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 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.
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.
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
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.
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#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 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?
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.
@@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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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..
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
Border crossings and greetings: This past week I had an opportunity to take a brief trip driving across the border to Canada at Niagara Falls. While visiting I got a chance to briefly talk to some Canadians. They seemed to have a more laid back approach to many things that we Americans seem way too up tight about recently. When I arrived at the Canadian border, I was briefly stopped and asked a few questions about my anticipated length of stay in Canada. I never got the impression that my presence or perhaps more importantly my tourist dollars were not appreciated. The Canadian border crossing guard said enjoy your stay in Canada and I was on my way within two minutes. This is in stark contrast to the greeting I got upon my return to the United States. This US Immigration guard had me feeling like I do when I'm pulled over for a traffic violation or worse. He asked several unfriendly questions about why I went to Canada and did I have anything to declare. He seemed a bit annoyed that I had the car radio on. The only thing I had bought across the border was some maple syrup I got at the duty free shop. Unsatisfied with this, he asked me to roll down my windows and he proceeded to search my car and suitcase. It felt to me like a very adversarial situation and I had to keep in mind that I had my passport and all appropriate credentials. Finally after he seemed satisfied that his search wasn't turning up any contraband, I was on my way about 10 minutes later. It wasn't a particularly welcoming feeling returning back to my home country. I guess there are a lot of pressures on guards running border security these days, but as first representatives of the United States, perhaps the guards should also consider that most people, especially US citizens, who are returning home are not coming back with criminal intent. Perhaps we can take a cue from our northern neighbors and add a smile and "Welcome Home" on our return. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thanks for saying so. It really does depend on the guard too, though. There are definitely some CBSA (Canadian) officers who have treated people that way. You may have got someone on a bad day.
I haven't been to Canada for years, but go to Mexico to visit my wife's family several times a year. I am pretty sure, having the radio on is what started you bad experience. Cell phone use when rolling up to the gate is another trigger.
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...)
(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!
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??
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.
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.
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.
A friend of mine married a woman from California and he moved her here to Ontario in her truck. They found her .45 under the driver's seat and wouldn't let them cross. She turned it into an international incident.
If she didn't declare the .45, it was technically smuggled in, and she would have been arrested and deported back to the US. They were actually being very kind to her, although you don't realize it! She would have been cuffed, searched, fingerprinted, gotten a criminal record, and prohibited from entering Canada for a decade if they hadn't realized she just forgot the .45. Do you know Canadians cannot transport a handgun anywhere without getting a permit? Most keep their guns at their club/range or at home (and never use them). They are so restricted they aren't worth having! You have to go directly from point A to B, and never leaving the locked, concealed handgun alone, so technically, no bathroom stops are even permitted. Long arms are different.
Marina Capri no we're going to take over because in about another month Prince Harry going to marry an American girl make her princess put a baby in it and that baby will be ready for the throne now we're going to take control of the throne now. We are going to take the throne by way of American Meghan markle's
While there's always a chance to be randomly stopped, for the most part, you will cross smoothly. Guards don't have time to halt and thoroughly inspect every traveler; within seconds of meeting you, they need to determine if you're (a) genuine, (b) require further questioning, or (c) pose some sort of threat. They'll lean toward (a) almost always unless you give them a reason not to. I flew into Vancouver last June from the US, and the guard didn't surprise me with any questions: she wanted to know what the purpose of my trip was and my occupation. She didn't even ask me what was in my bags and trusted my declaration card. The only part that was any bit thorough were the questions regarding whether or not I'd had contact with Ebola (a worldwide health concern at the time), which I said I hadn't for every question. I was done in less than two minutes and had a great time traveling through British Columbia.
+ZhangtheGreat I think people get nervous, because of previous experiences, or what they've heard (there are some rather bad stories out there) and it's the nerves that become a problem. Nervous travelers are obviously of interest to the guard.
Good attempt to inform the public about Canada Customs border crossing goods and immigration regulations. Unfortunately, some advice is inaccurate. I am a former Canada Customs officer. Simply contact Canada Customs Border Services (CBS) directly or visit their website for accurate information about border crossing requirements. There are two main categories, one immigration (people), two goods (what is being imported). Simply be sure that you are aware of whether you are allowed to enter Canada based on Canada Immigration (CI) rules and whether the all of the goods you have with you are allowed by checking with CBS and CI beforehand. For regular travel visitors not intending on working in Canada (working on your laptop while in Canada on a personal visit is generally a non issue) during their visit, and are on a personal visit/holiday, the entry requirements are logical and fair and overall pretty simple. Be sure to have your required identification, a complete awareness of all the goods you have with you, and answer all of the questions asked by the Customs officer honestly. Be succinct but thoroughly clear in your responses. Again contact CBS and CI directly before your trip for all the information you will need. Consider how you might feel letting someone into your home and the information you would want to know before letting them in, or what you would want Customs officers in your country to ask of anyone wanting to come into your home country. This should help you to be well aware of what you need to know and how to help the Customs officers know enough about you and your goods before allowing entry. Good travels!
