TOP 10 DON’TS WHEN CROSSING THE US AND CANADA BORDER
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
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TOP 10 DON’TS WHEN CROSSING THE US AND CANADA BORDER
1. SHUT UP! PART 1.DON’T TRY TO BE FUNNY.
Border guards are not your friends, and it’s highly unlikely that they moonlight as talent scouts for comedy clubs. This is the wrong moment to make a buddy or tell jokes. Stay respectful and succinct and save the complaints for the drive away from the checkpoint.
2. SHUT UP! PART 2. DON’T DISCLOSE MORE THAN YOU’RE ASKED.
Answer all of the guard’s questions, but avoid getting chatty about your plans if you don’t have to. Thinking of catching up on some work on your laptop a little during your vacation, for example? Don’t mention that. There is no such thing as an American working holiday visa, although there are plenty of options for working holidays in Canada, or for Canadians travelling to other parts of the world. If you’re going to the U.S, however, best to say that your laptop is just for fantasy sports and CZcams. Planning a trip to propose to your girlfriend? Congratulations. But...
3. EVEN YOUR SEX LIFE MATTERS.DON’T MENTION THAT YOU’RE PLANNING TO MARRY A CITIZEN OR RESIDENT OF ANOTHER COUNTRY WHEN YOU’RE ENTERING IT.
Even if you’re in the middle of the appropriate application process, talking about your romantic attachments will not warm the hearts of the border guards and it will get you flagged as a potential risk for illegal immigration. This goes for crossing the US and Canadian border in either direction. Say that you’re visiting “a friend” and save the flaunting of your ring for the day when you’re married or your citizenship and residency information is fully settled.
4. DEVELOP A “CREATIVE VOCABULARY.”DON’T BE IN A RUSH TO EXPLAIN EVERY DETAIL ABOUT THE GOODS YOU’RE BRINGING WITH YOU, BUT KNOW THE RISKS OF INCOMPLETE DISCLOSURE
It can be mighty tempting to try to bring a few extra items back from your trip without declaring them. You can push the limits of the personal exemption (see above for the exact amounts), or you can declare the extras and pay the duties. If you’re pushing it, try to describe dollar values using words like “approximately,” “about,” or “around” if you’re just above the personal exemption limits. Remove the tags, and ditch the shopping bags and receipts. If you are searched and the agents find something that you haven’t declared, it’s most likely that you’ll be delayed and that you’ll have to pay the duty. Hey, people forget the things they buy all the time, right? Mistakes can happen. If you push it too far, however, and you get caught making a false declaration crossing to Canada, you might also have your goods seized or you might have to pay a penalty that’s an extra 25-80% of the goods’ value. The worst case scenario is that you’ll lose the goods permanently and have your vehicle impounded. You’ll also almost certainly find yourself subject to more intense scrutiny at future crossings. Getting caught with small amounts over the limit shouldn’t have lasting repercussions, unless you’re busted repeatedly. Now you know the risks. Govern yourself accordingly. Bonus tip: Never try to conceal anything you just bought at the duty-free shop. They take your name and license plate number and their database is coordinated with the border guards on each side, so lying in this case makes for a guaranteed delay. Don’t do it.
5. A CRIMINAL MIND, IT’S ALL I’VE EVER KNOWN.DON’T LIE ABOUT YOUR CRIMINAL PAST.
If you have run into legal trouble, check to see if it’s serious enough to prevent you from travelling. Each country has its own regulations on this, and most countries reserve the right to deny anyone the right to entry for any reason. If you are denied entry crossing from Canada to US, consider applying for a US Entry Waiver. If you are worried you can’t enter Canada from the US, consider getting a temporary resident permit. The process rules and process for both the US Entry Waiver and the TRP can be complicated and difficult, so you can always seek help.
For video production please contact George Laczko at gl@immigroup.com
Back when I was a teenager (1990s), my family drove from Virginia to Quebec as tourists. No passports, no visas, no papers of any kind that I remember. If you were a US citizen, you could cross into Canada almost as easily as crossing state lines. After 9/11, that was no longer the case.
+charles jones Yup
+charles jones That was 2008 when it became effective after the 9/11 Patriot Act and Border Law.
+charles jones This is what happens when the Canadian government decides to "align" it's border policies with the US at the request of the US State Department...
+charles jones Yessss i remember those days . I have never used any ID to cross into Canada or go back home to the USA .I even drove up to Montreal with my uncle in a tractor trailer truck when i was 14 and both the Canada or USA did not ask for ID. At the border all they would ask where are you going .When are you coming back and if you have fire arms or fireworks at the Canada border.
+Frank wilson Ah, the innocence.
Travelling is becoming more unpleasant by the day.
I had a friend who worked in Windsor and lived in Detroit. In his first week of employment, he grabbed a Whopper at Burger King before crossing the border. The Canadian agent made him take the pickle, onion, tomato and lettuce off his burger and toss out the fries. "Can't bring fruits and vegetables from the U.S. into Canada," he said. The agent never asked about the pistol he had in the glove box. I am not making this up. Ridiculous but true.
Sounds like a Canadian border agent.....their not nice.
@@asparrow9876 I wouldn't live in US if you gave me a million bucks.
Singing lumberjacks are nice though , lmao ;)
Its because of possible invasive species, it sounds pretty dumb to me too
Did he know the gun was in the glove box?
I was crossing the border to go to Boston on a bus once and our guide told us a story about a guy that was returning to Canada also on a bus. When the cop asked him if he had anything to declare the guy said "yes, i have a pound of pot i'm bringing with me". The cop took it as a joke, laughed it off and let them go.
A few kilometers further, the bus was stopped by some cops and it turned out the guy actually had a pound of pot with him. There was a discussion with the border security and now they're obliged to take every declaration seriously, even if it's just an obvious joke
Don't joke with any type of law enforcement or government official. They're not known for their humor.
I have lived on the Detroit-Windsor border for 40 years. This video is SO spot on. Very good advice for those not in the know, and planning to cross.
Thank you for saying so.
I have crossed these borders many dozens of times. Both for my work and sometimes pleasure. Border guards have always been friendly and we do joke with each other. Of Course, I have Security clearance from both sides and I do pay duty on some items. All a person needs to due is be honest and truthful. If you are a criminal Canada will not allow you to enter!
or the states I have a drug trafficking charge and a armed robbery charge both were first offenses and years ago I still cant get into the states anymore😕
#1 DON'T: Don't answer the American customs agent/border guard in either Arabic or Spanish when they ask you if you're Canadian.
An ex-boyfriend of my sister's did that at the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. When they asked them if they were all Canadian, he answered "Si Senior!". They took him, my sister and the three other friends in the car (who were going over to a Detroit Tigers baseball game) into separate interrogation rooms, spent 4 hours confirming that they were all Canadians, took OUT the back seats in their van, then at the end of it all denied them entry into the USA and sent them back through the tunnel to Canada.
nbbfha I cross that border every day
nbbfha Sorry you missed what was probably excellent beisbol. Now I know they meant it in the video when they said crossing the border is not the time for improv. My Dad use to tell me just answer questions and volunteer nothing. That crossing you mentioned use to be like two different planets, probably not much better now, eh. No tunnel last time I went I think it was a bridge?
