Unfriendly customs officers :(
This weekend we went to Montreal. The Canadian customs officer was efficient but polite. Asked all the right questions with a friendly manner and when finished wished us well on our visit. Returnin...
Forum Discussion
Like many US citizens here, I've never had a bad experience going into Canada even when pulled in for and additional inspection or background check. But crossing back into the US either by land or air is always hit or miss for me. Sometimes I get lucky and don't get hassled or get someone with a bad attitude, but many times I hit the jackpot.
I think part of the problem is they've got a list of questions that need to be answered. They use the same questions for everyone - US citizen or not, but the questions have different meaning depending on your citizenship. This is a source of confusion and frustration. For instance, the question "the purpose of your visit". For a US citizen returning to the US they want to know why you visited Canada (work or pleasure) because it affects things like imports. But for a non-US citizen they're really asking why you want to visit the US. It would help if they make it clear what they were really asking. I know not to volunteer information, but in cases like this I've learned to ask for clarification of the question(s).
I think part of the problem is they've got a list of questions that need to be answered. They use the same questions for everyone - US citizen or not, but the questions have different meaning depending on your citizenship. This is a source of confusion and frustration. For instance, the question "the purpose of your visit". For a US citizen returning to the US they want to know why you visited Canada (work or pleasure) because it affects things like imports. But for a non-US citizen they're really asking why you want to visit the US. It would help if they make it clear what they were really asking. I know not to volunteer information, but in cases like this I've learned to ask for clarification of the question(s).