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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 :)
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.
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
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.
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
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.
In the Summer of 2023, me and a friend were crossing at the Peach Arch Border crossing into the States. Since we are both NEXUS pass holders, we of course used the NEXUS Only Lane. We get to the booth, and the border guard says, "Morning." We both replied, "Morning." And then he said, "Have a good day," and let us go. On another trip, just before the borders closed due to the pandemic, a friend of mine and his girlfriend from Seattle came up to Canada to bring back down to the States. Since they weren't NEXUS pass holders, we had to use the regular lanes (again at the Peace Arch Border crossing), but I still used my NEXUS pass. We get to the booth and after answering the "Nationality of everyone in the vehicle," the border guard asked me the purpose of my trip. I told him I was coming down for a week to see some friends. While pointing at me, the border guard looked at my friends and said, "Ok...I trust his answer...what's your story?" And he asked them a lot of questions while I sat in the front passenger seat twiddling my thumbs. After he let us go, my friend's girlfriend commented about how we all got grilled, to which I replied with, "No...I only got asked the one question...you two were the ones who got grilled." LOL
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 !
Went to Canada with a friend and his family grew up in Michigan his family lived in Canada. My dad gave me my brothers not my birth certificate. The Canadian side didn't ask specifically my name and so it wasn't discovered. Coming back to the US I had to have a missing persons search which wasn't fun but got through fine.
I was on a road trip and took a wrong turn and traveled into Canada by accident without any information about my us citizensship and was determined and questioned on both sides.
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.
I live in Michigan and when I was a kid, you didn't need a passport or license enhancement to go to Canada. You just needed ID or your birth certificate. When I was 16, my friend heard that you only had to be 16 to get a piercing without parental approval so me, her and my boyfriend told our parents we were going to the mall & went to Canada instead. She got her tongue pierced & when we were driving back home and the border operator asked the usual "what was the purpose of your trip to Canada" question, we were honest and said piercings. She was clearly a mom and went into dissapointed mother mode😂 she asked to see my friends pierced tongue and when she showed her, she shook her head in disgust. She asked how we all knew each other and when I said the driver was my boyfriend, she gave another look of disapproval and asked how old I was. When I said 16, she told me I was too young to be dating. I got defensive about my relationship and told her that we had been together for two full years 😂 because if she thought 16 was too young, telling her we've been dating since i was 14 and i was going to marry him someday was certainly not going to get her support. She gave us a lecture about not being in serious relationships at a young age and sent us on our way. We did end up getting married though, and spent 13 amazing years together before he died in a tragedy in 2016.
I crossed at the same border crossing twice weekly on business for one year and then occasionally on business after that. And then two years ago I tried to cross into the USA alone in my car. They asked why I wanted to enter the USA and I said I wanted to visit the local all night casino just across the border. Since it was 3 AM they were very suspicious and asked me to park my car for inspection. They were quite rude. They thought they had me. I was polite. They found nothing in the car and came back and there was further interrogation including emptying all of the contents of my wallet and pockets. They found nothing. Then they got an assistant and rudely told me "not to move!" I remained polite. They went back to my car and pulled the carpets out etc. They found nothing again. Pretty frustrating I guess. So they told me that I was not allowed into the USA. I politely asked why, and was told that I had no business in the USA. "Any questions?" I had none and was sent home. I did not know that they could refuse someone with no reason. I protested by e-mail to their authorities later and was told that they could refuse you for no reason if they wanted to. Fact. They did this because they can. I just had to suck it up. I have been back with my family since then with no problems, but it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
So, if you don't smoke or drink or do drugs ever, and the guy does not like the way you part your hair, he can just deny you entry. There must be something I could have done. BTW, I have a nicely cut short hair cut and no tattoos or piercings. It just seems so rude and unjust.
