How is the Canada-US border these days?
March 4, 2011 4:44 AM Subscribe
How are the Canada-US border crossings these days?
Any bad experiences? Crossings to avoid? Radiation scanners? Official rudeness of various kinds? Unreasonable search and seizure? Discrimination? How do the Canadian border officials compare with the Americans?
Any bad experiences? Crossings to avoid? Radiation scanners? Official rudeness of various kinds? Unreasonable search and seizure? Discrimination? How do the Canadian border officials compare with the Americans?
We cross pretty frequently; biscotti's family is in Toronto. No significant bad experiences. Around here (western NY) just call an info line to avoid the busiest one. Minor official rudeness. Been pulled for secondary inspection once or twice. Honky, so don't know about discrimination. Both sides are the same to me; when biscotti is traveling alone the Canadians are usually snippier with her.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 5:21 AM on March 4, 2011
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 5:21 AM on March 4, 2011
Buffalo, NY -- Fort Erie, Ont. It's a fairly busy crossing and I've never had any drama there, likewise in nearby Niagara Falls. The border agents on both sides aren't exactly charming. They're officially a little short with you and, certainly by design, a little intimidating. Generally, answer their questions briefly and directly and the process takes a few seconds. Each time you cross, I would say you have a one-in-ten chance of being asked to pop the trunk of your car and then the agent takes a peek. I have been to Canada many many many times over the years and I've had to do this once. Some people are asked to pull over, surrender their passports and sit in a waiting room while they ... pull your credit report? Ha. I have no idea. Probably some kind of standard crime/fugitive check. This happened to me once, when I was driving some Aussie friends whose visas were incorrectly something something. We had to wait 20 minutes while they signed papers and of course paid a fee. I am just one data point (and, yeah, unfortunately this might be relevant, a white male) so you might have a different experience.
posted by Buffaload at 5:21 AM on March 4, 2011
posted by Buffaload at 5:21 AM on March 4, 2011
By plane, customs are unpleasant, but more so upon re-entering the US. Canadians are firm, but still polite. The paperwork has been pretty consistent seemingly for the past 10 years, although I will say that my bags have been screened more in the past few years (once again, entering into the US they get screened more). That's purely anecdotal.
As far as crossing the border via car - I've only done it about 3 times in the same 10 year time span, last time in '08. The Canadians, once again, are more polite then the repatriation process. Both sides of the border are far more formal in the sense of the giant magnet thingy that apparently scans for bomb material which your car may need to go through. Definitely bring a passport these days - you have no choice. This isn't the 90s when it was possible to cross the border to go to an ice cream stand with no passport, no birth certificate or driver's license. I'll say that I've never been asked to exit my car, but they definitely have walked around it with flashlights peering intently. I can definitely say, that it went from feeling like buddies just checking in on you in the 90s to an actual border crossing.
My experience crossing generally from VT and heading towards Montreal via 91 means that I've never seen lines of more than 2 or 3 cars (generally I'll hit the border mid-evening).
The way back through, I've been inspected more - seemingly more for goods purchased and not claimed than other things that border crossings might be looking for. The US border patrol side has definitely always seemed like they were looking for me to slip up - semi leading questions, over emphasis on checking up on my story, etc. The last time, I had to exit the car and be scanned and processed on the way back. I'm not sure what that really says, Canadians sort of like me, and my own country - not so much... or at least my travel behavior is apparently much more of a flag for my own country than Canada.
I can definitely say, I'd rather cross the Canadian border there than the Mexican border near Tijuana. That has always been a train wreck for me.
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:35 AM on March 4, 2011
As far as crossing the border via car - I've only done it about 3 times in the same 10 year time span, last time in '08. The Canadians, once again, are more polite then the repatriation process. Both sides of the border are far more formal in the sense of the giant magnet thingy that apparently scans for bomb material which your car may need to go through. Definitely bring a passport these days - you have no choice. This isn't the 90s when it was possible to cross the border to go to an ice cream stand with no passport, no birth certificate or driver's license. I'll say that I've never been asked to exit my car, but they definitely have walked around it with flashlights peering intently. I can definitely say, that it went from feeling like buddies just checking in on you in the 90s to an actual border crossing.
