If you are taking something valuable into Canada and bringing it back with you, register it with American Customs before leaving the USA, especially if it isn't made in the US, Canada or Mexico and might be subject to duty.
Items like expensive cameras, video equipment, generators, guns, etc., should be registered. You may never be asked, but you may have to prove you took it out of the country, to avoid problems bringing it back in.
Registration is free, can be done at any US Customs office and only needs to be done once (as long as you keep the copy of the registration).
As far as declaring things at the border, it is your responsibility to declare what you're bringing into either country. If the agent doesn't ask you, it doesn't mean it's ok to not tell them about tobacco, booze, large amounts of cash, etc.
My advise is to be honest with the agent. Tell him you that crossing the border is new to you and you want to do it right. It's been my experience that they will ask you the pertinent questions and guide you along. If you have nothing to hide, you won't have a problem.
One thing to be avoid is taking any living plants or root vegetables (potatoes, radishes, beets, carrots, etc.). Anything that might have dirt on it isn't allowed.
You can take (taxed) tobacco or booze, but you will have to pay duty if you take over a certain amount (I think 2 cartons of cigarettes is the limit).
Try to leave any gifts unwrapped so agents can see them if they want. You may end up unwrapping them if they are wrapped.
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Typically the process for crossing through into Canada will consist of pulling up to the customs point where the agent will ask
- where you are from
- what states you have lived in (they check for DUI convictions and if you have one you will have a hard time getting into Canada)
- where you are going
- how long you will be in Canada
They will then ask if you have
- tobacco
- alcohol
- guns, ammo or gun parts
- more than $10,000
- perhaps some food related questions although they didn't ask us anything like that
- anything you intend to sell or leave in Canada
ALWAYS answer honestly. You can NOT bring a pistol into Canada; don't even try. You can bring a long gun through but will have to purchase a permit that is only good for 60 days. After you answer the questions you will then either be passed through or asked to pull in for an inspection. If you are inspected be polite and patient. They are trying to protect their country and enforce their laws. Be a pleasant guest and you will be through much quicker. It also helps to have all your paperwork, passports, dog health record, insurance papers ready when you approach the customs point. It shows them you are ready and have at least an idea of what you are doing. If it is your first border crossing, by all means let them know. They aren't ogres (well, most of them). Then enjoy your journey through beautiful northwestern Canada.
kb
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From a friend who works for the Canadian Border Security Agency......
A new possible question at our border crossing points is about " US military active duty menbers " who may be coming to Canada as deserters .
In the past couple of years that had become a trend, and as of this March in 2008, there are an estimated 400 to 600 such people in Canada, awaiting their applications to be heard as "refugees ".
The CBSA has sent out directives to their inspectors, to check with US military information sources , when US military members attempt to enter Canada, in particular if they are single males, travelling alone. Identifiers may be US military base parking stickers on their vehicles or unit designator decals, and very short haircuts. If they produce U.S. military I.D. cards they are to be held for verification of their status, from their home unit or base, unless they have valid travel warrants, for example to a new duty station in Alaska.
The Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board has turned down All the applications made by U.S, military deserters, but it does clog up the system and it is costly for us to process the claims, which we have to do, under our own laws. Eventually, we ( Canada ) have to round up and deport them back to the U.S. border, and hand them over to the U.S. military Police for trial as deserters .
Jim B. Toronto.
* This post was
edited 05/16/08 06:48am by jimbunting *
How different our (Canada's) policy from the late 60s and early 70s. When I moved to Canada in 1969, it wasn't all that hard for someone who was a draft dodger to be accepted as an immigrant.
Sure, the law is different. Draft dodgers were very much welcomed. I met many in my early years in this country.
I can't help, but wonder if there will be a change in policy with a change in administration in one country or another.
The people I mentioned are NOT draft dodgers. They ARE military deserters, who are criminals, in their own country, who are attempting to use Canada, as a place to hide out. Canada doesn't need such people. We also don't need the added costs that they present to our allready over extended Refugee situation.
These are people who signed a legal contract to serve, knowing full well that the military isn't a 9 to 5 social services agency. EVERY military member should know that THEY may be deployed overseas and that it is their job to be ready to do so. When they do get the "word to go " these people react by trying to shirk their responsibilities, and some try to hide out in our country. Not all of them do that, but a significan number are now here in Canada, and once again we, the Canadian taxpayers are having to pay the costs to process them thru the refugee hearings , all the apppeals, and the eventual deportation back to the USA.
I doubt they would think someone my age or with my "physique" would be a deserter, unless it was may years ago.
I live very close to the border, cross often and have never heard of anyone asked this question.
When you think of it, 400 - 600 is a very small percentage of the people that cross the border every day. If they are fugitives, we have reciprocity and extradition with Canada, so if they are located, they can be easily deported/extradited.
If it was only that easy....... Our refugee laws demand that they get a full hearing, and the appeals process can run up to 3 years, before they are eventually sent back to the USA. In the meantime, guess who is paying to keep them fed and housed ??
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