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 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
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.
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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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.
The worst thing to do is to state, after you've been in the States a week or two: " We have nothing to declare . We bought nothing ". My Dad used to say that every year after the family camped around Cape Cod. Customs, naturally, never believed him, and we were searched and delayed every time. They always found some things my parents had bought in the States.
Once upon a time I worked for an inventory company. We had a job in International Falls MN on a Sunday. After a very long drive we arrived in IF early and wanted to get breakfast, but all was closed. So we piled back into the van and headed across the boarder into Canada. The crossing guard asked the purpose of our trip, and I replied, "to get breakfast at McDonalds. He asked why, and I said, "International Falls is still closed and the Canadian McDonalds is open. He chuckled and welcomed us to Canada. On the way back giving the same explanation to the US boarder patrol, we we invited into the office, while I and two guards searched the van for contraband. Apparently visiting McDonalds and visiting Canada for less than an hour is suspicious. Just another slice of life.
A few years ago, my wife and I were crossing into Canada at Windsor Tunnel. When you come out of the tunnel, you have to make a sharp U turn to get to the border checkpoint. Unfortunately, we didn't quite catch this and almost drove the wrong way out. We caught it in time, but we had to back up a little bit. A CBSA agent barked at us that this wasn't a speedway, but we didn't have any problems with the border guard.
I'm from 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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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'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...)
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.
Because adults would eat a large plastic egg shaped container? Not even Americans are that stupid lol. ( Please note, there are stupid people all over the world, if you take any offense to my statement... you're taking it way to seriously ;P)
gerble36 I looked into it and found the reason is to protect American kids. Noble indeed, the parts are a hazard to all kids under three years old. Says so on the package. They're for older children five and up, my sons always got them and my oldest was collecting the little toys. As for them being a chocking hazard to an adult, the thought of someone just stuffing one - say rapper and all- was too funny. I think the origin was an American stand up comic's act.
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!
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'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.
(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??
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...🇺🇸🇨🇦
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Once when crossing into the US from Canada for a NASCAR race, the border guard asked where we were spending the night, and we said we were camping at the track. Next question was about what stuff we were bringing with us. My dad, wanting to keep things simple, was like, "Nothing," and right away, I was like, "DAD!" Haha, if you're going camping, you should have camping gear, so saying "nothing" is super suspicious. So he admitted he had the camping gear. Then the border guard was like, "What if it rains?" Dad was like, "Well that would suck." On our way!
I was traveling in Canada, driving back from Yellowknife and shredded a tire. I had to buy a new one in Hay River and the guy told me to keep the receipt because the one tire didn't match the others. He told me to just have it handy if they questioned it, which they did at the US border. I explained what happened and that was all I had to do. Wasn't required to show the receipt but was glad I still had it.
But you offered up the information, right? That's the key in my experience. If you seem forthcoming and honest then you're good, but if they feel like you are trying to keep something secret, you get the car searched or have to go to secondary.
Not declaring what you buy in the States (or in Canada if you visit from the USA) when you're at the border crossing is a great way to get busted, because when you bring something across without declaring it, it's technically smuggling. $$$ fine if you're lucky, slammer time if you're not.
With many US states issuing concealed gun permits/licenses and off-duty LEO traveling, the following may be helpful. You may not bring a firearm into Canada without lots of paperwork and you have to show that you are hunting or attending a recognized firearm event. If you get caught illegally carrying a firearm, you may be arrested for a felony, have to post very high bond, and have your vehicle confiscated or held for evidence. You may declare the firearm upon entering. You then leave it at the port of entry and receive a claim check. You then can pick it back up when leaving Canada.
On the topic of drugs. #9 - (13:25) It should be understood that ANY ‘controlled’ drugs (this includes prescriptions!) across the border are not allowed. If you have a prescription for say high-strength ibuprofen, some blood pressure or heart meds, fine… but declare them IF/when asked. And always travel with the prescription bottle that identifies the medication, doctor and pharmacy on it. But if you have any controlled substances such as opioids, marijuana, or any other type of controlled substance… NO NO NO. Not even if you have a prescription, not even have the written letter from a physician, and not even if you declare them, they are NOT LEGAL to cross the border. Not even if they are legal in the state/province you are crossing into/from. You are entering the COUNTRY first, the state/province second. If it's controlled or otherwise not considered "legal" in the COUNTRY, you can't bring it in. Period.
