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Gold Rush · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

Visa options for backpacking Canadian heading to US

I've been backpacking ASIA for a year now. I've had no problems as a Canadian citizen entering and leaving China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Now, I need to head to the USA. Because I'm born in a Middle Eastern capital, I need to know what the policies are at the airport (LAX) for Canadians like me who've been travelling for a year (out of Canada).

I've been to the US before (but as a child) and before 9/11.

I'm not really concerned with getting in to the U.S, rather I'd like to know more about what my visa options are as a tourist? I'd like to backpack across America (starting in California) over the span of several months (and maybe even a year). I'd like to know how long I can stay for and if I can do extentions in country?

I plan to make the trip to the US (via LAX) in October (and I'll probably depart from Asia).

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

If you have a Cdn passport, you don't need a visa. You can stay up to 6 months in the US.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 2:49 am Post subject:

Take note that you may still be hassled by Homeland Security because you are of Middle Eastern decent.

I was hassled by Homeland Secruity at Newark and had to wait in a room for about 10 minutes with lots of Middle Eastern types... They asked them alot of questions - where did they come from where they had been, etc.

If you have an Arabic name be prepared...