U serious? Omg 😥 I'll hand them my passport right away then.
OmG, what a terrorist country!
The agent/border guard need some spanish class...Si Señor !
11. Don't talk on the cell phone, text, play games, etc with your electronics while the border agent is trying to process you through. PUT THE THING DOWN.
It's called side barring
#1 rule when traveling. DO NOT JOKE ABOUT BOMBS, GUNS, or KNIVES, while in the airport
Agreed... I, a US Citizen, was detained and nearly missed my flight for such an off-hand remark while departing Honolulu.
Mid-1980's, a school bus from the US was crossing the border at Niagara Falls; the bus was directed to the parking area off to one side, and an officer got on to ask each student their citizenship. As he came up the steps at the front, a genius in the back yelled "HE'S COMING, QUICK, HIDE IT!" Border patrol searched every pocket, every backpack, every suitcase, every inch of the bus, every everything. It took several hours and they missed the event they were traveling for in the first place.
Should have left him there
yeah border folks dont have a sense of humor at all
These are just good general advice for crossing any border. I have visited fifty countries and at the point of entry i am always nervous even if I am completely innocent with nothing to hide I still feel guilty.
"even if?" ;-)
This world belongs to you no goverment has the right to tell you your not allowed to enter.
Yep.
Because, any time you're detained you start to wonder if that app you sideloaded on your phone violates some international convention.
Nobody is innocent in a world this complex.
Sure, try that any border crossing and see what happens.
james brown .its not guilt.its scared of the unknown😂😇
No sunglasses, no speed detectors, look the agent in the eye, speak clearly, answer yes or no if possible. Know limits on meat, alchohol, tabacco, baby formula. Have injection records for pets.
Which limits people with Glaucoma and other eye diseases to entering at night...
The worst thing to do is to state, after you've been in the States a week or two: " We have nothing to declare . We bought nothing ". My Dad used to say that every year after the family camped around Cape Cod. Customs, naturally, never believed him, and we were searched and delayed every time. They always found some things my parents had bought in the States.
Once upon a time I worked for an inventory company. We had a job in International Falls MN on a Sunday. After a very long drive we arrived in IF early and wanted to get breakfast, but all was closed. So we piled back into the van and headed across the boarder into Canada. The crossing guard asked the purpose of our trip, and I replied, "to get breakfast at McDonalds. He asked why, and I said, "International Falls is still closed and the Canadian McDonalds is open. He chuckled and welcomed us to Canada. On the way back giving the same explanation to the US boarder patrol, we we invited into the office, while I and two guards searched the van for contraband. Apparently visiting McDonalds and visiting Canada for less than an hour is suspicious. Just another slice of life.
14:26 “if you are detained and search, uncomfortableness may occur” (paraphrasing).
This is an understatement if you end up getting searched! 🤣🤣🤣
Many years ago I was Deputy Forester for Guam. Among my section's responsibilities was to approve or destroy agricultural items taken from passengers at the airport and brought to our office. I had gone to Hawaii to make arrangements to ship us two fire trucks and to bring back some tree seedlings to grow in our nursery. The seedlings were sealed and had all the required paperwork so that they could enter Guam without any problem. I carried an ID card and law enforcement badge. When I went to claim the seedlings upon my return, the agent said they weren't admissible. I presented the paperwork and my credentials which he did not accept. He put his hand on the butt of his side arm and said,
Lookit white boy, your plants will burn and if you don't get out of here now, you will have been resisting arrest."
The next morning, his boss, who I knew well brought over the agriculture seized the day before. The agent who hassled me was with my friend but didn't recognize me. I motioned him over, unzipped my jacket so he could see my side arm, and said, "You're on my ground now. What was that threat to shoot me for resisting arrest yesterday all about?" The guy finally recognized me and turned pale as a ghost. Both his boss and mine wanted to know what happened. I explained. He fired the guy on the spot and told me I could arrest him right then (I did) and provided me the code numbers for laws the man broke including threatening the life of a law enforcement officer (me) and stealing government property (the seedlings). The good news is the seedlings got through the ordeal just fine.
wow with friends like these, who needs enemies. PS. good story!!
smokey1255 I car sales
Joel Mart
smokey 1255+ Great story. Thanks.
This is what you have to do to promote trees today..
Back in the 1990's I flew from Africa to LAX (Los Angeles) with a .22 Long Rifle and a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun slung over my shoulder, walked through the green zone at LAX without anyone batting an eyelid. In my luggage I had 500 .22 rounds and 100 shotgun cartridges.
When I boarded in Johannesburg, the cabin crew kindly took my rifles and placed them in a forward baggage area behind the bulkhead because they wouldn't fit in the overhead bins. I tried to check them in as check-in luggage but security refused because they reckoned that they might be stolen, so they suggested that I take them into the cabin with me.
Because the rifles were cabin-luggage, I had to walk through Heathrow and JFK in NY to my connecting flights with them slung over my shoulder, having had the same courtesy from the cabin crew on all three legs of the journey.
911 changed all that.
I I I I I I'm up for it if y with you and your want but I don't you have a suggestion I know n't importantlytfj off to you and more you and more to want to don't need that well but I don't know if you leave at M59 and your told told want to do that to 06uu6ttū7
Asko Alholinna Bella Thorne is that you???
Wtf! Now you can't even take nail clippers with you on the plane.
I used to fly with my bazooka from Moscow to NY.
Those were the good old days. Now you can't even bring a little hand grenade onto a plane without everyone acting worried.
My family lives in California. But we are originally from NY. In 1993, my parents and I flew back to NY, rented a car and toured New England. We decided to enter Quebec from Maine. The guards at the border took us into the building while they thoroughly searched the car. Inside I was separated from my elderly parents. I found out later that my parents were given the routine questions. Not so with me. Now I was around 40 years old at the time and had entered Canada many times over the years without incident. But this time I was interrogated for about an hour by two agents. One was female and she did most of the questioning. After the routine questions they spent a lot of time on my background, did I have a college degree and from where, what I did for work and where, did I own any firearms, was I bringing in any drugs. They also asked a lot of questions about my ex-wife when they found out I was divorced did I have any kids, etc. They were especially concerned over any arrest record. The woman acted totally surprised and rather disbelieving when I repeatedly told her I'd never been arrested. Finally, I was allowed to rejoin my parents and we entered Canada. A couple of days later, I mentioned the experience to our tour guide in Quebec city. She immediately concluded it was because of my hair. I had very long hair in a pony tail. She claimed they were suspicious that I might be smuggling drugs or guns into Canada. I was shocked! This wasn't the 1960's so having long hair being a problem never occurred to me. I told her that those guards have been watching too much American TV.