My experience crossing generally from VT and heading towards Montreal via 91 means that I've never seen lines of more than 2 or 3 cars (generally I'll hit the border mid-evening).
The way back through, I've been inspected more - seemingly more for goods purchased and not claimed than other things that border crossings might be looking for. The US border patrol side has definitely always seemed like they were looking for me to slip up - semi leading questions, over emphasis on checking up on my story, etc. The last time, I had to exit the car and be scanned and processed on the way back. I'm not sure what that really says, Canadians sort of like me, and my own country - not so much... or at least my travel behavior is apparently much more of a flag for my own country than Canada.
I can definitely say, I'd rather cross the Canadian border there than the Mexican border near Tijuana. That has always been a train wreck for me.
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:35 AM on March 4, 2011
The Canadians, once again, are more polite then the repatriation process.
I tend to cross at the same border station as Nanukthedog, and have the opposite reaction-- the Quebecois border agents are cold and efficient, asking us where we're going and how long we'll stay but really just filling the time it takes to scan our passports and look at my toddler's birth certificate and sending us off without the hint of a smile. Which is just fine-- I'm not there for a hug.
The American guards have tended to be friendly, one laughing at my declaring a plush bobcat (it was our only returning purchase) and another chatting with me because through some bored-sounding questions he asked me, it turned out that we grew up a few towns apart.
Reference point-- I'm a suburban wiener with short hair and glasses in a conservative car and a wife and child who look like crowd faces from "Triumph of the Will." Crossed probably 15 times in both directions in the last eight years and haven't been subjected to extra scrutiny in that time. When I was a hippie in a beater 15 years ago I had about a 1-in-3 chance of getting searched in either direction and it's not a big deal. They root around in your car and judge your reaction and then thank you and let you go.
TL;DR: If you don't look like a pothead or seedy smuggler and your stuff's in order, there's not a big difference in treatment between the agencies and you can expect your interaction to last about a minute. If you're scruffy/suspicious, the Americans will have a less-pleasant demeanor but you're just as likely to get hassled by the Canadians. And unless the situation's pretty unusual, getting "hassled" is easier than a trip to, say, the DMV. At least in Northern Vermont.
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:02 AM on March 4, 2011
I tend to cross at the same border station as Nanukthedog, and have the opposite reaction-- the Quebecois border agents are cold and efficient, asking us where we're going and how long we'll stay but really just filling the time it takes to scan our passports and look at my toddler's birth certificate and sending us off without the hint of a smile. Which is just fine-- I'm not there for a hug.
The American guards have tended to be friendly, one laughing at my declaring a plush bobcat (it was our only returning purchase) and another chatting with me because through some bored-sounding questions he asked me, it turned out that we grew up a few towns apart.
Reference point-- I'm a suburban wiener with short hair and glasses in a conservative car and a wife and child who look like crowd faces from "Triumph of the Will." Crossed probably 15 times in both directions in the last eight years and haven't been subjected to extra scrutiny in that time. When I was a hippie in a beater 15 years ago I had about a 1-in-3 chance of getting searched in either direction and it's not a big deal. They root around in your car and judge your reaction and then thank you and let you go.
TL;DR: If you don't look like a pothead or seedy smuggler and your stuff's in order, there's not a big difference in treatment between the agencies and you can expect your interaction to last about a minute. If you're scruffy/suspicious, the Americans will have a less-pleasant demeanor but you're just as likely to get hassled by the Canadians. And unless the situation's pretty unusual, getting "hassled" is easier than a trip to, say, the DMV. At least in Northern Vermont.
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:02 AM on March 4, 2011
First off, you need a valid passport, even when going by car.
I cross every summer, usually at Cornwall on the NY border. sometimes a couple of times. When I'm with my family (my wife and young son) it's usually quick and painless. "Where are you going? How long will you be? Is everyone in the car a US citizen? Do you have anything to declare?"