@@SternDrive In theory, yes. I don't know how many people have been denied entry for incorrect parts. My guess as to what happened is that you set off some alarms through responses to their questions. When they couldn't find anything to confirm their suspicions they got frustrated. Maybe somebody was having a bad day. Also, crossing at the time you crossed instantly raised suspicions. I had my car searched once because it was 1AM. That was the only reason. You can complain formally but I doubt it will do anything.
I was under the mistaken impression that they had to find something to deny entry. They found nothing. That was the problem. People can enter a 24 hour crossing any time in 24 hours. I complained formally. The denied me because they could not find anything, and perhaps they were "having a bad day" and I had to pay.
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...🇺🇸🇨🇦
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.
Didn't mind the search at Quebec border but puzzled why was given so much grief convincing agents that I owned the car I drove. Seems if that was in doubt some sort of computer check or phone call could have confirmed. We drove a mile into Quebec, turned and came back through USA check point. This was at a relatively lightly used crossing in NY. No desire to try a vacation visit to Quebec again.
They may have been bored/having to justify their jobs. You sometimes get searched at rarely used crossings because they (supposedly) have quotas. (This is true both ways, by the way. CBP does it to Canadians too.)
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.
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.
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.
#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 !
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.
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 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!
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
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..
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.
Travelling is becoming more unpleasant by the day.
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....
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😂😇
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.
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.
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
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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. :)
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...
#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.
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
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.
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.
14:26 “if you are detained and search, uncomfortableness may occur” (paraphrasing).
This is an understatement if you end up getting searched! 🤣🤣🤣
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***!
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.
No food, no guns, no booze, no drugs, no jokes, no lies. 😝
That about sums it up
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Border crossings and greetings:
This past week I had an opportunity to take a brief trip driving across the border to Canada at Niagara Falls. While visiting I got a chance to briefly talk to some Canadians. They seemed to have a more laid back approach to many things that we Americans seem way too up tight about recently. When I arrived at the Canadian border, I was briefly stopped and asked a few questions about my anticipated length of stay in Canada. I never got the impression that my presence or perhaps more importantly my tourist dollars were not appreciated. The Canadian border crossing guard said enjoy your stay in Canada and I was on my way within two minutes. This is in stark contrast to the greeting I got upon my return to the United States. This US Immigration guard had me feeling like I do when I'm pulled over for a traffic violation or worse. He asked several unfriendly questions about why I went to Canada and did I have anything to declare. He seemed a bit annoyed that I had the car radio on. The only thing I had bought across the border was some maple syrup I got at the duty free shop. Unsatisfied with this, he asked me to roll down my windows and he proceeded to search my car and suitcase. It felt to me like a very adversarial situation and I had to keep in mind that I had my passport and all appropriate credentials. Finally after he seemed satisfied that his search wasn't turning up any contraband, I was on my way about 10 minutes later. It wasn't a particularly welcoming feeling returning back to my home country. I guess there are a lot of pressures on guards running border security these days, but as first representatives of the United States, perhaps the guards should also consider that most people, especially US citizens, who are returning home are not coming back with criminal intent. Perhaps we can take a cue from our northern neighbors and add a smile and "Welcome Home" on our return. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thanks for saying so.
It really does depend on the guard too, though. There are definitely some CBSA (Canadian) officers who have treated people that way. You may have got someone on a bad day.
I haven't been to Canada for years, but go to Mexico to visit my wife's family several times a year. I am pretty sure, having the radio on is what started you bad experience. Cell phone use when rolling up to the gate is another trigger.
You had your radio on while speaking to border agents?? Rude American.
@@Travelbug71 Yep, we are.
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...)
(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.
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
3:57
*HEY, IT’S ME AGIAN*
Wtf is “AGIAN.” 😂😂😂
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?
Best part of taking many business trips is that they just see how much I travel and let me through with almost no questioning.
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.
A friend of mine married a woman from California and he moved her here to Ontario in her truck. They found her .45 under the driver's seat and wouldn't let them cross. She turned it into an international incident.
I am glad she did, it is a international incident with the woman being an American, and the male a canadian.
If she didn't declare the .45, it was technically smuggled in, and she would have been arrested and deported back to the US. They were actually being very kind to her, although you don't realize it! She would have been cuffed, searched, fingerprinted, gotten a criminal record, and prohibited from entering Canada for a decade if they hadn't realized she just forgot the .45. Do you know Canadians cannot transport a handgun anywhere without getting a permit? Most keep their guns at their club/range or at home (and never use them). They are so restricted they aren't worth having! You have to go directly from point A to B, and never leaving the locked, concealed handgun alone, so technically, no bathroom stops are even permitted. Long arms are different.