In the mid 1990s my grandmother died. She lived in northern NY on the Canadian border. I lived in NC at the time. I got a plane ticket to Montreal, which is the closes airport to the town I grew up in.. I lost my wallet a day or two before my flight. I showed up at the airport in Raleigh and flew to Montreal with out any I.D. When I came to the Canadian customs in the airport they asked me for I.D.. I told them I didn't have any but my brother was waiting for me and told the Customs agent he would " vouch for me". They looked at his drivers license and let me in. We then passed through US Customs. Again, they never asked for any ID. I went to the funeral, crossed the US/Canadian border again, got on my flight and flew back to NC and when through customs again for a total of crossing the border 4 times and getting 2 flights all without any ID. Things were very different back then.
You would never even make it onto the plane today.
@@richard3365 Really. I got delayed and almost missed my DOMESTIC flight a couple of years ago, flying home from a city I have been to.. about 10 times? Because "My ID didn't match my ticket". What was the discrepancy? My driver;s license said Fiona Mxxxxx and the tickets said F Mxxxxx - just an initial.
I'm staying home now.
Why
When entering the Netherlands the border guard asked me if I had any drugs when I said no he gave me the address of a dealer
your fibbing!
only slightly I went into an Amsterdam coffee shop and literally only had a cup of coffee but came out stoned on just the fumes and that is true
Lol, when I went to Amsterdam, the first coffee shop I visited was actually only serving coffee :D people in it found us already funny as we correctly deciphered koffie.
james brown lol😂
james brown...... even if that didn't actually happen it's still damn funny:)
good one....
I'm pushing 80 years of age now and I'm thankful I have no reason whatever to enter the USA. Decades ago, when it was "Where were you born, where are you going, how long will you be staying" and nothing more, it was a pleasure to visit. Heck, when I was 24 I left Vancouver on a ship, visited ports in California and Hawaii, entered and worked in Australia for 3 years, visited many countries in the far east and a whole lot more on just a simple passport - no visas, no immigration interviews, no hassles anywhere.
But, from what I read and hear these days, there's nothing south of the border that's worth the trouble. Too bad our leaders have allowed the actions a few screwball "terrorists" to ruin the pleasure for everyone else, and cost us billions in the process. George Orwell's 1984 fiction is now almost a full blown reality. The "terrorists" have clearly won. Congratulations humans... you've really screwed up a good thing.
Agreed. My entire young life, I've been seeing freedoms taken away from everyone, every day in the name of security. I don't feel any more safe now than I did 20 years ago, and I don't think anyone else does either.
rae0521 l
*SHRUG*
I've lived all over the place and travelled around post-9/11. Security is heightened. I have no arrests, and a good credit score. No one cares where I go, as long as I'm friendly and bring money.
SaintNobody j
Maybe. But try geting back into the US without a passport. Or from Canada either. I don't know where you're doing it, but i know the US put a passport requirement requirement in place a few years ago for US cits returning from Mexico and Canadaad.
Shut up hand over your papers and say yes sir ! works the same on all borders
Did you just assume there gender?
their*
Some of the quieter border crossings in the world can be different, and some fun conversations can be had. But you still have to follow the officer's lead on whether to have a more jovial interaction or not.
Ver are yur papvers!?
@@Eli-ho1zv Yes Sir works for either gender, then you know you're not going to offend a man by calling him Ma'am.
My wife and I were going back into Canada after taking our daughter to children's hospital in Detroit when she broke her leg. We are US citizens. As we were being questioned by the Canadian border agent my phone rang... It was our pediatrician calling about our daughter's leg. I handed the phone to my wife to talk to the doctor. The Canadian agent turned nasty real fast. Told me she would take my phone. She said that the US border agents are even worse when it comes to a phone. There is not one sign saying no phones. She didn't care one bit that it was a doctor calling about our daughter. I thought it was a little excessive. Wonder if anybody else ever had this issue. Now I understand I wouldn't be taking a personal call while crossing.
Greg Thatcher it sounds like the Canada customs clerks are pieces of shit it seems like there are no male customs clerks.
You don't take calls, personal it otherwise at the crossing. If you have to, get the permission of the border agent.
If you were talking to your daughter about something important and her phone rang and she started ignoring you and talking on the phone would you not take that as a sign of disrespect. Your wife is also being scrutinized so handing her the phone does not work.
I asked a border guard at a Canadian airport if he was American. I thought he was going to, not sure what, but he was pissed. Nothing happened but I learned that these guys take their jobs very seriously and give them the respect they demand. This was before 911.
I've had it ring, but didn't answer. I have Sync now. Customs could look at the phone number, and hear the entire conversation, if they wanted to lol.
I'm from South Carolina. And we drove from here, through port huron michigan and crossed over into sarnia ontario in March. Easiest experience possible. It took about 5 minutes to speak with the guard and we were cleared then. Coming back into the us was the same we drove back through Niagara falls NY and that took even less time. If you cooperate it's so easy.
Years ago I crossed into the USA from Canada at a remote site between Val Marie, Saskatchewan and Malta, Montana.
I might have been the only person the agent saw all day.
He asked me if I was carrying drugs. I laughed and asked if anyone ever answered "Yes" to that question.
He said sometimes they did. I said no, but his dog sniffed my car to make sure. He let me continue about ten minutes later. I think he just wanted someone to talk to.
Between the border and Malta is 50 miles of nothing.
Remember to remove your "pepper spray" before trying to get into Canada. It is considered an illegal weapon in Canada as well as tasers, brass knuckles and switch blades. Guns are legal if you do the right paperwork.
When visiting parks in Alberta or BC you can keep the Bear Spray you used in the US parks. You should have it available, probably in a plastic bag in the front seat to give them to check. I plan on doing this and asked this question while entering New Brunswick, I didn't bring any for the Black Bears there but consider it wise to have in Grizzly country.
WHAT I NEED PEPPER SPRAY RULES ARE DUM SOME TIMES DON'T GET OFFENDED IT MIGHT BE A GOOD REASON BUT WHAT I'M ABOUT TO IS A GOOD REASON TOO some ONE mIgHT Kill ME OR KIDNAP SO I NEED PEPPA SPRAY IF Y'ALL CANDIANS DOIN SOMETHING TO MAKE PEPPER ILLGEAL STOP
Don’t bring your bloody guns and weapons here
Bear spray has to be declared crossing either way. I put mine on the dash so I don't forget to declare it, but Do not wave it at the officer, just point to it. If you're not going to be in bear country, leave it at home.
I have crossed into Canada many times from Idaho and never had a problem from either side. Both the American and Canadian side have been very friendly and respectful to me. I just let them search my car and me if they wish and then I am on my way in a matter of a few minutes.
Welcome to the type of rare Québécois who thinks that speaking English is a traitorous act. I’ve come across it a couple of times times while in Montreal. They take the culture differences way too far.
Everett...that is good to know! I have crossed the border (on the BC side at least 3 times in the last 13 years) with no problem. Now I live in Southern Idaho and would like to go to Alberta (when the pandemic is over), so it is good to know what to expect..