The only time I ever had a hard time was when I was by myself with a full pick-up truck. I got asked a lot more questions by the Canadian guard. He asked me questions in a way that seemed like he was trying to get me to trip up, to contradict myself. "What do you have in the back? What do you mean 'luggage'? What's luggage?"
But even after that he smiled, wished me a good trip, and sent me on my way.
It can be unpredictable. Once my wife crossed alone with my son and the guard gave her a very hard time saying they might not let her cross without a letter from the father saying it's ok. Since then when she goes alone I give her a letter saying I'm cool with it. It's really silly, since it's just something I've done up in Word with my squiggly signature. I could sign it "Epstien's Mother" and it would probably still work.
Another time we decided to bring a babysitter up with us for a week. My wife was already up so I crossed the border with an un-related sixteen year old girl. This was around the time when the news was filled with stories of guys meeting teenage girls on-line so I fully expected to get held up explaining what I was doing with her. I had her mother write up a letter with contact information, etc. The guard never even asked if we were related or not, I never needed the letter, he just let us through.
Be polite and friendly and they will be too. The guards do joke around sometimes and it can be a pleasant experience, and usually is, but like any authority figure they have the power to ruin your day if they feel like it. No jokes about bombs or having a car full of weed. Have your documents ready, prepare your "story" ahead of time so you don't stumble trying to explain that you're going to Montreal for the weekend and make them suspicious.
I've not really seen much difference between crossing into Canada and coming back. As I said, the worst I've had (and it wasn't much) was going to Canada. If anything the US guys are more fun because when you tell them where you live they might know it and comment on it, or have a friend there or whatever.
posted by bondcliff at 6:11 AM on March 4, 2011
I cross every summer, usually at Cornwall on the NY border. sometimes a couple of times. When I'm with my family (my wife and young son) it's usually quick and painless. "Where are you going? How long will you be? Is everyone in the car a US citizen? Do you have anything to declare?"
The only time I ever had a hard time was when I was by myself with a full pick-up truck. I got asked a lot more questions by the Canadian guard. He asked me questions in a way that seemed like he was trying to get me to trip up, to contradict myself. "What do you have in the back? What do you mean 'luggage'? What's luggage?"
But even after that he smiled, wished me a good trip, and sent me on my way.
It can be unpredictable. Once my wife crossed alone with my son and the guard gave her a very hard time saying they might not let her cross without a letter from the father saying it's ok. Since then when she goes alone I give her a letter saying I'm cool with it. It's really silly, since it's just something I've done up in Word with my squiggly signature. I could sign it "Epstien's Mother" and it would probably still work.
Another time we decided to bring a babysitter up with us for a week. My wife was already up so I crossed the border with an un-related sixteen year old girl. This was around the time when the news was filled with stories of guys meeting teenage girls on-line so I fully expected to get held up explaining what I was doing with her. I had her mother write up a letter with contact information, etc. The guard never even asked if we were related or not, I never needed the letter, he just let us through.
Be polite and friendly and they will be too. The guards do joke around sometimes and it can be a pleasant experience, and usually is, but like any authority figure they have the power to ruin your day if they feel like it. No jokes about bombs or having a car full of weed. Have your documents ready, prepare your "story" ahead of time so you don't stumble trying to explain that you're going to Montreal for the weekend and make them suspicious.
I've not really seen much difference between crossing into Canada and coming back. As I said, the worst I've had (and it wasn't much) was going to Canada. If anything the US guys are more fun because when you tell them where you live they might know it and comment on it, or have a friend there or whatever.
posted by bondcliff at 6:11 AM on March 4, 2011
You need a valid passport or enhanced ID, actually.
As another white person crossing legally, the worst hassle I have ever had is asking me where I worked (I had been employed in the US and I guess they wanted to make sure I wasn't trying again -- no problem since I got a new passport). As a group of early 20s white girls crossing in 2002, the worst hassle I got was asking me to pop the trunk and how we knew each other and where we planned to stay.
A friend of mine even crossed the border with the wrong passport once.