A .45 is better than a foreign pre-nup.
Why is there a British voice explaining the border rules of U.S./Canada?
Dane Swanson Canada belongs to the Queen of England
Dane Swanson they know everything? 😂
Eziekle Crafts , It’s more like a free-for-all everybody is invading US.
Marina Capri no we're going to take over because in about another month Prince Harry going to marry an American girl make her princess put a baby in it and that baby will be ready for the throne now we're going to take control of the throne now. We are going to take the throne by way of American Meghan markle's
Because they sound more educated
This reminds me of That 70's show episode. "What are you doing in Canada?"
I'm staying home now.
Why
While there's always a chance to be randomly stopped, for the most part, you will cross smoothly. Guards don't have time to halt and thoroughly inspect every traveler; within seconds of meeting you, they need to determine if you're (a) genuine, (b) require further questioning, or (c) pose some sort of threat. They'll lean toward (a) almost always unless you give them a reason not to.
I flew into Vancouver last June from the US, and the guard didn't surprise me with any questions: she wanted to know what the purpose of my trip was and my occupation. She didn't even ask me what was in my bags and trusted my declaration card. The only part that was any bit thorough were the questions regarding whether or not I'd had contact with Ebola (a worldwide health concern at the time), which I said I hadn't for every question. I was done in less than two minutes and had a great time traveling through British Columbia.
+ZhangtheGreat I think people get nervous, because of previous experiences, or what they've heard (there are some rather bad stories out there) and it's the nerves that become a problem. Nervous travelers are obviously of interest to the guard.
Good attempt to inform the public about Canada Customs border crossing goods and immigration regulations. Unfortunately, some advice is inaccurate. I am a former Canada Customs officer. Simply contact Canada Customs Border Services (CBS) directly or visit their website for accurate information about border crossing requirements. There are two main categories, one immigration (people), two goods (what is being imported). Simply be sure that you are aware of whether you are allowed to enter Canada based on Canada Immigration (CI) rules and whether the all of the goods you have with you are allowed by checking with CBS and CI beforehand. For regular travel visitors not intending on working in Canada (working on your laptop while in Canada on a personal visit is generally a non issue) during their visit, and are on a personal visit/holiday, the entry requirements are logical and fair and overall pretty simple. Be sure to have your required identification, a complete awareness of all the goods you have with you, and answer all of the questions asked by the Customs officer honestly. Be succinct but thoroughly clear in your responses. Again contact CBS and CI directly before your trip for all the information you will need.
Consider how you might feel letting someone into your home and the information you would want to know before letting them in, or what you would want Customs officers in your country to ask of anyone wanting to come into your home country. This should help you to be well aware of what you need to know and how to help the Customs officers know enough about you and your goods before allowing entry.
Good travels!
Thanks Barry
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
I cross from New York into Canada at least once a year, and I've never had a problem in either direction.
Glad to hear it
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).
Been in a touring band and stripped searched 7 or 8 times there. Probably 8 more times elsewhere. Not fun
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 :)
Uh, excuse me sir. You have 21 kilograms of bacon. Please put your hands where I can see them.
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.
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
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.
Be polite, respectful and shut up is good advice when dealing with all law enforcement.
And remember “fuck you” is never the right answer
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
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
In the Summer of 2023, me and a friend were crossing at the Peach Arch Border crossing into the States. Since we are both NEXUS pass holders, we of course used the NEXUS Only Lane. We get to the booth, and the border guard says, "Morning." We both replied, "Morning." And then he said, "Have a good day," and let us go.
On another trip, just before the borders closed due to the pandemic, a friend of mine and his girlfriend from Seattle came up to Canada to bring back down to the States. Since they weren't NEXUS pass holders, we had to use the regular lanes (again at the Peace Arch Border crossing), but I still used my NEXUS pass. We get to the booth and after answering the "Nationality of everyone in the vehicle," the border guard asked me the purpose of my trip. I told him I was coming down for a week to see some friends. While pointing at me, the border guard looked at my friends and said, "Ok...I trust his answer...what's your story?" And he asked them a lot of questions while I sat in the front passenger seat twiddling my thumbs. After he let us go, my friend's girlfriend commented about how we all got grilled, to which I replied with, "No...I only got asked the one question...you two were the ones who got grilled." LOL
your telling me i buy an orange that came for florida, but can't bring it back to florida with me to eat it...
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 !
