Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 900

Agreement (NAFTA) professional workers and those entering under the Visa
Waiver Program (WVP). Visitors should carry their passport (valid for at least six
months) and expect to be photographed and have their index fingers scanned.
Entering Canada
Visitors to Canada from major Western countries need no visa, but citizens of more
than 150 nations do. Visa requirements change frequently, so check Citizenship &
Immigration Canada ( http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp ) before you
leave.
Officially, US citizens don't need a passport or visa to enter Canada by land;
some proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate along with state-issued photo
identification, will ordinarily suffice. However, since the introduction of tighter bor-
der security, officials recommend that US citizens carry a passport to facilitate
entry.
Customs
US customs allows each person over the age of 21 to bring 200 cigarettes or 100
cigars (non-Cuban unless from an authorized Cuba trip) duty free into the country,
plus 1L of liquor. US citizens and permanent residents are allowed to import, duty
free, $800 worth of gifts from abroad, while non-US citizens are allowed to bring in
$100 worth. US law permits you to bring in, or take out, up to $10,000 (cash, trav-
elers checks etc); greater amounts must be declared to customs.
Canadian Customs in British Columbia allows visitors 19 years and older to bring
in 1.14L of liquor or 1.5L of wine or a case of beer (24 cans or bottles), plus 200 ci-
garettes and 50 cigars and 200g of loose tobacco, duty free. You can also bring in
gifts up to $60 in value without being taxed.
Legal Matters
If you are stopped by the police for any reason in the USA, there is no system of paying
fines on the spot. Attempting to pay the fine to the officer may lead to a charge of attemp-
ted bribery. Most matters can be handled by mail.
If you are arrested for more serious offenses, you have the right to remain silent and
are presumed innocent until proven guilty. There is no legal reason to speak to a police
officer if you don't wish to. All persons who are arrested are legally allowed the right to
make one phone call. If you don't have a lawyer, friend or family member to help you, call
your embassy. The police will give you the number upon request. If you don't have a law-
yer, one will be appointed to you free of charge.
You must be at least 16 years old to drive in Oregon, Washington or British Columbia.
Stiff fines, jail time and other penalties can be incurred for driving under the influence