Be polite and non-aggressive. Joke back, don't joke first, don't make stupid comments or jokes about breaking the law. Try to look middle class, have clean hair and clothes, only road trip garbage on the seat. I do not know about racism.
I've crossed at most of the borders in Quebec and once in Ontario and have found that, overall, it's usually a bit faster for me to come back to Canada but neither group is obviously nicer or easier to deal with.
posted by jeather at 6:28 AM on March 4, 2011
As another white person crossing legally, the worst hassle I have ever had is asking me where I worked (I had been employed in the US and I guess they wanted to make sure I wasn't trying again -- no problem since I got a new passport). As a group of early 20s white girls crossing in 2002, the worst hassle I got was asking me to pop the trunk and how we knew each other and where we planned to stay.
A friend of mine even crossed the border with the wrong passport once.
Be polite and non-aggressive. Joke back, don't joke first, don't make stupid comments or jokes about breaking the law. Try to look middle class, have clean hair and clothes, only road trip garbage on the seat. I do not know about racism.
I've crossed at most of the borders in Quebec and once in Ontario and have found that, overall, it's usually a bit faster for me to come back to Canada but neither group is obviously nicer or easier to deal with.
posted by jeather at 6:28 AM on March 4, 2011
YVR agent a few months ago was very polite and chatted for 15 seconds about why I was visiting. The mirror agent I don't even remember. Driving through to Toronto from Chicago was hyper efficient with no fuss. Driving through in random ME the agent was bored and wanted to look around the trunk and chat. Asked whether I could get him painkillers when I told him what I do. My wife's passport was actually invalid (forgot to sign it) but he waived it through anyway.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 7:15 AM on March 4, 2011
posted by a robot made out of meat at 7:15 AM on March 4, 2011
US citizen, white male.
I cannot tell you how many times I have crossed the US-CA border. (Literally -- I have crossed so many times in the library in Derby Line/Stanstead and on foot at Estcourt/Pohénégamook that I could not count them.)
Going US-CA the agents have been unfailingly polite (shock!). I have gotten the third degree (pull to the secondary inspection area, have ID run through computer) once, and I'm pretty sure it's because I chose to cross in town (Stanstead QC) rather than on the Autoroute. I did get a trunk check once at Fort Erie. And I've noticed the questioning has become more in-depth; I was asked in-depth questions about the friend in TO I was staying with.
I've only had routine questioning crossing back from CA to US.
posted by Gridlock Joe at 7:33 AM on March 4, 2011
I cannot tell you how many times I have crossed the US-CA border. (Literally -- I have crossed so many times in the library in Derby Line/Stanstead and on foot at Estcourt/Pohénégamook that I could not count them.)
Going US-CA the agents have been unfailingly polite (shock!). I have gotten the third degree (pull to the secondary inspection area, have ID run through computer) once, and I'm pretty sure it's because I chose to cross in town (Stanstead QC) rather than on the Autoroute. I did get a trunk check once at Fort Erie. And I've noticed the questioning has become more in-depth; I was asked in-depth questions about the friend in TO I was staying with.
I've only had routine questioning crossing back from CA to US.
posted by Gridlock Joe at 7:33 AM on March 4, 2011
I'm an American citizen who dated and married a Canadian who is in the States on a TN visa so I cross the border by car about 2 - 3x a year. Getting to Canada (Ontario/Fort Erie or Montreal/VT) is usually hassle free - the only time we were pulled over was to pay duty/customs on a gift.
