Crossed a bunch of times at ferry terminal in Yarmouth, NS. The only time we were delayed was when the customs officials came out and searched the MH in front of me, and they had to have advanced knowledge. They took out cases of US cigarettes, and I guess they were arrested, as I was moved into another lane.On the way back, I was asked if I had anything to declare, by US Customs, in Portland, I said "a bottle of Lambs Navy Rum", he said "what size", I said"a quart", he said "US or Imperial", I said"look",hesaid "you have to pay duty on eight ounces, as you are allowed to bring in only 32 ounces" I said "give me the bottle" he then said "go ahead" figuring I would be drunk before I left the terminal. He did get the Cuban cigars though.
1998 Dodge CTD,4x4,longbed,Firestone air bags,front hitch,Honda 2000i,2001 Lance835 with all the comforts.
We go through all the time. Never an issue either way.
Had the trailer searched once on the way into Canada and had it X-Rayed once on the way into the states. Both times the "hassle" as some call it took about 10 minutes.
It has been awhile since we have crossed into Canada or into the US at a small crossing point. Most of the time we wind up in a friendly converstion about where we are from. We usually get a good natured "So, you are from BERMUDA! What are you doing here?" The answer will be along the lines of "We felt this sucking sensation at home in the Triangle so we are escaping while we still can." Something like that usually breaks any ice & off we go with friendly blah blah blah.
Have all relevant documents handy. After that, it is all about attitude whether you get a detailed search or not.
As said before, the immigration & customs officials are just people with a job to do. They can pick out pretty quick who needs the rubber glove treatment & who gets by with a friendly 'have a good trip'.
Over the years our only problems have been with junior US officials who do not know that we are allowed into the US for vacation purposes WITHOUT a visa. A quick call to a supervisor fixes that one. After that it is just friendly conversation.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
Describe your border crossing experience -- in one word "expensive". Last Oct. we crossed into the US at Detroit. We were pulled over for a 'routine Agriculture Inspection'. We were fined $300 because there was some beef (probably 3 oz.) in what I thought was a vegetarian lasagna. Because we denied we had any beef, we were fined. Heck, I didn't know there was any beef in it - it truly was a very innocent mistake. What danger could a frozen lasagna going from the freezer into the microwave the same day have on Americans? I guess I'll never be able to figure that one out and although we joke about it whenever we have lasagna, I am somewhat miffed and bitter. Of course we are now "flagged" in the system and were pulled over again in January. Now it is OK to bring beef across the border - the inspector told me this after looking at her screen and obviously read what had happened. She also was shocked and said she wouldn't have done that to us.
Maybe she could arrange for a refund? ? I was tempted to ask her but kept my mouth shut.
2007 Holiday Rambler Admiral 30 SFS with lots of good stuff!
Tripalot wrote: I guess I'll never be able to figure that one out and although we joke about it whenever we have lasagna, I am somewhat miffed and bitter.
I can't say that I blame you for being bitter.
You were just unlucky enough to get a customs agent with absolutely no common sense (there are some in every walk of life). Most of the customs people I've dealt with are reasonable. Their prime responsibility is to protect us from dangerous people and substances.
I hope you and all your Canadian friends will still visit our country and continue to welcome us to Canada.
P.S. I'm near Massena NY, so we aren't far apart!
05 Ford F-350 Lariat CC 4X4 PSD DRW Line X Retrax
02 Montana Big Sky 3295 RK (2) Honda EU2000is
When my grown kids were inspecting our new fifth wheel, one asked why we bought a trailer that sleeps 4. My reply was that we couldn't find one that sleeps 2!
When coming into Canada at Sault Ste Marie we learned (!) that NO ONE in the vehicle is to be talking on a cell phone when coming thru the Immigration checkpoint! The interviewer wants the undivided attention of everyone!
Also, I have a friend who made the mistake of saying to the Canadian Customs agent at Ottawa International Airport that he may have swallowed a few seeds when he had grapefruit for breakfast that morning! Wow! Forty-five minutes later he came out of Customs! The lady agent had gone thru every piece of his luggage, every crack and crevice. (This relates to their usual question "Are you bringing any fruits, vegetables, seeds, etc into the country.")
My wife is still bothered by the fact that when we entered North Dakota from Saskatchewan, the US agent confiscated the lemon for her tea but ignored the package of hotdogs defrosting in the sink of the travel trailer.
Have been crossing for years, never had a problem either side of the border. We prefer smaller, less popular crossing but you have to be careful about scheduling as they are not open 24/7. We were searched last year (US) as we acknowledged having veggies and fruit in the fridge but it was quick and efficient. Our dog has an ID card with her picture and immunization records on it, Canadian guards thought this was a hoot! (They DID have a sense of humor). Only other advice, let the person being questioned answer the question..even if it's a youngster. Although passports are not yet required, they do seem to facilitate matters.
Crossed numerous times and find that the authorities are all different. Some are having good days, some bad. Most memorable had to be a young US agent who asked if I was ever fingerprinted. Sure, I was in the military for 25 yrs and had a security clearance. At what level he asked. I'm sorry, I can't tell you that. Pull over there. And they proceeded to search the snot out of me.
I was'nt flippant, just truthful. Did'nt work with him though.
Rick & Carolyn
01 Ford SC 4x4 DRW
01 CarriLite 5ver
I think just about everything has been covered, except mention of the old criminal conviction. If anyone has an OLD conviction...DUI is one of the most common, that person can/will be turned back. Yes, 20 years is a long time ago, but the electronic files are right on the screen.
This applies in both directions. Cdns heading south face the same rules as US people heading into Canada.
garyhaupt wrote: I think just about everything has been covered, except mention of the old criminal conviction. If anyone has an OLD conviction...DUI is one of the most common, that person can/will be turned back. Yes, 20 years is a long time ago, but the electronic files are right on the screen.
This applies in both directions. Cdns heading south face the same rules as US people heading into Canada.
Gary Haupt
I'm not 100% sure of this, but I have been told that after a DWI/DUI is 5 years old, you can apply for a waiver of some sort that will allow you to enter with a conviction.
My son in law has a DWI conviction, thus wasn't allowed into Canada. He applied for this (still pending), but I don't know much more about it.
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