Why the fuck am I watching this? I'm not even planning to go to Canada
Went to Canada with a friend and his family grew up in Michigan his family lived in Canada. My dad gave me my brothers not my birth certificate. The Canadian side didn't ask specifically my name and so it wasn't discovered. Coming back to the US I had to have a missing persons search which wasn't fun but got through fine.
Thanks for sharing.
I was on a road trip and took a wrong turn and traveled into Canada by accident without any information about my us citizensship and was determined and questioned on both sides.
That's what happens
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.
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.
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.
I live in Michigan and when I was a kid, you didn't need a passport or license enhancement to go to Canada. You just needed ID or your birth certificate. When I was 16, my friend heard that you only had to be 16 to get a piercing without parental approval so me, her and my boyfriend told our parents we were going to the mall & went to Canada instead. She got her tongue pierced & when we were driving back home and the border operator asked the usual "what was the purpose of your trip to Canada" question, we were honest and said piercings. She was clearly a mom and went into dissapointed mother mode😂 she asked to see my friends pierced tongue and when she showed her, she shook her head in disgust. She asked how we all knew each other and when I said the driver was my boyfriend, she gave another look of disapproval and asked how old I was. When I said 16, she told me I was too young to be dating. I got defensive about my relationship and told her that we had been together for two full years 😂 because if she thought 16 was too young, telling her we've been dating since i was 14 and i was going to marry him someday was certainly not going to get her support. She gave us a lecture about not being in serious relationships at a young age and sent us on our way. We did end up getting married though, and spent 13 amazing years together before he died in a tragedy in 2016.
Thanks for sharing that. Border guards are people too apparently
@@immigroup it was so funny. She disapproved of all the life choices we were making 😂 rightly so lol
I crossed at the same border crossing twice weekly on business for one year and then occasionally on business after that. And then two years ago I tried to cross into the USA alone in my car. They asked why I wanted to enter the USA and I said I wanted to visit the local all night casino just across the border. Since it was 3 AM they were very suspicious and asked me to park my car for inspection. They were quite rude. They thought they had me. I was polite. They found nothing in the car and came back and there was further interrogation including emptying all of the contents of my wallet and pockets. They found nothing. Then they got an assistant and rudely told me "not to move!" I remained polite. They went back to my car and pulled the carpets out etc. They found nothing again. Pretty frustrating I guess. So they told me that I was not allowed into the USA. I politely asked why, and was told that I had no business in the USA. "Any questions?" I had none and was sent home. I did not know that they could refuse someone with no reason. I protested by e-mail to their authorities later and was told that they could refuse you for no reason if they wanted to. Fact. They did this because they can. I just had to suck it up. I have been back with my family since then with no problems, but it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Sorry to hear that. But yes, any country can deny anyone without citizenship or legal residence for any reason. They just don't usually do that.
So, if you don't smoke or drink or do drugs ever, and the guy does not like the way you part your hair, he can just deny you entry. There must be something I could have done. BTW, I have a nicely cut short hair cut and no tattoos or piercings. It just seems so rude and unjust.
@@SternDrive In theory, yes. I don't know how many people have been denied entry for incorrect parts.
My guess as to what happened is that you set off some alarms through responses to their questions. When they couldn't find anything to confirm their suspicions they got frustrated. Maybe somebody was having a bad day.
Also, crossing at the time you crossed instantly raised suspicions. I had my car searched once because it was 1AM. That was the only reason.
You can complain formally but I doubt it will do anything.
I was under the mistaken impression that they had to find something to deny entry. They found nothing. That was the problem. People can enter a 24 hour crossing any time in 24 hours. I complained formally. The denied me because they could not find anything, and perhaps they were "having a bad day" and I had to pay.
@@SternDrive Who did you complain to? The supervisor or at some higher level?
i have Asperger how do i make eye contact?
+Conservative Macro oh my
***** nope doesn't work
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.
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.
got stopped going from canada to usa for firewood had to wait 3 hours for inspection then leave get rid of wood clean truck then allowed to cross
I once had my cooler of fruits and vegetables thrown in the trash.
Didn't mind the search at Quebec border but puzzled why was given so much grief convincing agents that I owned the car I drove. Seems if that was in doubt some sort of computer check or phone call could have confirmed. We drove a mile into Quebec, turned and came back through USA check point. This was at a relatively lightly used crossing in NY. No desire to try a vacation visit to Quebec again.
They may have been bored/having to justify their jobs. You sometimes get searched at rarely used crossings because they (supposedly) have quotas. (This is true both ways, by the way. CBP does it to Canadians too.)