Getting back to the States either by Niagara or Peace Bridge has been a crapshoot. When I cross alone, the worst I got was being asked why I couldn't find a nice American boy to date instead. When I'm with my husband, who is both white and clean-cut, our trunk gets searched about 25 - 33% of the time. I'd say it's a combo of his nervousness (partly due to occaisional Metafilter threads) and his TN status. However, he was recently accused of trying to work the system and was informed that he received his last TN visa, so his nervousness isn't completely unwarranted.
posted by zix at 7:38 AM on March 4, 2011
Getting back to the States either by Niagara or Peace Bridge has been a crapshoot. When I cross alone, the worst I got was being asked why I couldn't find a nice American boy to date instead. When I'm with my husband, who is both white and clean-cut, our trunk gets searched about 25 - 33% of the time. I'd say it's a combo of his nervousness (partly due to occaisional Metafilter threads) and his TN status. However, he was recently accused of trying to work the system and was informed that he received his last TN visa, so his nervousness isn't completely unwarranted.
posted by zix at 7:38 AM on March 4, 2011
The last time I went to Canada was September 2009, we crossed at Queenston-Lewiston (I believe). We had to provide passports and/or enhanced licenses; were asked questions both ways. Very uneventful.
However - I have a friend whose passport has some sort of flag on it where every single time she crosses the border, the car she's in has to go through a full take-everything-out-of-the-car search, lots of questioning, it adds at least an hour to travel time. I don't know the specifics, but it has to do with simply being in the same car as someone who got caught doing something or other. It's been several years but the flag's still there.
posted by Lucinda at 7:42 AM on March 4, 2011
However - I have a friend whose passport has some sort of flag on it where every single time she crosses the border, the car she's in has to go through a full take-everything-out-of-the-car search, lots of questioning, it adds at least an hour to travel time. I don't know the specifics, but it has to do with simply being in the same car as someone who got caught doing something or other. It's been several years but the flag's still there.
posted by Lucinda at 7:42 AM on March 4, 2011
A friend of mine was driving from Canada to the states (from Winnipeg, Emerson crossing)
For whatever reason they decided to search his car, and they found a single roach (used up end of a joint of marijuana) that was probably from years prior.
They searched his entire vehicle. Detained him and his girlfriend and questioned them seperately.... asking him things like "So, where is it?" and asking her "We know your boyfriend is a drug dealer, just tell us where he hid it".
They eventually were released hours later without incident but it was still damn scary. If this is of any risk with your vehicle I recommend stripping the interior down of items and then taking it to a full service + interior car wash type of place.
Otherwise my experience driving down to North Dakota was fine. American guy on the way in just asked that the car was mine, why was I going down, etc. He was gruff but non-threatening. The canadian on the way back was incredibly easy going. He asked how much we spent and how much tobacco and alcohol we had, but didn't even verify any of it.
posted by utsutsu at 7:42 AM on March 4, 2011
For whatever reason they decided to search his car, and they found a single roach (used up end of a joint of marijuana) that was probably from years prior.
They searched his entire vehicle. Detained him and his girlfriend and questioned them seperately.... asking him things like "So, where is it?" and asking her "We know your boyfriend is a drug dealer, just tell us where he hid it".
They eventually were released hours later without incident but it was still damn scary. If this is of any risk with your vehicle I recommend stripping the interior down of items and then taking it to a full service + interior car wash type of place.
Otherwise my experience driving down to North Dakota was fine. American guy on the way in just asked that the car was mine, why was I going down, etc. He was gruff but non-threatening. The canadian on the way back was incredibly easy going. He asked how much we spent and how much tobacco and alcohol we had, but didn't even verify any of it.
posted by utsutsu at 7:42 AM on March 4, 2011
I have crossed from the US to Canada at the Peace Bridge in NY/Ontario, and then back to the US at A-55/I-91 in Quebec/Vermont. I am a US citizen.
Crossing into Canada, I was the driver with a bunch of fellow college kids, one of which was in the US on an F-1, in a musical group. We were going on a spring break tour, but given the nature of our music, all performances were free/we weren't charging admission, etc. However, when we explained this to the border guards, we got the secondary inspection and were admonished for not having sufficient documentation of our performance schedule, contacts, etc. I think the issue may have been that they thought we were underhandedly making money in Canada while pretending to be tourists, although I've never followed up since they let us go on our way.
