entering canada with driving record
- Thread starter xshoex
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I'm still surprised that Canada has direct access to USA records. In the USA we harbor illegals and criminals yet Canada is considered the "nice" country? Just pointing out facts...
When I moved from Colorado to Vermont, I decided to go from Detroit, where I was visiting family, up through Toronto on the 401, then down through upstate New York.
Because I was moving, the Volvo wagon (a 1985 240 Turbo with a manual transmission and running 5w30 Mobil 1) was packed with stuff like a high chair, kids clothes, and other family items that would be needed when my family arrived in Vermont after me.
It took me a long time at the border.
A long time.
I had to convince the officer that: 1. I wasn't moving to Canada, 2. I was gainfully employed, 3. I wasn't carrying any weapons, and 4. That I wasn't crazy. At least 20-30 minutes talking with him. I don't think he wanted to search the car, because it would've taken hours, he just couldn't understand why I was going through Canada, but the route was just as fast, and a whole lot more interesting than the New York Thruway...I was completely honest (which helped) and a copy of my airline ID helped him believe that I wasn't trying to slip across the border and become a burden to the state.
Because I was moving, the Volvo wagon (a 1985 240 Turbo with a manual transmission and running 5w30 Mobil 1) was packed with stuff like a high chair, kids clothes, and other family items that would be needed when my family arrived in Vermont after me.
It took me a long time at the border.
A long time.
I had to convince the officer that: 1. I wasn't moving to Canada, 2. I was gainfully employed, 3. I wasn't carrying any weapons, and 4. That I wasn't crazy. At least 20-30 minutes talking with him. I don't think he wanted to search the car, because it would've taken hours, he just couldn't understand why I was going through Canada, but the route was just as fast, and a whole lot more interesting than the New York Thruway...I was completely honest (which helped) and a copy of my airline ID helped him believe that I wasn't trying to slip across the border and become a burden to the state.
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Originally Posted By: Bandito440
It's not up to the individual CBSA officer. There are very clear laws about which crimes makes someone inadmissible to Canada, much like the US.
I have to disagree about it not being up to the individual. They also have very clear laws about doing work in Canada and I have been there many times for work purposes. I have had very different experiences each time and each time I go, my explanation of what I'm doing is the same.
However, you are dead on right, he shouldn't rely on us. He needs to contact people who know.
It's not up to the individual CBSA officer. There are very clear laws about which crimes makes someone inadmissible to Canada, much like the US.
I have to disagree about it not being up to the individual. They also have very clear laws about doing work in Canada and I have been there many times for work purposes. I have had very different experiences each time and each time I go, my explanation of what I'm doing is the same.
However, you are dead on right, he shouldn't rely on us. He needs to contact people who know.
Back in the day, when I lived in Michigan, we crossed in to Canada often. No issues what so ever. I spent part of my wedding trip in Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side. About 20 or so years ago, took a day trip, just a few hours, to visit. I got really hassled at the border. That was my last trip to Canada, I don't go there any more. They don't need my money.
Back in the day Canada was the destination for everyone between 19 and 21 around here. 20 minute drive to the "Windsor
Ballet" AKA topless joints. Canada had or has a drinking age of 19 and the border was pretty much wide open. Pull up with a car full and the agent asks everyone there citizenship and off you go. No ID shown no problems.
Ballet" AKA topless joints. Canada had or has a drinking age of 19 and the border was pretty much wide open. Pull up with a car full and the agent asks everyone there citizenship and off you go. No ID shown no problems.
Glad to know everyone on this post has never made a mistake in their life and are 100% perfect
If you are flying in, you don't have to have a passport to get in to Canada, but you definitely do to fly back into the US.
Land crossings don't have to have a passport - a NEXUS card or passport card will work there.
You need to contact the Canadian consulate and ask your question and get it cleared up before you go to the border.
My last border crossing experience getting into Canada was quite friendly. Getting back into the US was another matter - even as a US citizen with a passport. Part of it was the crossing was not busy the time we returned.
Answer all questions honestly and directly.
No judgement here - and frankly Canada (or any other country) has the right to set their own rules (as does the USA) on who gets in and who doesn't.
Land crossings don't have to have a passport - a NEXUS card or passport card will work there.