When I was a teen, my cousin, who lived north of Havre Montana, and I, took a fishing/day hike. My Aunt drove us the 20 minutes to white horse lake. We hiked for a bit NW of the lake, and noticed a family of dirt bikers riding Can-Am bikes. They stopped, we chatted, and were informed we were two mile into Canada! We had picnic with them, rode bikes with them, then they rode us back to our camp at the lake where my Aunt was waiting unhappily (no cell phones). After our friends explained to her what was going on, she was pretty forgiving. One of the best days of my life. :)
11. Don't bring Kinder Surprise into the US
samin90 don't get caught bringing kinder eggs Surprise into the US.
samin90 kinder surprise is a choking hazard to most adult Americans, that's what I was told. Could be true ...
Because adults would eat a large plastic egg shaped container? Not even Americans are that stupid lol. ( Please note, there are stupid people all over the world, if you take any offense to my statement... you're taking it way to seriously ;P)
gerble36 I looked into it and found the reason is to protect American kids. Noble indeed, the parts are a hazard to all kids under three years old. Says so on the package. They're for older children five and up, my sons always got them and my oldest was collecting the little toys. As for them being a chocking hazard to an adult, the thought of someone just stuffing one - say rapper and all- was too funny. I think the origin was an American stand up comic's act.
I can find them at a local supermarket here in the states
As a private criminal defense lawyer, my advice is to follow the rules closely and NOT lie in any way. Short, respectful answers (with lots of eye contact -- more than usual when meeting an unknown person) are best.
Do NOT volunteer info. You will be asked follow-up questions if the agent wants to know something in addition. Be business-like and respectful; NO joking.
As a courtesy at night, I turn off the headlights when crossing by vehicle. I give my passport to the agent OPEN to my photo. Yeah, it only saves three seconds but it counts up after inspecting thousands each day. Enjoy yr trip. I trust you'll never have to contact me.
Thanks!
i got flustered one time when the cool canadian border guy instead of asking the usual questions. asked me who my top 3 favorite rock bands were. he was surprised and asked why i could only think of 2. i told him i was more into jazz than rock. he asked who my top 3 were and i gave him 15. he laughed and waived me thru.
That's always nice when that happens. I went to the States a few weeks back and the CBP officer seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the trip I was taking, which through me for a loop.
This reminds me of That 70's show episode. "What are you doing in Canada?"
I remember before a marching band trip being warned about things not say while crossing the border. The example used was when one group of highschoolers crossed over and were asked if they had any drugs on them. One of the jerks remarked "yeah he's got them" and the whole bus was stopped and completely searched. People watching a border crossing are not going to be known for the sense of humor and are not going to have it a sense of humor if they think you're smuggling.
Best part of taking many business trips is that they just see how much I travel and let me through with almost no questioning.
A few years ago, my wife and I were crossing into Canada at Windsor Tunnel. When you come out of the tunnel, you have to make a sharp U turn to get to the border checkpoint. Unfortunately, we didn't quite catch this and almost drove the wrong way out. We caught it in time, but we had to back up a little bit. A CBSA agent barked at us that this wasn't a speedway, but we didn't have any problems with the border guard.
I'm from the US and frankly I've had more trouble crossing the boarder into Canada than I have entering any other country. Every other country waves me through or asks a cursory question or two before welcoming me and wishing me a nice stay. When I go to Canada it is more like 20 questions and if I get mixed up and give an incorrect answer or take too long to answer a question like I'm thinking about it I get even more scrutiny. So far they haven't torn my car apart searching it but I've heard horror stories from other people. From the amount of suspicion you'd think Canada didn't want me to spend my money there.
Al Dente I agree, no wonder canada is sparsely populated its the disgusting canadian government, acting as tyrants and treating people like criminals.
I find the American border services very rude and suspicious. I have travelled all over the world. I’d rather go to other countries anyway. I’m interested in culture
Anarchist Atheist what a crock of shit. The U S has a fascist government now
Same here except I’ve was to go in for inspection where these jackasses tore apart my car twice and leave my car a mess. All the tools I had in my trunk were just thrown all over. Hate Canadian border and those ass hats. Wasted two hours being questioned, searched, my personal life and info were invaded such as texts and photos on my phone where they made me give up my phone and the passcode.
They want to tax everything.if you have a bottle of pop they want tax on it. Its stupid
I've personally never had any problems with either side of the border. If I'm crossing the Canadian border, I've found it handy to have a pencil case on the dash and put all of my receipts for my USA purchases inside it. It's wayyyy easier when you get to the border if they ask what you have, and you have your receipts to present directly to the border people.
And if you're holding those receipts in your hand, ready to show to border folks, and fully prepared to add them up and pay whatever duty might be owing, you'll never have to worry about forgetting something.. because it's in your pouch. That alone has made border crossing and declaration of items a breeze. It's worth it to me to pay my fair 5 percent GST and whatever provincial tax (whichever province you enter) is due, to return to my country with full documentation of everything I've bought. They'll take your exemptions off your purchases accordingly, and for all of your occupants, provided you've spent the required time for exemptions, and be on your way.
There's no substitute for being organized at the border. Even thought I've been searched twice by Canada customs, they've never been more than professional and that's what I come to expect from professionals doing their jobs to keep us, and the continent safe. The USA is diligent and reasonable as well, and if anything, they're very informative and helpful in answering questions.. (as long as you don't interrupt them while they're interviewing you). The only time you create suspicion at the US border, is if you continually interrupt or try to distract them when they are asking you straigtforward questions. Sure it's a little embarassing, but honesty is the best policy.. so if you don't want people in your vehicle to hear the answers to what they ask (eg, "Have you ever been arrested in front of the future mother in law), then perhaps it's best to not travel with them across the border.
And on no uncertain terms. Do NOT allow ANYONE, to travel in your vehicle that you do not absolutely know personally, can be trusted to stand up to absolute scrutiny, and be mature about it when being questioned. The one thing border guards will never stand for, is someone who is evasive, defensive, or intends to lie. These are trained folk, who excel at what they do.. and they deserve our respect and support!
No food, no guns, no booze, no drugs, no jokes, no lies. 😝
That about sums it up
I don´t even so much as change flights in the US anymore, unless I have a v-e-r-y good reason. I´ll warn Canadians who´re thinking of buying rental property in US: you´re not allowed to so much as change a light bulb in that property if you don´t have a US "green card." If you have tools with you when you approach the US border, you may get turned back. If you get turned back for any reason, a mark will be on your record, making it harder for you to enter the US in future. It doesn´t matter that you employ a property manager and pay US taxes. Too many US border guards are sadistic or paranoid. The stupid guards are the most problematic.
Welcome to AmeriKa, Letz Me Seez Ya Pappers Plz, Seek Heil! Forz the Kavaity Sarch, woulz ya lik lub or unlub taday M*****F***!
Not really anything for a tourist to worry about. Pack large quantities of food: no. Take a gun: no. Buy lots of stuff and smuggle over the boarder: no. What's the laptop for? Seriously, not to do business in Canada but to keep in contact with the office and family while I'm on vacation. Yes, they can call me, but email is less immediate and leaves a paper trail.
