I always make a list of all the meats, eggs, fruit and fresh veggies aboard and then declare it at the border. You only get in trouble if you don't declare it and then they find it.
Simple,,i bring nothing across thats not in a can,bottle or box,no booze or anything else that would cause concern ('nuff said) Up to date passports along with all other documents like driver's licence,bith cetificates also i bring a copy of my mortgage to prove i have a residence in Canada to return to along with proof of money in a bank account to prove that im not going across to work illegally. Answer all questions honestly,directly and don't elaborate.On my last crossing at the Ambassador bridge the officers were professional,courteous and polite and i believe that they may respond to someone being organised and making their job a bit easier. i found as soon as i got through Michigan and a bit of Ohio the trip south was a treat,the roads were great and very scenic.
Have a good,safe trip!
07' Dodge 3500 6 speed Cummins Diesel Dually/6.7L Bully-Chipped /
Exhst Brake/07' Cedar Creek 37CDTSD Daydreamer fiver
Mallard @ Frau Blücher
Red Green:
Now lets Bow your heads for the men's prayer.
I am a man, but I can change.
If I have to, I guess...
I drove from Edmonton to Detroit (and back) this summer. No issues going to the US. I plan for this to usually take 30 - 90 minutes, as I am American, however my kids and wife are Canadian. This time, it was me and 3 Canadian kids - no mom... I had their passports and a letter for each child, signed by mom, and witnessed by her father, who is a Staff Sergeant with the Edmonton Police Service.
The only real questioning I got was when I was crossing back into Canada. They asked where the trailer was purchased. I told them canada, and they asked where, the dealer name, when it was registered, and if it was insured in Canada... I felt confident there were no issues, I am the owner and had all the paperwork needed.
They didn't question me about food, firearms, length of my visit.
Be polite, answer the questions they ask with simply Yes or No if that is all that is needed (don't elaborate unless asked to). Be ready if they "re-ask" a question or two but phrase it differently - they are seeing if your answer will be the same. DON'T try to joke around with the border guards!! They are just doing their jobs.
Have your up to date paperwork handy! When we went across to Niagara Falls, I knew my truck registration was up to date and in the glove box... but I didn't get it organized. When the border guard asked to see the registration, frantic paperwork searching was begun (he ended up passing us through). Just have the paperwork organized and easy to get to.
We found the border guards on both sides to be straightforward and businesslike.
_________________________________________________________
2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
It's OK to list what part of Canada you are in. Canada is only a little more specific than Western Hemisphere. We usually cross at Port Huron/Sarnia and have never had a problem. We avoid Detroit/Windsor because of the traffic and we would have to take the bridge. The UP of MI. from Sault Ste. Marie Canada to US is another one we use occasionally. We have never had a problem and go at least once a year to visit relatives.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
It's the government of any country that says what's fact, not the chit chat of those who pass. What's priority can change in a minute, witness Sept 11.
Or with the occurrence of bird flu in either country.
* This post was
edited 12/09/11 05:21pm by Little Kopit *
They will ask why you are going into Canada. Do not even joke about work. That is a four letter word to both the Canada and US side. Don't lie and only answer the questions asked. Do not give information away. If they don't ask about beef, veal, alcohol etc don't offer the information.
One thing not covered is medications. If you are on any prescription meds, take an ample supply in their ORIGINAL containers. Canadian doctors prescriptions are not recognized in the US. Also check your out of country/medical insurance coverages.
One more. When the US customs agent asks how long your are going to be in the US, try to give a definite date for return to Canada. We now say that we have to be back on March 31, for doctors appointments, or we have to be back for work on March 31. They seem to like a date and reason for your return.
Beverley and Ken
2006 Winnebago Outlook 29B E-450.
2012 Honda CR-V AWD
Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar and Brake Buddy Vantage.
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