You'd be best to call the border agency of wherever country you are travelling ahead of your travel than to ask someone on youtube. I don't know what drugs are controlled or prohibited, other than obvious narcotics.
Dt C Are you sure? I have very bad back pain, it wouldn't be fun at all or even possible for me to go hiking or on a long walking tour without it. Also I take birth control. It would be terrible to start a painful period and not be able to walk very far... Worst vacation ever!
I think you mis-read my post. I didnt say prescriptions weren't allowed. I was saying the controlled substances, even if prescribed, are not permitted. What specifically is and isn't defined as a controlled substance, I can't say (and wouldn't. That's up to the traveler to research). -- however, I'm PRETTY certain birth control isnt a controlled substance, at least not between the US and Canada... I'm quite sure of that. Unless it's narcotic based, an opioid, hallucinogen, etc. As for your back pain, it depends on what you're taking for it. A friend of mine had a prescription for oxycodone after a back injury and he was not allowed to cross with it... even though it was prescribed. However, I have a prescription for a strong version of naproxen and it was allowed, since it's not a controlled substance (non-narcotic).
Dt C I Googled it, and I am finding mostly that you can. Your friend's Oxycontin may not have been allowed because of how abusive it is. I am prescribed Vicodin, which is a prescription narcotic.
As a regular traveler id say the advice is good. Problem is, a few people through bad behavior have made them make all these laws. 15 years ago i could pass through in a breeze. But KNUCKLEHEADS have screwed it all up for the vast majority of problem-free people who have to bear the brunt of unnecessary questions and delays. Thanks a lot!
There is also the belief that is (or at least once was) prevalent in the US that the 9/11 hijackers entered the US from Canada. That definitely plays a role in some of these restrictions. (Canada has had to somewhat match US restrictions.)
I really hope this isn't the future for us Europeans. Right now it doesn't look good. It's bad enough having to deal with border security on airports. Having border security between similar countries is just stupid.
Hedning1390 the video is making a big deal out of nothing. It's easy to cross the US/Canada back and forth and so is crossing the Mexican border. You drive up. They take your paperwork. They make sure you are not on the screen for someone who is on the run for kidnapping. They ask you a couple questions like where are you staying, how long are you going to be, and if you have any goods to declare. And off you go. Takes about 3 minutes.
A long time ago when I was in college I drove back to the US at Trout River, NY. They had me pull over and they did the full inspection. I was talking to the border guard inside the building and he said it was suspicious having a young male crossing at a remote border alone. He was pretty cool about it when I told him I like travelling back roads where there's a lot more to see as opposed to the interstate.
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 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.
I visited japan in 2016 and i have lots of prescriptions for differant health issues but i actually took in pain med's on top of my actual rx. Had no problems at all luckily. Then i had a 19 or 20 hour layover in shanghai on my way home, so i checked in to a hotel and went to some bars and met a smokin hot chinese girl. By the end of the night she had gave me some "illegal substances" and i still had some in the morning. I can't explain why i would be so stupid but i brought it back with me. At security, the guard went through my luggage and took my pepsi and juice but never looked at where the stuff was concealed. If i had been caught i probably would have been put in prison for 20 years and beaten on a daily basis or much worse. Thank god i made it through. Also i'd like to point out that in this airport i had seen groups of 2 or 4 military patrols inside the airport armed with ak-47's. No joke, and the day i arrived when i would see these guys they stared me down pretty hard. Im a native from nevada and everyone can see im obviously an american which is not very popular with the chinese, however a lot of the locals i spoke with were actually very kind and helpful to my questions. I think most people generally only have problems with our govt. and how it does things that may affect them negatively but that's just a guess. Thank god im here today and since then i've quit taking any illegal substances for many different reasons... Both china and japan have very harsh penalties for breaking the laws concerning drug's and it's even worse for a foreigner, specifically an american. Japan is unequally amazing in it's own way as well is china, aside from the pollution. But ultimately, please don't do what i did. I would never get away with that again in a million years and it could have very easily ruined my entire life...
