here for five years without papers and such (hooked up with a girl whilst here for a wedding - turns out she wasn't 'the one').
My passport ran out last year although I misplaced it one month prior to it's end date. My Father's not too well and it's time to go and see him before that isn't possible anymore.
If I get a passport through official channels here, will it cause me problems for future visits? Or should I act like I'm still in the UK and get someone to help me from that end? Anyone who has been in this situation or knows my best course of action?
thanks
Been here for five years without papers and such (hooked up with a girl whilst here for a wedding - turns out she wasn't 'the one').
My passport ran out last year although I misplaced it one month prior to it's end date. My Father's not too well and it's time to go and see him before that isn't possible anymore.
If I get a passport through official channels here, will it cause me problems for future visits? Or should I act like I'm still in the UK and get someone to help me from that end? Anyone who has been in this situation or knows my best course of action?
thanks
#19
Re: No passport...!
British passports don't state the issuing office now, just "FCO". Not that that's what really matters here, but unless they have access to place of issue on their computers, all they will see is "FCO" and not "Washington DC" or "Ottawa" or wherever.
#20
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Re: No passport...!
I doubt ver much that the BP check where a Passport is issued.
They will know when he entered and know when he left, unless he swims.
He does not need a Passport to leave the US, no Immigration inspection this end, he does to enter the UK and obviously the Airline will check that he can enter the UK before issuing a Boarding Ticket.
They will know when he entered and know when he left, unless he swims.
He does not need a Passport to leave the US, no Immigration inspection this end, he does to enter the UK and obviously the Airline will check that he can enter the UK before issuing a Boarding Ticket.
#21
And YOU'RE paying for it!
Joined: May 2007
Location: kipper tie?
Posts: 2,328
Re: No passport...!
Aah, sorry, Robin Robin, I had two mistakes. Firstly, I misexpressed myself in my post: I meant you had to have a passport to enter Canada, not leave the US (a slight difference). Secondly, I am apparently wrong that you can spin the roulette wheel on not getting checked in Canada, too. D'oh!
Either way, not getting the passport in the US and then gambling that neither the US nor the Canadian guard will check you seems like spinning two roulette wheels when you need spin only one, and for not much additional benefit. And what happens when you fly out of Canada? I can't remember...
Either way, not getting the passport in the US and then gambling that neither the US nor the Canadian guard will check you seems like spinning two roulette wheels when you need spin only one, and for not much additional benefit. And what happens when you fly out of Canada? I can't remember...
#22
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,453
Re: No passport...!
Aah, sorry, Robin Robin, I had two mistakes. Firstly, I misexpressed myself in my post: I meant you had to have a passport to enter Canada, not leave the US (a slight difference). Secondly, I am apparently wrong that you can spin the roulette wheel on not getting checked in Canada, too. D'oh!
Either way, not getting the passport in the US and then gambling that neither the US nor the Canadian guard will check you seems like spinning two roulette wheels when you need spin only one, and for not much additional benefit. And what happens when you fly out of Canada? I can't remember...
Either way, not getting the passport in the US and then gambling that neither the US nor the Canadian guard will check you seems like spinning two roulette wheels when you need spin only one, and for not much additional benefit. And what happens when you fly out of Canada? I can't remember...
When you fly out of Canada, you simply have to show a British or US or other passport (to indicate that you'll be admitted to the UK,) both when you check in for the flight and when you go through security.
Robin
#23
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: No passport...!
Get a UK passport issued in the UK and sent to a mate there, then they can forward it to you.
I've never been checked when I've left the USA to go to Mexico. TJ
I've never been checked when I've left the USA to go to Mexico. TJ
#24
Re: No passport...!
Yeah, you're right... I realise now that the reason I usually don't have to show ID when I enter Canada is (1) I confidently assert that I'm a US Citizen, they take that at face value. If you stated you were British, they'd want to see your papers to see whether you were admissable to Canada, or readmissable to the US. (2) I think both the US and Canadian authorities keep a list of local residents who cross frequently and their car license numbers. Unknown folks may get more of a cross-questioning.
When you fly out of Canada, you simply have to show a British or US or other passport (to indicate that you'll be admitted to the UK,) both when you check in for the flight and when you go through security.
Robin
When you fly out of Canada, you simply have to show a British or US or other passport (to indicate that you'll be admitted to the UK,) both when you check in for the flight and when you go through security.
Robin
#25
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,453
Re: No passport...!
But as for swiping passports, virtually never.
Robin
#30
Re: No passport...!
Why would you do that and what address would you put of the forms? If it's not your present address and you are deliberately trying to deceive you are committing an offence. Just apply to DC for a new PP...they are not interested in your status in the US. Your problem is US immigration if or when you try to re-enter.