I answer questions using the fewest and smallest possible words. Never had many problems.
Oh my God. Just be 100% honest and pay the small amount of duty that you owe. This was terrible advice. Ditch the tags? Fuck off. These border guards weren't born yesterday. They can't recognise new clothes? tires? Honesty is always the best policy.
Dropping the tags and pricing is not to fool the guards but to give you some leeway as to how much of an error you make when you declare your goods. Some guards are very sticky about every detail, others don't care but if you make a mistake in price declaring your items you could get into trouble. This way you are giving them a general total amount they can't find fault with. These people mostly, not all, are generally not your friends and are only looking for an excuse to get you. Even when they are nice and friendly and have a smile on. I have witnessed them doing things to innocent others that one wouldn't do to an enemy combatant; so speak in generalities, be curt and courteous and don't say anything that can be shown to be untrue.
While it is important to secure borders against harmful products it is not in the interest of the public to be treated and harassed over minor irrelevant things, even minor customs fees. What is upsetting is that no one speaks out against this insanity.
Kevin .... Boy. it would be magnificent if our clothing said "made in the USA." Most everything is made in China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and who knows where else!! Except for socks, candy and plastic bags, almost everything is imported. My wife would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have items that said "made in Canada." Rarely, if ever, do you find them here. Many years ago, she bought a couple of things when we went up for a few days. Thirty years later, SHE STILL HAS THEM. Indestructible and superb quality. lolol Of course, it helps that she is still the same size. Hell, we can't even get running shoes made in the States. In addition, have you ever checked the labels on food items???? Look carefully on canned goods, for example. You might see "distributed by .... " someplace in the States, but you will not often see the country of origin. When I saw a can of pears that actually said CHINA (!!!!!!!!!) it went right back on the shelf. OUR farmers (and Canadian farmers) need the income so we can continue to HAVE farmers. Canned American style pears from CHINA??? . No freaking way, not in my house.
Kevin .. lol I know. I apologize. On occasion, I do go off somewhat and get a little hot, especially when it is actually the local employees and/or the consumers that get dramatically shortchanged in the process. I, however, was not inclined to blame the fallout from NAFTA entirely on the politicians. The US had many innovators, investors and risk-takers who became wealthy on the backs of what is loosely termed as the 'common man.' Decades ago -- and I am no longer certain if my memory serves me regarding his identity, but just for argument's sake, let's say it was Henry Ford -- Ford realized that if he did not pay his workers well enough, they would be UNABLE to purchase the product they worked to manufacture on a daily basis. So, if they couldn't purchase, who in hell would buy it??? NAFTA was not a bad idea to begin with. It was, I believe, primarily intended for product trade -- for exports and imports. So, It was difficult to entirely grasp that politicians were fully aware beforehand that corporations and their inherently greedy CEOs would grab the NAFTA "ball" and in short order run with it directly overseas, taking hundreds of thousands of jobs and employment opportunities with them, for cheaper labor and to get their foot in the door for that employee pool without payment of benefits, and potential expansion of unregulated manufacturing. Now, though, with the passage of time since NAFTA went into effect, I am convinced that today's politicians don't give one airborne rodent's rectum for the welfare of their own citizens. When becoming fed up years ago with two-faced lip service about job creation, and the doomsaying regarding our retirees' Social Security fund running out, I made a suggestion to my Senators and Congressman to ensure that fund would NOT be exhausted as predicted. They even received NUMBERS proving up the continued existence of that fund so our retirees can at least buy food and maintain at least a shred of purchasing power. Just to reiterate -- it was suggested that since the overseas manufacturing employment pool bore no expense to our corporations other than the flat fee they paid, that a per-employee employment hourly wage (for each low-wage foreign worker) be assessed and a contribution of corporations' usual stateside percentage of such Social Security contributions be charged and added onto corporations' annual tax returns and deposited into that fund. Heck, 7.35% is a very reasonable (penalty) assessment for those lost jobs vs. those wages for each foreign worker. And my response from them was ....... CRICKETS.
Why would you advise someone to break multiple laws and outright LIE!? Why throw away the bill with the tag. You'll never cross again without a search.
***** New clothes are rarely made in Canada or the USA.
Crossing the US/Canadian border several times, I agree with these! My friend told the US officer on our way back to Buffalo a little too much information (!) but it was totally fine! They're friendly most of the time
One particular item I was exempt from was incidentals. You are very likely to crack a windshield or get a flat. last time I was south of 49 with a buddy we had a bird strike on the windshield(on I94) and had to get a replacement in the states. On the way back the guard wrote it off as an incidental and no tax or fee had to be paid.
I was shocked by the way I was treated crossing from America into Ontario. I felt like I was entering into North Korea. Not at all friendly in the way the border crossing people treated my wife and I. WTF happened in this world? I always thought the Canadians were friendly neighbors. Not no more!
I get treated worse crossing into the U.S. than I was treated crossing into Canada.
I am by the way an American citizen. They all have questions and rules to follow.
Don't like it?
Stay home.
@@anarchistatheist1917 Canadians can tell a phoney ass when we see one to bad that that allied to you.
Thank Trump for that one
@@MrJOHNEBOB care to elaberate?
@@rcampbell595 - What happened to the human freedom of travel right? Why does government control you and yet you cannot control government?
My wife and I have spent a month in Toronto every summer for the last ten years. We have never been treated rudely by Canadian Customs. We have never been treated politely by US Customs. It sort of reinforces the stereotype, eh?
+George Loucadellis Why the hostile and shallow response? He just said that they "have never been treated rudely by Canadian customs" WHICH MEANS Canadians are always polite. And YOU say we don't want you dumb yanks... Toronto doesn't need or want you... get out...?! Obviously Toronto has some rude and shallow people.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I'm sorry even the other person commenting is also reinforcing the stereotype. I know you are aware we aren't all like this, but I hope others reading these comments realize this as well.
I've had the opposite experience. The video made me chuckle when it said don't joke with border guards and everytime, the US border guards have been freaking hilarious and would share a laugh. While on the Canada side... not so much. Darn near denied entry one time because of my state specialty themed plates and the fact the guard never saw one (it was a micro sized crossing). Which gave me a good laugh afterwards. Regardless, total respect to all of them. They're just doing their job to best they can.
Montreal is friendlier than Toronto. I haven't been to Ottawa but I have been to Calgary and they are extremely friendly. Vancouver is half and half.
Brian Pan what about Winnipeg and Edmonton
I live in Quebec and cross the border pretty often in the summer (motorcycling). One day, as we crossed the border, my wife was smoking. She was told to extinct her cig and not throw it on the ground. As we crossed the border, we waited for our friends and my wife re-lightened her cig, which really upseted the border officer since we were still on federal ground. When crossing the border, we are not aiming to make a friend, but some officers are better than others.