Back in the 80s my dad didn't declare alcohol and they found it. For 20 years Everytime he crossed was a guaranteed search, even if he was a passenger. He says it was his worst mistake, being delayed for decades just to try and save $100 in taxes. Edit: it was about a dozen bottles so maybe that's why.
"Canada border"? As a Canadian I'd prefer seeing Canadian border. US border guards are 100 times more uptight than Canadian border guards and that was in the late 1990s when I was there last I can only imagine now.
I'm also Canadian. I went across the border for an overnight trip a month or so ago. The American border guard asked me *one* question before sending me on my way. The Canadian guard on the way back home asked me about 25 of them.
So much depends on the individual guards, their training, and how long they've been on the job. With time, they'll be able to "read" an individual even before talking to them. I try to put myself in their shoes, cooperate, and bite my tongue sometimes. It all passes eventually.
I have always found getting into canada as an American easy, simple and non invasive. Canuck border guards were always friendly and willing to listen and answer any questions. However coming back into the states has always been the issue, even as an American born and bred, you are always suspicious. I once had to explain why I had a Waffle House mug, another time I had to explain why I was using "federal property" ( a card board box with US mail stickers, wasnt even the boxes they sell) as a contained in my car. I will admit the last time I went to canada and back, the US guards were not as invasive.
That was my experience too. Getting into Canada.. no problem. Getting back into the states.. giant pain in the ass. Ironically enough, it was easier to get in and out of Mexico than Canada.
When entering Canada, never never make any comments about Dudley DoRight. My comedian friend made that mistake on his way to a performance in Vancouver. He ended up being strip searched, detained for three hours and refused entry. Needless to say he was a bit more reserved on his next visit!
I generally find joking a bad way to go about it. Yet at least one commenter on this video has insisted otherwise. Not in my experience, but maybe I'm just not very funny.
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.
I'm American but lived in Canada legally and one morning I was crossing to USA. The border guard said to an associate "We've got one" and I was told to park and go inside. I complied. I went to the desk, they asked me the regular questions and I was on my way. I never found out what was up and it never happened again.
Are you kidding me? These border guards, in this video, must be so immature and superior feeling it's sickening. Escalating this incident from I'm not sure where we are going to shop all the way to threatening and resisting arrest is pure BS on the part of the BP. What ? You think this is Germany and you are part of the Gestapo? What a frigging joke. Try doing this one of my attorney friends, and see how long you get to continue abusing the limited amount of authority you have been entrusted with.
Many years ago I wanted to go to a chocolate festival in Vancouver BC, but I decided to do an overnighter in Surrey, BC instead (Change of plans. Got tired when thinking of driving that far). I got a rental car, a candy apple red, two door Mustang (Not sure. It was some time ago. Didn't like it - too flashy) in Seattle, WA. (My hometown. Go Hawks!). Since I had a passport, the crossing into Canada went okay, I arrived at a hotel in Surrey, and checked in. Then the next morning I checked out early so I could beat the border crossing crowd on my way back home. When I packed my rental I put my backpack on the passenger seat and my passport right on top of it for an easy reach. When I arrived at the border crossing in the dark (6:00 am) there was one car ahead of me. When it cleared, I drove forward a little too fast (I'm not used to strange rental vehicles) and when I stopped by the guard station my backpack and passport flew off the seat and landed in the dark passenger foot area. Note: It was still dark, the interior of the rental was black, my backpack was black, and my passport was almost black (dark navy blue). I said to the guard "My passport fell on the floor." so I started to fish around in the dark car for it. (I couldn't find the interior dome lights. Rentals.) In the meantime, another guard showed up and stood by the first guard. I noticed him resting his hand on his visible holstered Glock(?) pistol. I was starting to get scared but fortunately, I was able to find my passport and I present it to them. We all just kept our cools and after that they asked is for me to open the trunk (I didn't know how. Rentals!) so they told me how to do it. Afterward they searched the trunk, they allowed me entry (WHEW!) and I swore not to get any more "new-fangled" rentals.