Crossing back into the US at I-91 was extremely quiet, fast and easy.
posted by andrewesque at 8:22 AM on March 4, 2011
Crossing into Canada, I was the driver with a bunch of fellow college kids, one of which was in the US on an F-1, in a musical group. We were going on a spring break tour, but given the nature of our music, all performances were free/we weren't charging admission, etc. However, when we explained this to the border guards, we got the secondary inspection and were admonished for not having sufficient documentation of our performance schedule, contacts, etc. I think the issue may have been that they thought we were underhandedly making money in Canada while pretending to be tourists, although I've never followed up since they let us go on our way.
Crossing back into the US at I-91 was extremely quiet, fast and easy.
posted by andrewesque at 8:22 AM on March 4, 2011
Only once had a problem - and that was coming into VT from Quebec - I assume the US Border Guard just had a bad day, other than that both sides have been very nice but I've usually never had a problem at border crossings except once from Denmark to Germany and that was extenuating circumstances. *
As a matter of fact in my younger, hairier, hippie days, I was a bit insulted by how uninterested in me US Customs was "What, you don't think I have what it takes to be an international drug smuggler?"
I think customs gents are very good at sussing out people of interest. Of course since they have power and you don't if they detect an "attitude," or if you offend whatever racial/ethnic attitudes they have, suss or not you are in for extra questioning.
So basically don't have an attitude. You can't do much about who you are racially or ethnically, but since they have the power, just be obsequious, but a little bored. *Too* nice and they'll wonder why.
* 2 friends and I drove from Germany to DK. I guess Schengen was getting set up (mid 90s,) so we breezed through to Denmark as if going from NY to NJ. Nobody was even at the border station. On the way back, we assumed it was the same thing, no barriers or anything, so we blew through the border. Alas it wasn't to be as we saw border guards frantically waving and then a car with flashing lights following us. German border guard was polite but "very thourough."
posted by xetere at 8:31 AM on March 4, 2011
As a matter of fact in my younger, hairier, hippie days, I was a bit insulted by how uninterested in me US Customs was "What, you don't think I have what it takes to be an international drug smuggler?"
I think customs gents are very good at sussing out people of interest. Of course since they have power and you don't if they detect an "attitude," or if you offend whatever racial/ethnic attitudes they have, suss or not you are in for extra questioning.
So basically don't have an attitude. You can't do much about who you are racially or ethnically, but since they have the power, just be obsequious, but a little bored. *Too* nice and they'll wonder why.
* 2 friends and I drove from Germany to DK. I guess Schengen was getting set up (mid 90s,) so we breezed through to Denmark as if going from NY to NJ. Nobody was even at the border station. On the way back, we assumed it was the same thing, no barriers or anything, so we blew through the border. Alas it wasn't to be as we saw border guards frantically waving and then a car with flashing lights following us. German border guard was polite but "very thourough."
posted by xetere at 8:31 AM on March 4, 2011
I have an enhanced ID which is a fancy driver's license that you can get for land crossings between the US and Canada [and maybe Mexico? I have never tried it there]. I have no problem at border crossings in Vermont. I suspect this license makes me look like a border crossing equivalent of a frequent flyer. Usually both sides of the border are fine. When I'm not wanting to be stuck in traffic at the Route 89/133 crossing, I'll scoot over to the one that is due East which is basically a guard shack at Morse's line. You're pretty unlikely to get hassled but I definitely had someone looking at me like "Why are you AT this crossing in the first place?"
I've also taken the Greyhound/VT Transit bus across the border which is weird because everyone has to get off the bus and go through customs which can take a while because there are all sorts of people with complicated issues trying to get into Canda or the US. As someone who does not have a complicated issue, I breeze through these things.
I am a nice middle-aged white lady who is friendly to official types but I have definitely travelled over the border with my hippie-looking boyfriend and/or in a variety of beater cars and not had any problems> The only border crossing I've had trouble with was at Derby Line and that was because my sister 1) had mace 2) told them about it and while they offered to hold it for us until we got back [so nice!] they would not let us into Canada with mace.
posted by jessamyn at 8:55 AM on March 4, 2011
I've also taken the Greyhound/VT Transit bus across the border which is weird because everyone has to get off the bus and go through customs which can take a while because there are all sorts of people with complicated issues trying to get into Canda or the US. As someone who does not have a complicated issue, I breeze through these things.