Anytime I go back and forth over the border I get one nice guard and one jerk. There is no telling which side it will happen on but it's always one nice one jerk.
yup so true put remember in the end they are serious for our safety.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I'd guess American jerk, Canadian nice
Lindsey Castro
sometimes, but it's totally random on which side will be nice. It never fails and I can't tell which way it will go until I get to the first guard.
I would say that is not often the case. As a duel citizen who crosses the border all of the time that most border guards are both nice and professional, but occasionally there is a grumpy one and it is very random as to what side he/she will be on.
If you owned a home and you were told you need a guard dog, which type of dog would you choose that would be best for the job of protecting your home?
Now, that same dog, after greeting your guests who knock at your door, is as friendly as can be once his job of protecting the front door is over, he is very playful.
Now, I want the meanest (respectful) person answering the door. Once all of the business at the "DOOR" is done, that mean person in the booth says "ENJOY YOUR STAY" or "WELCOME HOME". See how that works? They have a job. That job is to protect the entire country. I want them to be professional, yet, tough. Once they are done inspecting you, they should send you off with a nice tiding. See above.
That is my opinion of how everyone should be treated at the borders.
11. Try not to smell like weed
Best way to do that is not smoke weed (or get high on any other drugs) before crossing the border. Frankly, people that do that sort of thing are trying really, really hard to be the very best dumbass that a person could possibly be. They actually work at it, and they set their sights high. Imagine the feeling of accomplishment when you get arrested for being fucked up on drugs at the border crossing station. Mom 'n' Dad will be so proud :)
In 1984 we traveled from California and crossed in to Canada at Detroit headed for relatives in Welland. We were in a VW camper van with a large zippered container on the roof. Another California car went in ahead of us but he stopped us. My husband stayed with the car and my 4 children ages 4-12 and I sat on a curb and waited 2 hours while they painstakingly searched our van. Finally we were cleared to go, but they did all that, made us late for dinner(no cell phones then) and never even opened the zipped container on the roof!!! My husband thought they we looking for drugs, as if!
Arlys Veen canadians hate Americans especially from California.
thats a great bit of advice to keep it cool and expect to be doing this for a certain time - not bothering to rush it , just chillax and look forward to having a beer when you get to the other side
Thank you. Richard Jr.
For some questions, if it's just a yes or no answer. Just answer yes or no. I was asked if i had ever been finger printed or arrested. Instead of answering no. I said not that I am aware of. Dumbest thing I could have said. What aren't you aware of? Can I see your passport again. They then ran me through the system and delayed us. Of course they found nothing on me, but so stupid on my part to say that.
Very good point. Don't volunteer anything just answer the questions.
Be polite, respectful and shut up is good advice when dealing with all law enforcement.
And remember “fuck you” is never the right answer
We were crossing the border in Niagara Falls. As we pulled up to the checkpoint another border agent entered the booth and whispered “You,re ugly” to the guy questioning us. We busted up laughing and were waived through.
They're people too, it turns out
Everybody needs to get a grip. I lived in Windsor and moved to Detroit but kept my job in Canada. I crossed the border twice a day for 3 years so I can speak to this more than most. Most days I had no problems. Answer a few questions, be polite and I would be on my way. Some days I would run into the occasional asshole but it was evenly distributed by American and Canadian customs officers. If they switched uniforms you could not tell the difference.
Thanks
Are you a dual citizen or have permanent residency in one of the countries?
Uh, excuse me sir. You have 21 kilograms of bacon. Please put your hands where I can see them.
if you are in the works of getting married dont lie about it because they will turn you away for lying in a heartbeat ! at the Border Honesty is the best policy !
I cross the border so often at the Peace Arch in Washington/BC that I even recognize some of the folks that have appeared on Border Security. I've gone to 'secondary' a few times over the years but it's been a very long time since it happened last. I get less scrutiny because I cross often and have a record of compliance, they know I know the rules. It helps that I'm a citizen of one and a permanent resident of the other.
Lived 8 miles from the border in Washington. Used to zip up to white rock or Vancouver for lunch or a show. I swear all we needed was a driver's license. I joked that we could probably use a library card, and most of the Canadian guards laughed and agreed.
I take it this was before 2006
Been in a touring band and stripped searched 7 or 8 times there. Probably 8 more times elsewhere. Not fun
9 years ago I flew to Toronto on business for the Ontario government with 2 other Americans. The immigration official acted almost like he didn't want us coming to Canada. We drove back to the US through Niagara Falls. The US immigration official was even more disagreeable, almost like he didn't want us coming back. No incidents in either direction but I remembered thinking I'm never doing this again. I decided then and there I will never accept another work assignment outside the United States.
If you get someone on a bad day, it can be really unpleasant.
I'm a Canadian with a criminal record of pot charges from the 1970s. I have a pass to cross the border because my wife works in the US and we have a home there. By now some detroit border guards know us. One US border guard, when he found out I had old pot charges on my record, started telling me how weed helped his father in law who had cancer. It was a pleasant conversation. Sometimes you get an asshole on either side but they have a serious job to do. Canadian guards are looking for guns, among other things, and I'm glad they do. We don't need the kinds of problems the US has with guns.
Agreed.
I've had mostly pleasant experiences entering and leaving the US (and I don't have your record and I also have the right skin hue...) but I've got the odd unreasonable guard on both sides, where it felt like I could not give a good answer to any question. (Though the most unreasonable person I've ever dealt with was in the UK...)
Use the restroom before you get to the border -- don't plan on hitting a rest stop after you cross. If you are called in for a random inspection, you are not allowed to use the restroom until they are done with you and that may take 45 minutes.
3:57
*HEY, IT’S ME AGIAN*
Wtf is “AGIAN.” 😂😂😂
Be organized. Have all receipts for purchases, accommodations etc all in a neat pile. Also, an itemized list of each item you have receipts for... And I always put all the purchased goods in one area of the vehicle, all together, in order as the receipts if possible. This makes it less of a hidden threat, because you are being upfront about everything. Or at least that is what I think, and I have never had a problem crossing either way. AND DON'T be vague about what you get at Duty Free... They know, but may not acknowledge this... as I once experienced.
+Pete Shirley All good advice
When I was 12 years old (1973) my Grandpa took me on a fishing trip to the northern side of the lakes from SW Ohio. Pulling a pop up camper with a small boat on top. It’s a great memory for me. Oddly, I have no memory of crossing the boarder so it must have not been a big deal back in those days.
It was not. We've heard all sorts of stories about people being let in to both countries with barely an inspection. Even in my lifetime it was much, much easier. I once had barely stopped my car when the CBSA officer saw my Canadian passport and just waived me through (admittedly, at a very low-traffic crossing).
I would add "Don't try to bring a rotten bale of straw across the border." A friend had that in the bed of his pick-up and he had to dispose of it before they would let him cross.
Yeah. If you're bringing agricultural products across the border you may have problems.
@@immigroup Interestingly, it's quite alright if they are already in your digestive tract.
When I used to live in Michigan, I crossed into Ontario quite frequently (I lived an hour and a half from the border). No hassles whatsoever on either side, unless you count once my passenger forgot to take off his sunglasses and was told to do so. The last time I crossed was in 2006 though. Things may be different now.