WE WAS CROSSING THE B9RDER BACK IN 1978 ONCE COMING INTO MICH.FROM BEAR HUNTING IN ONT.AND WHEN THE GUY ASKED IF WE HAD ANY FIREARMS ,THE MAN DRIVING SAID WE HAVE 94 WINCHESTERS LOL I THOUGHT THE BORDER GUY WOULD FLIP LOL HE HOLLERED 94 OF THEM! LOL IT WAS JUST 4 OF US IN THE TRUCK WITH 9 HOUND DOGS AND WE ALL HAD MODEL 1894 WINCHESTER 30-30 RIFLES I WAS ONLY 17 AT THE TIME AND I WAS LAUGHING AT THE MAN WHO HAD HOLLERED AND I EXPLAINED THAT THE RIFLE WE WAS HUNTING WITH WAS OFTEN CALLED A 94 WINCHESTER,BUT THAT WE ONLY HAD 4 WITH US LOL,I STILL LAUGH ABOUT THAT LOL THE LOOK ON HIS FACE WHEN HE SAID" 94 OF THEM!" WAS PRICELESS LOL.
I know that Canada is an excellent and very fair country, but I have always found the experience of going into Canada somewhat sinister. Why do they have this policy?
I've been to Canada twice. My daughter and son in law both stationed at Ft Drum about 30 miles from Canada. Each time I had no hassel crossing into Canada. It was coming back thru the US checkpoint was the killer. They are as scary as the men in Black...
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.
The first thing you got wrong, the US Border Patrol doesn't work AT the Ports of Entry, US Customs do. Also, the little booths you pull up to, they are called Ports of Entry not checkpoints. A Border Patrol Checkpoint is the place where you will be stopped when they are open at 100 Air Miles from the Border with Canada. They are on I-93, I-91 and I-87 Vermont to New York. I would add that they never try and enter at Blackpool, get denied and them drive over to the next nearest Port of Entry and try and enter there. It is called "PORT SHOPPING". Oops, I see you covered this one. How about don't film or take pictures.
@@immigroup, first, I enjoyed you video. I just thought if making a video about laws and or procedures, we should get it right. Well, I believe you used the term CBP at the 8:21 mark and again at the 9:46 mark (+/-). CBP is the name of the combined agencies of the US Border Patrol and the US Customs Office of Field Operations that also includes the US Agriculture (AGGIES) who have a lot of fines they can impose on travelers, hunters and even wood I believe. You did you the term Border Patrol at the 2:16 mark and again at the 6:54 mark with a booth labeled Border Patrol. I am pretty sure Canada uses Immigration Agents or Officers for Immigration in the booths. Not sure what Canadian Customs is called or if they are the same as the Immigration? Now, the US Border Patrol does have the same authority as the US Customs (Title 19 authority). Yet, the OFO doesn't have the same authority as the USBP who work between the Ports of Entry. The USBP K-9s do work side by side with OFO at the primary lanes as well as the Secondary, checking of buses as well as commuter/traveling vehicles. Yes, in 2010, the RCMP created and evaluated a Border Patrol and apparently, they became their own entity of sorts.. They worked very closely with the US Border Patrol. Patrolling together on ATVs, Snowmobiles and or on foot. They share sensor information between the two countries. Such as a ground sensor goes off in the USA audit indicates the subject was heading north. Thanks to that sensor alarm, a Vietnamese Gun Runner was captured by the Canadian Border Patrol. The Canadians also have sensors and inform the Americans of an attempted illegal entry into the USA by unknown persons. That Border Patrol (Canadian) is now mostly dealing with thousands of Refugees, Asylum seekers going north at a road called ROXHAM Rd, Champlain, New York I believe. They even built a couple buildings to house and process along with a ton of luggage. You also use the term "BORDER GUARDS" a lot. The OFO on the US side don't like it nor do the USBP Agents. They prefer US Customs of OFO Officers. Not sure what the Canadian Border Patrol thinks of it. So, again, I enjoyed your video. I am sure it is and has helped many a people crossing in both directions. I would add that they don't film while in the lanes or jumping out of their vehicles to take a picture of the country's border they just left or entered. I would suggest tell them they shouldn't drop people off on either side (West or East) of the POE or the International Boundary in an attempt to let them out at the duty free and while they walk around the actual border area, you drive into the United States and pick them up (or you arranged someone els) at the opposite side of the border where you crossed. That is considered smuggling and a felony for each body you picked up or brought across. Not sure what Canadian laws are for smuggling bodies. I hope I didn't insult your video. If so, I apologize. I thought it covered a lot and if people watch your video, you will have helped them and helping the men and women who secure the US/Canada Borders. Thanks for your response. Charlie 11
@@DEL061 Thanks for the clarification. I thought we just used CBP but I forgot about the cartoons we had drawn (funnily enough drawn by an American). CBSA is the equivalent of CBP in Canada but they are likely divided into different responsibilities just as you point out CBP are. (Also, the RCMP's border patrol would be completely separate from the CBSA in Canada, so that would be a difference.) Thanks again for all the detail. If there wasn't a huge cost in fixing the video (we lose the views), we'd update it with your corrections.