I am a nice middle-aged white lady who is friendly to official types but I have definitely travelled over the border with my hippie-looking boyfriend and/or in a variety of beater cars and not had any problems> The only border crossing I've had trouble with was at Derby Line and that was because my sister 1) had mace 2) told them about it and while they offered to hold it for us until we got back [so nice!] they would not let us into Canada with mace.
posted by jessamyn at 8:55 AM on March 4, 2011
Mace isn't legal in Canada, but bear repellent sprays are.
posted by bonehead at 10:02 AM on March 4, 2011
posted by bonehead at 10:02 AM on March 4, 2011
I have crossed into Canada (from the detroit area) and out (into the niagara falls/buffalo area) and back again by car at least once a year during my life. Here is what I have learned: always carry your passport, and if you are with any of your children their passport and birth certificate (and if one or both parents are not physically in that car a note that says "I, missing parent(s), know and completely approve of my child(ren) going to Canada/US."), declare your stuff, be polite and clear but not social in your answers, account for all your hours in the foreign country, follow instructions given.
It seems random what they are looking for (we have been asked to open our trunk, we have had them look under the car, they may be looking for stolen kids, Canada once tried to take away our garage door opener thinking it was a police detector, or sometimes they ask about firearms, drugs, or produce).
Two things are true every time: One, going into America takes longer. So, now we look online for times of each entrance. And, two, the Canadians mark their exits clearer than Americans.
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 11:36 AM on March 4, 2011
It seems random what they are looking for (we have been asked to open our trunk, we have had them look under the car, they may be looking for stolen kids, Canada once tried to take away our garage door opener thinking it was a police detector, or sometimes they ask about firearms, drugs, or produce).
Two things are true every time: One, going into America takes longer. So, now we look online for times of each entrance. And, two, the Canadians mark their exits clearer than Americans.
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 11:36 AM on March 4, 2011
Another frequent Niagara River border crosser here. Never had a really bad experience, hassled for some receipts once or twice and had my trunk searched once or twice. But I noticed that no one has yet answered your question about the radiation scanners. There are a lot of electrical antenna looking gadgets pointed at you when you cross the border, none are intrusive. I always suspected one of them is looking for isotopes.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 1:54 PM on March 4, 2011
posted by kuujjuarapik at 1:54 PM on March 4, 2011
Specifically with respect to radiation scanners: I had a bone scan about 2 years ago, which involved getting injected with radio-isotopes. The doctor gave me a note specifying exactly what I'd been injected with for the express purpose of having it at the border for production (I didn't go, but they give it to everyone), so my guess is you should indeed expect some sort of radiation scanner.
posted by birdsquared at 6:24 PM on March 4, 2011
posted by birdsquared at 6:24 PM on March 4, 2011
Mmm, I crossed the Winnipeg/North Dakota border in September. Here's where I wrote up my experiences (hint: bad). In short, they video you coming in and going out, expect you to have your passport, and are polite but slow.
I have much better luck crossing into Tijuana. Which, if you're familiar with crossing into Tijuana, is a freaking nightmare.
posted by librarylis at 1:50 PM on March 5, 2011
I have much better luck crossing into Tijuana. Which, if you're familiar with crossing into Tijuana, is a freaking nightmare.
posted by librarylis at 1:50 PM on March 5, 2011
I have lived two miles from the Canadian border in Vermont for 30 odd years. It used to be pretty simple crossing both ways, but now coming into the US is much more stringent. And, I don't know why, but the US border personnel are much less polite, and have been for all those 30 odd years.
posted by psc1860 at 6:51 PM on March 5, 2011
posted by psc1860 at 6:51 PM on March 5, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks everyone! Very, very interesting .....
posted by coffeefilter at 11:49 AM on March 14, 2011
posted by coffeefilter at 11:49 AM on March 14, 2011
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posted by JanetLand at 5:15 AM on March 4, 2011