Canadian Border

garyhaupt wrote:
I want to word this so that is doesn't have to be deleted.

If a person is knowingly smuggling or otherwise committing a criminal offense in an attempt to cross the border of either country, you have to really want troubles in your life. Neither Canada nor the US take this activity lightly. Attempting to bring firearms into either country illegally, moving people into either country that have been denied, trying to hide the smokes or liquor...and the ramifications go far beyond that moment. You can loose your passports, thus your ability to travel outside your own country. You can have vehicles and other equipment seized. Then we get to the fines. And...the computer knows all, eh....if you are asked a question and you 'forget' something...they will help you remember, leading in turn, to further questioning. This isn't Cop Watch either. Their powers are incredible.

There are laws most of us flaunt a wee bit...speed, to name just one. I don't do well, with rules. But to try and mess with the border crossing people? I'd suggest being on one's best behavior. In BOTH directions.




Gary Haupt

Gary....Your information/advice is so very accurate, informative, practical, and correct. Right on the spot. Good job. Thank you for taking the time to post it.

Lakeside

Last month returning through Niagara Falls. Our 5th time in 2013 after asking how much we spent she said "What is the most expensive item?" that was a first.
And that same day I bought my Vitamix so was an easy answer because I was still hoping it was worth it :)

It was.

We have found that after many crossings, the mere showing of a pile of receipts (for Canadians returning to Canada) or detailed lists, is sufficient to get the 'wave through'. We also find that often they will ask you a strange question that appears to have no relevance. I'm sure that as well as for their benefit in varying their day, it is also to see what your reaction is.
Funnily enough, on the rare occasion that there is some joking, it is (nearly?) always when entering the US.

Just a couple of things that can make the whole thing much easier.

Respect. Yes sir/ma'am, No sir/ma'am. Talking to them respectfully goes a long way in making the entire process easier and quicker.

KNOW what you have and what you don't have. If they ask you about something and you are obviously not sure of the answer, they can put you aside and go through your unit. They need to be sure of your answer and, if you can't give them confidence in your answer, they'll do it themselves. What would really help is a notepad with what you have in the RV written on it. It's not cheating to look at it, and they will see that you took the time to inventory your RV - it helps you and them. At first it might seem like a daunting task, but I'd be surprised if this took you more than just a couple of minutes prior to arriving at the border to account for all food (including pet) and beverage you have. Since you're likely to make a stop for gas before hitting the border, do it then - it'll be the most recent inventory you could have. If there is something on it you can't bring, they'll take it away and that's it. It's not a black mark and they won't berate you!

Being from the US, it's extremely likely that they will ask you about a gun... turn to your partner and say something like "You did take the gun out before we left, right?"... well, they'll probably have a look themselves, since you're not inspiring a lot of confidence about that answer. Same thing with food, tobacco and alcohol... again KNOW what is there and how much (specifically for alcohol and smokes). Just don't lie - everybody has 'tells' and they're trained to find them. A well-trained officer is just as good as bring hooked up to an actual lie detector.

It's not a hard thing and is no reason to stress over. Quite frankly, the only people who need to stress about it are people who are doing something wrong. You're not doing anything wrong, so you'll spend 30 seconds or so talking to some guy/gal you've never met before and be on your way. It's when they see someone stressing about it that they'll need to wonder if there is something up.

Another thing... they're not your buddy or your pal. They're not chief or boss or any other friendly kind of nickname you might be used to calling people. They're not there to be your friend or to listen to jokes or wise crack answers. These things can be taken the wrong way. Actually, it's one of the things that public servants are taught to be on the lookout for while interviewing (yes, it's an interview). Be straight-up with your answers - majority of them will be yes or no answers and that's all you give them. You give them no reason to doubt your answers and they won't. The driver is being spoken to unless indicated otherwise, so the driver should be answering unless indicated otherwise.

Keep in mind, it is always possible that they can pull you aside regardless and do some kind of search. This can be a random thing and nothing to do with suspicion, you or your answers. I've had this happen on both sides - no big deal. They'll either do a quick physical search or pass by with some kind of x-ray truck (they'll ask you to get out with your pets, if any) and it might delay you all of 10 minutes. Again... nothing to stress over.

I want to word this so that is doesn't have to be deleted.

If a person is knowingly smuggling or otherwise committing a criminal offense in an attempt to cross the border of either country, you have to really want troubles in your life. Neither Canada nor the US take this activity lightly. Attempting to bring firearms into either country illegally, moving people into either country that have been denied, trying to hide the smokes or liquor...and the ramifications go far beyond that moment. You can loose your passports, thus your ability to travel outside your own country. You can have vehicles and other equipment seized. Then we get to the fines. And...the computer knows all, eh....if you are asked a question and you 'forget' something...they will help you remember, leading in turn, to further questioning. This isn't Cop Watch either. Their powers are incredible.

There are laws most of us flaunt a wee bit...speed, to name just one. I don't do well, with rules. But to try and mess with the border crossing people? I'd suggest being on one's best behavior. In BOTH directions.



Gary Haupt

Please keep recommendations on entering either Canada or back to the USA to those that are legal. I have deleted several comments relative to illegal entry.

... Eric (Moderator)

It helps if you have no criminal record, are not wanted by the FBI and have no guns on you. Welcome to Canada :)

We made the trip in 2013. Lots of fun. We spent almost $600.00 on vet bills to have our two dogs up to date on all shots etc. We had copies of all vet services provided, but they didn't ask to see any of them. We also used the new Driver's License size Passport. Both Canada & the U.S. border crossing had not seen them the small passport before. We had our regular passport along as a backup but never used them. The drivers License is easy to carry but only good for Canada not overseas.

We've been back and forth many times. Been searched twice, once going and once coming. I provide a list of all items bought in Canada, and all food items and give it to the customs agents when/if asked. There have been a couple of food items that I could not bring back. Be polite, be courteous and enjoy your travels.

GM

Be aware of what firearms you can carry across and have the correct paperwork done. Don't be thinking of not declaring...that is just an ugly day, right there.

If anyone in your party has a criminal record they are inadmissible and they will be refused entry. Know too, that a DUI in the US will see a person turned back.



Gary Haupt