@@immigroup No problem. Again, I thing if people find this video, I am sure you will have saved them a lot of time and maybe money. Also, I am sure the OFO Officers welcome the tips which will make their jobs easier.. I did enjoy the video. I still think if you update it, adding the FACT it is illegal to drop people off so they can walk around the Ports of Entry and the dangers of doing so because there are dangerous predators in the woods in and around the area known as the SLASH patrolled by USBP and RCMP.
Do any of you folk who fully support the activities of our border agents ever pause to contemplate how much they cost YOU? I'm just asking because I have no data to support my strong suspicion that it's in the BILLIONS of dollars (US & Canada). So my follow up question is...Do you consider the cost worth it especially when you consider that a determined smuggler or terrorist, etc., can EASILY circumvent these artificial barriers? The vast majority of the time and expense of our border services agencies is spend hassling innocent citizens - the very same people who are having money confiscated from their earnings (taxes) to pay for being hassled. This is just extortion on a grand scale. Thank the politicians you elected to represent your interests for any troubles you have at our borders.
At the time I crossed the border going to Canada I flew to Buffalo and rented a car to save a $1500 airport arrival tax on international flights. I told them I was in a rental car going to a real estate conference. They scanned my car for drugs. I maintained my cool and didn't say anything. I made it through but they didn't like it that I drove across to save the tax. After thinking about it though one of the people at the rental place could stash drugs in the car if they wanted to and I could go to jail. Probably should have just paid the tax but it was a lot of money to me. I will skip the trips to Canada from now on though. I was quizzed going both ways. When they asked me if I had anything from Canada, I told them all I had were my underwear and socks in my suitcase. They didn't want to check anything after I said that. Flew right through the crossing coming home.
Yea same thing happened to me except i used a rental for just the day and was questioned for 10 minutes. The officer wasnt convinced but she evetually let me go.
Michigan native here; Lansing area. Going over into Windsor Ontario was always a pretty pleasant experience but coming back to my own side was always condescending and rude. The American border agents treat you like a criminal and that alone is a deterrent not to bother vacationing. I wish it was nicer on both sides; they always were suspicious of us for no reason.
You would think that, but happened to me returning home to the states, customs got in their car and escorted me back into Canada. Wouldn't give me details on the reason either. The Canadians were really nice, printed me a map off to the embassy in Calgary, the US border patrol wouldn't even tell me where it was.
Yes, I actually had both my passport and passport card with me, the second trip back a few days later I just flashed my passport and they waved me through. Didn't say a single word, no questions or anything. I wasn't the only person that this happened to. The hotel I stayed at was full of people that had the same story.
That is really, really bizarre. Did you or one of the others contact the media? Something is really odd about that as, to my understanding, American citizens have a constitutionally protected right to enter the United States, that cannot be overridden by CBP.
Andre Campbell, I'm wonderin that myself. I am a Canadian and feel somewhat offended by hearing a British accented woman. I do not sound British or most Canadians for that matter unless they are immigrant Brits. I am from Ontario and talk and sound like someone from California. I'm sick of this type of stereotyping. I don't want anything to do with the "F'n" Brits.
my funny border story ; going to Canada with my in-laws who are asian . border guard asks my father in law what i did for a living he says " hes a grass grower" and the guard looking at my harry face and ponytail asks me "what do you do for a living,sir?" I explain that i am a glass artist ,a glass blower by trade. and we all had a laugh how l's sound like r's and r's sound like l's .... anyway they let me cross the border!!
i was very upset. about couple weeks ago I went to canada and back and they held me on the way there and on the way back for no freaking reason. it was not right. they both pissed me off. i will do more research what i can do about it. because this is not how i want to travel. and i had no produce at all. they just wanted to mess with me for no freaking reason.