Lansing? Flint, Saginaw ,.
Keith Sage Saginaw
Been there many times on my way North to NW Ontario. nice place..
BurgundyandBlue1111 has
BurgundyandBlue1111 is it true before 911 the American and Canadian borders were open and you didn't need a passport?
your telling me i buy an orange that came for florida, but can't bring it back to florida with me to eat it...
I cut across Southern Ontario to get to New York from Michigan. I was towing a utility trailer to pick up a Rhodes Car (google it) that I purchased on eBay. I brought a copy of the invoice with photo and description. That really helped with the crossing, and also showed that I did not purchase it in Canada.
Just remember government at every level is not your friend only give information they ask
It was easier for me to get in and out of China. No lie.
+Hector Morales Yup.
Hector Morales. china followa you around like your a spy😂
sonny shiner not unless you are journalists or are headed to a problem area.
Hector Morales same here
Us citizens need a visa.
I got a tip: don't check cell phone when
at the point of entry.
Hide it out of site do they don't have an excuse to search it.
Not declaring what you buy in the States (or in Canada if you visit from the USA) when you're at the border crossing is a great way to get busted, because when you bring something across without declaring it, it's technically smuggling. $$$ fine if you're lucky, slammer time if you're not.
It's a customs violation not normally a crime. You know many people who've gone to jail for smuggling in extra clothes or some wine?
Last year, before heading back stateside, I bought a Toronto Raptors cap at a store in St Catharines. That thing and an unopened bottle of Pepsi was the only things I had with me than I bought in Canada. I cross the border and after I told the CPB agent about the two things, he seemed surprised that's all I bought. No secondary inspection.
Why on earth is this so complicated? I live in Europe, if I want to go to a different country I just drive there. I don't speak to a border crossing guy, just go past the "Welcome to Germany" sign, and I'm in.
Matthias Andrews Because you're probably both members of the Schengen Area, which is passport free.
That's because you live in the EU (Economic Undoing). I am not American, Canadian or European, I have traveled a lot including most western European countries, most Asian countries and America. I have had no difficulties, twice I have been inspected, once going into America and once going into Australia as is their right and their job, both times the agents were polite and easy to get on with. People there is a big wide wonderful world out there, not everyone and every place does things the same, don't stress, work with them instead of against them and enjoy this big wide wonderful world
Matthias Andrews Schengen?
Because you're in EU traveling to other EU member countries. Canada and USA are sovereign and separate countries.
I'm not in the EU in fact, I am in Switzerland, travelling to Liechtenstein (both non-EU countries). And just so you know, European countries are also sovereign and separate countries, implying otherwise is just plain false.
1 don't says you're not working
2 have contacts information for the people you're visiting or the hotel reservation
3 get your story straight before crossing the border
4 don't get your passport at the last minute and make sure it's valid for at least 6 months
5 be even more careful if you cross by bus
Thank you!
Glad you appreciated it.
I've been to Canada about five times in my life. The only problem I had once was coming back into the US. It was late at night and no one else on line. I was with my brother and we were both young. The Guard searched my auto inside out looking for drugs. He was very disappointed he didn't find anything. It took me awhile to put my car back in order. There is no reason why all boarder crossings should not be totally taped with voice.
I had a similar experience entering Canada after midnight when I was young. They were also looking for drugs.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that all audio at the major crossings is being recorded but is just not accessible to the public.
#2 - (0:35) Do not provide too many details. While I agree with this part. Answer the question honestly and to the point. Sure, there is no need to VOLUNTEER information, if you are SPECIFICALLY ASKED for more details TELL THEM the details they are asking for. This video uses the example of bringing your work laptop and implies that you LIE about it. NEVER LIE TO THE BORDER AGENTS. There is absolutely NOTHING WRONG with bringing work (from home) with you. As long as you aren't doing work FOR someone else in the US (without a visa), or more to the point NOT taking a job from someone in the US, then working remotely for your job back home is PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE. In fact the proof you have a job at home means you aren't looking for one in the other country. Even IF you are going to the US for work (for your company back home or otherwise legitimately) don't LIE to the border agents about it either. They are only interested if you are coming to work that might take a job away from someone else. If you do lie and it's later discovered (even if it’s an acceptable work-purpose) you'll be in a deeper mess for lying and concealing it. -- JUST DONT LIE TO THE BORDER AGENTS.
Yes, I agree completely.
(This happened to a friend traveling with me) When entering the USA, our lunch was allowed (sandwiches and apples), but an orange grown in florida wasn't!
cricardol that is rediculous the orange was being reintroduced to it's native origin.
cricardol economic politics in short fuck the borders since the invention of HD TV I don't need to go any were
an orange can still pick up diseases and pests while in another country. ever see an orchard burned down because it was infected to control the spread of a disease?
James Pevehouse+ Canada has no citrus fruit industry therefore there are no damaging citrus diseases or pests attracted to citrus fruits. However in Canada we have apples and pears with their own brand of damaging diseases and pests, so why are they allowing the apples in the country??
Calude Maassen we have aphids and melee bugs and other stuff that can end up on oranges but they're more attracted to the foliage then to the fruits.
Entering Canada rules: 1,2,3... Entering the US: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9...99...499...999 watch for updates.
This is not that far off the reality. And the only reason Canada has more strict rules at the border than we used to is to comply with US demands that we have those rules. Which is funny, given that it's Americans who have to comply with the rules.
When crossing into USA (Michigan) from Ontario always use Port Huron or the Sombra Ferry (runs all year round) The agents on the Detroit side are known as the Border Gestapo !
I have had some very good experiences crossing the border. One, referring to the U.S. authorities, was when I was going for a work permit. After I was granted the work permit, I showed the immigration officer some funny cartoons that I had. He called his fellow officers over to take a look at these, as he thought they were good.
The second one was bringing vehicles from the U.S. into Canada. The officer wanted to look at all of these vehicles, and I agreed to bring them to the port of entry-one at a time. He indicated that he was willing to do this on his own time, and he came out to the place where I was living, and did the paperwork there.
If you are doing things the right way, then there will be no problem, and they are human, like the rest of us. They have a tough job to do, and I don't envy them this job. Note-this was WELL after 9/11.
2004-2008 i was in college in Syracuse, NY. About once a month I'd go back to Vermont, but because I didn't own a car, I would end up taking a Greyhound bus. Amazingly, in spite of NY and VT being neighboring states, the most direct route available was always through Montreal. So going home for the holidays or to visit my gf meant crossing an international border twice within a few hours. I always got questioned a lot, and because I was spending so little time in Canada, it looked suspicious. Thanks, Greyhound.