You need to contact the Canadian consulate and ask your question and get it cleared up before you go to the border.
My last border crossing experience getting into Canada was quite friendly. Getting back into the US was another matter - even as a US citizen with a passport. Part of it was the crossing was not busy the time we returned.
Answer all questions honestly and directly.
No judgement here - and frankly Canada (or any other country) has the right to set their own rules (as does the USA) on who gets in and who doesn't.
Originally Posted By: FowVay
I go to Niagara Falls and show my passport and the only thing they ask me is where I plan to stay. I never knew they interrogated people for going over for the day.
I haven't gone in 2 years so maybe it's changed.
I never got questioned going into Canada (other than my intent, and amount of money I was carrying) the 9 days I spent in Niagara Falls, US and walked the rainbow bridge to Canada each day. However, by day 5 the U.S. Customs officials were getting rather suspicious of my daily border crossings and the questions got more detailed each afternoon.
I go to Niagara Falls and show my passport and the only thing they ask me is where I plan to stay. I never knew they interrogated people for going over for the day.
I haven't gone in 2 years so maybe it's changed.
I never got questioned going into Canada (other than my intent, and amount of money I was carrying) the 9 days I spent in Niagara Falls, US and walked the rainbow bridge to Canada each day. However, by day 5 the U.S. Customs officials were getting rather suspicious of my daily border crossings and the questions got more detailed each afternoon.
Originally Posted By: FowVay
I go to Niagara Falls and show my passport and the only thing they ask me is where I plan to stay. I never knew they interrogated people for going over for the day.
I haven't gone in 2 years so maybe it's changed.
No, hasn't changed you are right...it is often a matter of WHERE you cross. Middle of nowhere? Yeah they're going to look you over pretty good. Busy tourist area with Passport? Move along.
I go to Niagara Falls and show my passport and the only thing they ask me is where I plan to stay. I never knew they interrogated people for going over for the day.
I haven't gone in 2 years so maybe it's changed.
No, hasn't changed you are right...it is often a matter of WHERE you cross. Middle of nowhere? Yeah they're going to look you over pretty good. Busy tourist area with Passport? Move along.
Originally Posted By: xshoex
Thanks for all the responses
If you're flying to Canada you need a passport, period.
Thanks for all the responses
If you're flying to Canada you need a passport, period.
Canada is tough, I used to live a few miles away from the border.
They will not let you in with DUI offenses on your record. I think it falls off after 10 years.
Best bet is to call the border crossing and explain your situation. They will probably tell you yes or no over the phone.
The key here is honesty, don't try to [censored] them.
I was on a limo driving to canada with about 10 friends, two had alcohol violations and they turned us around at the border.
They will not let you in with DUI offenses on your record. I think it falls off after 10 years.
Best bet is to call the border crossing and explain your situation. They will probably tell you yes or no over the phone.
The key here is honesty, don't try to [censored] them.
I was on a limo driving to canada with about 10 friends, two had alcohol violations and they turned us around at the border.
Originally Posted By: zorobabel
Originally Posted By: xshoex
Thanks for all the responses
If you're flying to Canada you need a passport, period.
I do have one.
Originally Posted By: xshoex
Thanks for all the responses
If you're flying to Canada you need a passport, period.
I do have one.
Originally Posted By: RedOakRanch
I'm still surprised that Canada has direct access to USA records. In the USA we harbor illegals and criminals yet Canada is considered the "nice" country? Just pointing out facts...
The U.S. has direct access to our records, too. Well, neither access is exactly direct, but it functions as such in practice. Call it indirect, but automated.
I'm still surprised that Canada has direct access to USA records. In the USA we harbor illegals and criminals yet Canada is considered the "nice" country? Just pointing out facts...
The U.S. has direct access to our records, too. Well, neither access is exactly direct, but it functions as such in practice. Call it indirect, but automated.
Originally Posted By: MNgopher
If you are flying in, you don't have to have a passport to get in to Canada, but you definitely do to fly back into the US.
Land crossings don't have to have a passport - a NEXUS card or passport card will work there.
You need to contact the Canadian consulate and ask your question and get it cleared up before you go to the border.
My last border crossing experience getting into Canada was quite friendly. Getting back into the US was another matter - even as a US citizen with a passport. Part of it was the crossing was not busy the time we returned.