I cross by car often because of my work as a Japanese into the USA. I have Canuck relatives and friends. I was born in Quebec. In my situation I cannot afford any lies with the Yanks. Zero. So I tell the truth and sometimes I get delayed because my business in the USA is borderline work (no pun intended) and business consultation. Work is touchy even though I get zero salary from the USA. The lady in the video is correct about the word "work". But I'd rather explain exactly what I do then try to bullshit my way with lies no matter how innocent they are. Lying is the worse that can happen. At a minimum you are tagged and endlessly delayed later. Incidentally when you arrive by airplane it is always easier. But land border crossing: do not mess around if you are a Canadian citizen or resident of Canada. Be even careful about a spouse you bring with you. They lie and maybe you get screwed. You may think that if they lie, they commit the offence. But remember that entering the USA is a PRIVILEGE. So your spouse messes around, they can put you on the shit list as well. I know a business lady who got into a huge mess because of a jackass husband.
I live right on the US-Canadian border and make trips sometimes every two weeks for minor shopping, buying some farm supplies (parts etc.) I have one only rude episode entering Canada in 25 years; contrast with about 50% when I return to the US. I am an older person, Us citizen, no criminal history, generally try to be polite, but it can be trying when a young, recently arrived from the southern border CBP agent grills me and acts as though he is anticipating being assaulted. Worse yet, rules change unpredictably--have bought used farm machinery at an auction and passed without comment; another time I have to pay duty. One day I can be charged duty for a bottle of brandy bought at the duty free, tomorrow no one cares. Wort thing ever: took my John deere tractor to Canada to have a bucket loader made for it at a welding shop, checking ahead of time about rules, duties etc. and was assured no problem. When I returned two weeks later to reenter the US, they wanted to charge me duty on he value of the tractor and loader; I had to get a customs broker and a copy of my purchase receipt from the US to get through. Turned out that a well known as***le of an agent was on duty when I returned and there was no discussing it. I learned later from CBP people who attend my church that this was not uncommon with this individual.
Be honest..and polite..I have never had any problems with both borders..Please "DO" remove your sun glasses and have your drivers licence in your hand "DO NOT EVER DISRESPECT THE AGENTS". Watch your language at all times..No joking around, these Officers can smell BS real fast..that's one reason they look into your eyes..(they can look into your soul.). Clean your ash trays and have no roach clips. they will look at the interior if the find burns in you seats ,seeds, any green stuff they "Will" investigate this. DO NOT EVER LIE.. this is one thing you don't do.. they "CAN" detect this and they are real good at it.. They will ask for your ID and ask how much money you are bringing in with you. Have a good time in our Country.. Welcome.
If a border guard asks you something you awnser truthfully. If not and the guards fine out you can be fined 800$ in Canada. My dad once went to the California and came back with 2 wine bottles (law is 1 per person) they asked him how much bottles and he said 2. The guy said it wasn't worth the paperwork and let them through
"it's not personal". I just wish that both borders (US & Canada) would learn to be more courteous. As a Canadian I am sometimes appalled at the lack of courtesy towards in-coming tourists. No need to be rude, and guess what, you can still do your job efficiently. Makes everyones day just a little bit better.
Returning from Spain to the US I had an orange(from breakfast )in my bag that I forgot about and would have had to pay a 200 dollar fine but being in a wheelchair I was absolved. A dog sniffed me out with a half eaten meat sandwich I got on the plane.
When visiting the US from Canada, I've never had a problem. It's business with them, nothing else. I can't say I blame them after attacks in their country. Answered their questions honestly and I was on my way in minutes.