One night I take a redeye out of Syracuse, in hopes of making it to VT with daylight to spare. I fall asleep, immediately. I am shaken awake by a large, bearded border guard. I can't understand a word he's saying, and in my zombified state it takes me a solid minute to realize he's speaking French. "No parles Francais," I manage. He starts questioning me in English so bad it might as well be Quebecois French. Somehow I don't give the right answers, because he starts accusing me of being argumentative and threatens to throw me off the bus (there are three other people on the bus at the time, all now awake and watching). I apologize, though I know not what for. He storms off, and the other three people start laughing hysterically, and only laughed harder when I attempted to ask them what the hell had just happened.
thank u very much for the info
Me and my wife travel back and forth from nyc to montreal and its easy as long as you are honest.
Nice video! The information here is VERY useful! I wish I had watched it before 2007 when I first flied to Canada ;)
+The Sim Architect Thanks for the feedback
None of us will forget the first time we flied to Canada.
Billy Beedamned
So true!!!
Flew. Try driving.
Generally, the statement that border guards are not your friends is true. However, after applying for, and being granted, an United States work visa, I showed the officer a funny cartoon that I had with me. He liked it so much that he called his fellow officers over to take a look at it. I have other similar stories to tell as well. So once they know that you are no risk, they will relax considerably.
I also have gone through the routine of taking motor vehicles (cars, trailers, motorcycles and snowmobiles) across the border-importing them. This is a bit more complicated, but if you are nice to the officials, they will work with you to get the vehicles across the border. Usually there is some duty or tax to be paid, but not always.
Always have your receipts. Not having them is a red flag and subject being fined.
Yup
When I was a kid I used to drive from the Maine Border crossover to Canada, and coming back from Thunder Bay back to the United States.
Don't try to practice your high school French lesson at the border. Even a simple Oui, or Merci can be annoying. A young lady asked if I spoke French at home ,,,,then don't try it at the crossing. Another guard rightfully humbled me and switched to all French,,,left me feeling stupid,,,,which I guess most Americans are as l overheard it discussed outside Canadian Customs break room at the Windsor inspection office...🇺🇸🇨🇦
+Mike Davis Why would you try French going into Ontario. I can see it going into Quebec but all the other provinces are majority English speakers.
I have a habit of trying to pay mostly in cash when I can on vacation. A few years ago I went to Nova Scotia from the US. All the cash in my wallet was dangerous so I put a lot of it under the driver side car mat. Well, at the border crossing the dog sniffed the cash and I ended up with a long questioning session as 2 border agents tore my Jeep apart. They took everything out including the seats. Questioning included my grandmother who has been dead since 1975 and her trip to Nova Scotia back then. As sad as it is to say this, after 911, you only speak when spoken to and answer in short clear statements. And do nothing different than you would if you were going to the local grocery store.
Now I had plenty of time since I was spending 2 weeks on a get-lost vacation but all in all it was 4 hours of my time. And lucky I had tools because I put the seats back in my Jeep afterwards. And the spare tire, and the flooring, and the soft top.
That's frustrating for sure.
You're absolutely right - just answer the questions and don't volunteer anything.
The closest to a problem crossing the border was reentering the U.S. from Canada. The U.S. border agent looked at my license plate [RVRRAT] and asked me if I had been in the Vietnam War. I said yes and I had been on the Mekong. He thanked me for my service and waved me through.
Be polite and answer all the questions truthfully. Keep it simple.
That is likely not a representative experience but thanks for sharing.
Cross often?
@@immigroup Not often enough. Next trip planned for Maritime Prpvences including Newfoundland and Labrador. We do enjoy our visits to Canada.
@@gregwarner3753 Newfoundland is gorgeous when the weather cooperates. Parts of Labrador are absolutely incredible, looks almost like another world at times.
I have seen some of both places and agree completely. I really want to see Western Pond, the Tablelands, Twillingate and Cape Spear. Oh, and Water Street taverns. We are planning to go there next Fall. COVID PERMITTING!
@@gregwarner3753 Sounds like a nice trip. Western Brook Pond is incredible.
I’m from the UK and regularly had to fly into the US and Canada for work. Had the full range of encounters. A little bit of humour never hurts but it needs to be used with caution and always with respect.
One officer in Toronto had me jumping through mental hoops asking me if I expected to learn or to teach at any of the meetings I was going to attend. Could not work out his angle but he was just toying with me and we were soon in a conversation about how useless project managers were (apparently his brother in law was one). After about ten minutes I was allowed to enter. I assumed he was bored.
On another occasion we had a huge architectural model in tow. A large black box contained it packed with polystyrene beans to protect it. It was illuminated so the scanner showed wires and all sorts of good stuff against a range of odd shaped backgrounds. Straight into the frisking room. Was asked what was in there by a lovely lady and told her, to which she shrugged and said that it was probably about the only answer that made any sense. She asked if I was sure it wasn’t a body, to which I opined that that would probably be easier to carry. She replied that maybe I’d chopped it up which made me laugh and remark on her dark side. I offered that she was fine to look inside but I warned about the polystyrene beads and I was again allowed in with no further delay.
Once was shown a body scanner result that showed a suspicious return around my groin area, and that a more thorough search would be required. I was asked if I preferred to go somewhere more private so asked what it would entail. Turns out it was a search around the inside of my waistband and a more intimate pat down through clothes with the back of his hands. I said that was fine but it didn’t mean we were dating or anything (I thought I might regret that one), but the guy chuckled and it broke the tension, the search was carried out to no great drama and I carried on my way.
Maybe the accent helps, or I have an honest face. I just figure they’re doing their job and it’s necessary so no reason why not to try and make the exchange a pleasant one.
I think it's interesting what is and isn't allowed back into either country. I do want to visit Canada at some point in my lifetime.
Don't they all live in igloos and there are polar bears everywhere. And they get really pissed if you take maple syrup away from then.
I've never been to North America - but a friend of mine went to visit relatives in Canada and decided to visit the US for an afternoon. He had two border guards assault him and pin him to the floor holding a gun to his head because he LOOKED like someone they'd seen before. His entire afternoon was spent in American custody while they checked out his British Passport and then once they realised that were barking up the wrong tree they ejected him back into Canada!!! Does he have to declare he was denied access to the USA should he want to go there in future??
Yeah, he will have to say he's been denied entry whenever he's asked. If this becomes a persistent problem in the future, he can try a DHS TRIP appeal.
Paul Faulkner Given your description of the incident, if I was in his shoes, I sure would not want to try to visit again, ever.
As a US Citizen, the biggest hassle I got came from US Border Agents, not the Canadians. I had a company car 'searched' and left with the back seat, all my bags and sales materials left on the ground by the US folks in Detroit one time. They of course, don't clean up the mess they made. So, 30 minutes for me to put everything back together in the snow and cold in January. I was employed by a large paint company, I don't know if a chemical from the paint samples I often carried but left at a customers store in the USA set off some kind of alarm. This was before 911, I imagine much worse now. I would hate to have account responsibility in Canada and have to cross the border by car several times a month.
I'm a Canadian and I've had my car searched by Canadian border agents. There are a lot of factors that go into it; for me it was the time of day and I was crossing at a very slow crossing, so they had nothing to do.
The candy one entering us was normally allowed because they don't allow kinder egg surprise