Border Crossing To U.S.

Customs agents aren't hired for a sense of humor. When driving a semi I crossed from Canada to US almost every week for a year at a crossing at Massena NY. Knew most of the agents by name and never had a problem till I made a smart a____ remark about contraband. Everything came out of the cab of the truck, trailer and my pockets. It took me almost two hours to clear customs. Next week the sane thing. The following week they asked if I learned my lesson. "Yes Sir" was the proper answer. After that I never had another problem.
Be polite, don't volunteer anything, and tell the truth, and you'll be OK.
And no jokes about contraband!

If you're bringing pets make sure you have all their up to date medical records and shots. Rabies, etc.

We did have pet food taken - never opened - when picking up our pups in Niagara Falls a few years ago. And this was coming back into the USA.

You never know. I always take off my sunglasses and look them in the eye while conversing.

garyhaupt wrote:
Camper93..obvioulsy you are new to all of this, including border crossing. Rule of thumb? Take no perishables with you. No meat, no veggies, no fruit. Even pet food can be a problem. No onions..no garlic, no bananas...leave it all behind and purchse when you get across. The rules change almost daily and the border people are very stringent.

I read that as "no OPINIONS" and thought, "How appropriate" Haha!

Sad to say, but it's hard to know what opinions might get you harassed by US Gov't these days :(

We welcome our friends from the Great North, but please remember most of us no longer have any say in how our gov't is run these days. We apologize in advance for their rudeness and stupidity. Avoid them as much as possible and enjoy your visit! ;)

Jim Shoe wrote:
Google "Crossing the border into the US". Lots of reading, but you'll save time in the long run. You may be asked a question or two at the border. Whatever you do, don't lie. They most likely already know the answer. When I was crossing northbound at Sweetwater MT. headed for Alaska, I handed my passport to the attendant. He asked me if I'd ever been fingerprinted. I said, "Maybe when I joined the Navy but I don't remember." DUH. My fingerprints were on the passport he was looking at.
There was a Canadian heading southbound at the same time and place. He was busy putting everything from his RV that wasn't permanently attached on a blanket on the ground. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that he lied.

Maybe it was just the 'ol "Blanket Trick", eh?..:S

.

Google "Crossing the border into the US". Lots of reading, but you'll save time in the long run. You may be asked a question or two at the border. Whatever you do, don't lie. They most likely already know the answer. When I was crossing northbound at Sweetwater MT. headed for Alaska, I handed my passport to the attendant. He asked me if I'd ever been fingerprinted. I said, "Maybe when I joined the Navy but I don't remember." DUH. My fingerprints were on the passport he was looking at.
There was a Canadian heading southbound at the same time and place. He was busy putting everything from his RV that wasn't permanently attached on a blanket on the ground. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that he lied.

Camper93..obvioulsy you are new to all of this, including border crossing. Rule of thumb? Take no perishables with you. No meat, no veggies, no fruit. Even pet food can be a problem. No onions..no garlic, no bananas...leave it all behind and purchse when you get across. The rules change almost daily and the border people are very stringent.


Gary Haupt

Thanks' everyone!

icanon wrote:
No just bring your passport.

And your cash and/or credit cards!

No just bring your passport.

No.