It's been a number of years since I crossed the border I live in Montana my recollection is that the Canadian customs were. Over than the us ones when I came back to my own country
Is there any restriction on bringing a bottle or 2 of real canadian maple syrup into the US. am asking as I love pancakes & most pancake syrup here is artificial & have had real maple syrup once & loved it, & canada is known to make the best maple syrup, so will I have any probs? TY
Never but never leave your dash cam running when you reach the guard and window. The BG spotted it even before I had my passport handed to him. He was polite but then instructed me to erase all footage of him as well as the facility. It took me 5 minutes to figure out how to erase all the stuff. (I always let it loop...) He was very patient and I just held it up to show him it was off. Now my buddy has a dash cam but it is integrated into his rear view mirror. I wonder if it is now a common question they will ask.
it would be useful if this video - was useful for people with disabilities. even travelers with disabilities shouldn't make "funny faces" to a border officer - no matter how young or old you are. imagine if an adult with a disability (who has a capacity of a child - either traveling alone or with a caregiver) - tries to deal with a border officer, how will the border officers deal with this example?
i also wanted to add that I'm considering on developing a special course (although geared for people with disabilities and wanted to cross the border on their own or with their parents/caregivers) about the tips you had discussed. I'm planning to use this video as part of my proposed course and yes, I'm giving you full credit on this. as a person with a disability, there's more to be done on the way the border officers deal with people with disabilities. this video is a start.
+Simon Tonekham Hi, Keep us posted. Where are you going to put the course? I'd appreciate more information, once you have it, at webmaster at immigroup dot com.
to +Immigroup Inc: There's currently no exact location on where I'm going to put my proposed course in - however, the course that I'm going to develop is for my own leisure - and it'll be shared to a community-based organization specializing for people with disabilities (providing if I give consent on my idea and no, I don't represent nor work for any of them - just so you know). Still, my plan is currently in the "brainstorming" phase. I hope this clarifies.
Canada considers any product that is in kit form to be duty free such as models and even RC hobbyist stuff if it isn't assembled, I returned with a $4000 RC car and transmitter kit and was expecting to pay a heavy duty, the car in kit form was exempt but the couple hundred dollar transmitter wasn't, luckily it was under my exemption limit for that trip. ;) Also the old style box cameras that use plates are exempt from duty as they also are considered a hobbyist item and not professional equipment, find that one funny.
+Jessen Elliott It depends on where you are from. Canadian border guards have a bad reputation among Americans and people from some other countries. American border guards have a bad reputation among Canadians and people from many other countries. www.immigroup.com/news/border-horror-stories
Richard S Thanks. I can agree with you from my experience, but I thought it was just a coincidence. Anyway, they have something in their system about me that they don't like (I arrived with a strong headache once to the country and maybe the lady that talked to me did not like me much, so she put something in the system and, everytime I arrive in Canada, they ask me tons of questions instead of what happens when I go to USA, where they just ask business or tourism and give my stamp).
I have crossed the border many times, sometimes as a shpper, other times ain a business situation. Hence both sides of the border have my records back to at least 1974, when I entered onthe U.S. ion an immigration permit for a temporary job of about 6 months. Over the years things have had to get much more tense in both directions. so, with that preamble: 1) "shut up!" the point is valid buit that way of poutting it sounds a bit harsh. However with the bad examples given and remembering that border guards are also very busy, and simply don't have time for a lot of chit chat, it makes better emotivve sense. I no longer drive after some 1 million Km. on the road, and flky and drives in 3 languages and 3 countries. However arriving at the U.S.border, I would want to be a bit proactively polite anc courteous, so I mighrt roll down the window and in an upbeat (but not over-exuberant tone) say "good Morning!" and watch closely the reaction right there! Having done exactly that the reaction was both polite and courteous, so recognizing a good start. I was happy then and there to see a nice reaction from the border guard before she even had started her questions. If I am goinfg to present any documents, I will likely mention that immediately and be prepared to hand them over. (There is a possibility that the border guard will not actually need as much documentation as I have ready, so I may delay about half a second to see if they want what I have offered or not. I may also immediately state my purpose iof entry as that is one of the first things they will want to know. that answer alone may well be a deciding factor as to what added docuentation and questions the border guard may want to ask - logical enough. As I am also a former participant in one of G.O.E.S' trusted traveller programs, and hacve my now expire FAST card (for expedited international commercial goods forwarding), I can use this as an indentifcation,. buit it no longer would qualify for entry under that status. It is unlikely I would need to do that, however, as I am well enough known and documented that it would likely be unnecessary, unless some extenuating corcumstance arose. One day, I may want to do a rail tourist trip, and it will be interesting to experience how they handle border entries on a cross-border Amtrak service! But that will have to wiait until I have enough disposable money to be worth it. Next,