Answer all questions honestly and directly.
No judgement here - and frankly Canada (or any other country) has the right to set their own rules (as does the USA) on who gets in and who doesn't.
Passport card is just a smaller passport.
When you go for just a few hours or a short period of time they suspect you of smuggling on both sides of the border.
If you are flying in, you don't have to have a passport to get in to Canada, but you definitely do to fly back into the US.
Land crossings don't have to have a passport - a NEXUS card or passport card will work there.
You need to contact the Canadian consulate and ask your question and get it cleared up before you go to the border.
My last border crossing experience getting into Canada was quite friendly. Getting back into the US was another matter - even as a US citizen with a passport. Part of it was the crossing was not busy the time we returned.
Answer all questions honestly and directly.
No judgement here - and frankly Canada (or any other country) has the right to set their own rules (as does the USA) on who gets in and who doesn't.
Passport card is just a smaller passport.
When you go for just a few hours or a short period of time they suspect you of smuggling on both sides of the border.
I've never had an issue getting into Canada except one time I had a rental and they wanted to search it which was fine with me. I sat on a bench and could watch them. No biggie.
Coming back into the US they asked if I rented the car the same day I crossed into Canada which wasn't the case then they wanted to SEARCH it. I had to go into a building with the car out of sight. It was full of people in there. Then I was called up to the counter to talk to an agent who I think was his first day. Esp since a female officer from the next station was kind of listening in. Asked me if I owned my house, do I own a car, why didn't I drive that, and that was about it. Every time I had my personal car it was never searched and that was when I was doing a lot of crossings. This was the Niagara Falls POE.
Another time crossing back into the US by Detroit the agent asked what I was doing there, I said visiting the Casino. He asked how much I paid for parking. I said it was FREE parking. Trick question. Then asked how much cash I had on me, I said, $80. HE replied, $80,000?!?!?!?!. No, "$80".
Many times they would ask me to pop the trunk and they would look into the spare tire well.
Crossing into Canada they would ask me where I would be staying, as in what Hotel. Which I thought was kind of different. I crossed so many times back and forth I kind of learned how to answer and what to say to cross quickly.
Don't get stuck behind an RV entering the US as it will be a lengthy visit.
Coming back into the US they asked if I rented the car the same day I crossed into Canada which wasn't the case then they wanted to SEARCH it. I had to go into a building with the car out of sight. It was full of people in there. Then I was called up to the counter to talk to an agent who I think was his first day. Esp since a female officer from the next station was kind of listening in. Asked me if I owned my house, do I own a car, why didn't I drive that, and that was about it. Every time I had my personal car it was never searched and that was when I was doing a lot of crossings. This was the Niagara Falls POE.
Another time crossing back into the US by Detroit the agent asked what I was doing there, I said visiting the Casino. He asked how much I paid for parking. I said it was FREE parking. Trick question. Then asked how much cash I had on me, I said, $80. HE replied, $80,000?!?!?!?!. No, "$80".
Many times they would ask me to pop the trunk and they would look into the spare tire well.
Crossing into Canada they would ask me where I would be staying, as in what Hotel. Which I thought was kind of different. I crossed so many times back and forth I kind of learned how to answer and what to say to cross quickly.
Don't get stuck behind an RV entering the US as it will be a lengthy visit.
Iv'e been to Canada many times,and more than once was pulled and had luggage looked thru and questioned only when i flew in never driving.Bit of a hassle but just answer them truthfully and DON'T lie trust me they know if you are,they know more about you than you think they do.Less is more,answer what they ask and don't tell the a huge story,short and to the point,and they like to ask trick questions too,so listen when they speak.Crossed into Canada and back to the US couple times by car ,but the majority was flying in.Be safe.
Originally Posted By: CT Rob
Less is more,answer what they ask and don't tell the a huge story,short and to the point,
That's for sure, many times I give one or two word answers and that never seems to bother them any. When entering by car, I swivel my head and look them in the eye about the entire time. Much of that time they're looking at their screen.
Less is more,answer what they ask and don't tell the a huge story,short and to the point,
That's for sure, many times I give one or two word answers and that never seems to bother them any. When entering by car, I swivel my head and look them in the eye about the entire time. Much of that time they're looking at their screen.
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