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Problems crossing the Canadian border?

post #1 of 11
7/21/10 at 4:16am
Thread Starter 
I've heard of reports lately that it can be more difficult crossing by car these days. Anyone know of any odd situations of border crossing? Personal experiences?
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post #2 of 11
7/21/10 at 4:21am

We have family in Canada, and aside from traffic backups, have never had any issues with crossing the border. Make sure you have your passport, though.

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post #3 of 11
7/21/10 at 9:09am

More delays going from Canada to the States, but generally no issues going either way. Just be truthful about the questions (such as value of stuff you're bringing across the border, destination, etc.) and should be an easy crossing.

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post #4 of 11
7/21/10 at 9:24am

you can always take a canoe from northern minnesota ;-)

 

no joke, I know when I lived in the twin cities that was what a lot of people did. not with head-fi type equipment, mind you ;-) just for an outdoors adventure.


Edited by melomaniac - 7/21/10 at 9:25am
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post #5 of 11
7/21/10 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by melomaniac View Post

you can always take a canoe from northern minnesota ;-)

 

no joke, I know when I lived in the twin cities that was what a lot of people did. not with head-fi type equipment, mind you ;-) just for an outdoors adventure.


lolzers

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post #6 of 11
7/21/10 at 11:22am
I got detained and searched on the way back in last month. They were polite and professional about it, but still not something you look forward to. I don't know if I fit a profile or something or if I was just one of those caught in a quota.
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post #7 of 11
7/21/10 at 12:18pm

been out in the sun and forgotten to shave maybe?

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post #8 of 11
7/21/10 at 4:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

I got detained and searched on the way back in last month. They were polite and professional about it, but still not something you look forward to. I don't know if I fit a profile or something or if I was just one of those caught in a quota.



That's terrible IMO. I've  read about odd things like if someone has a previous DUI, they won't be admited to Canada but I could have read incorrectly. I assume for the most part, it's not bad but from what I've read, it's a slower process crossing the border these days.

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post #9 of 11
7/21/10 at 9:09pm

     Quote:

Originally Posted by Spareribs View Post

That's terrible IMO. I've  read about odd things like if someone has a previous DUI, they won't be admited to Canada but I could have read incorrectly.

 

A DUI is a felony (indictable offense) in Canada, and is considered as such even if it isn't in your country.  There are various reasons why you might be inadmissible to enter Canada because of a criminal record.

 

Quote:

Criminal inadmissibility

 

If you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you may not be allowed to enter Canada.

 

Criminal offences include both minor and serious offences, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For a complete list of criminal offences in Canada, consult the Canadian Criminal Code.

 

If you were convicted of a crime when you were under the age of 18, you can probably still enter Canada. See the Related Links at the bottom of this page for more information about admissibility.

 

It is possible to pay a fee and apply to be "rehabilitated" if your conviction was a long time ago.  See here.

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post #10 of 11
7/21/10 at 10:47pm

I haven't crossed the border back or forth in years... I recall it being very easy a few years ago, but can't comment as of recent years.

 

Strangely, those easy crossings were years following 911.

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post #11 of 11
7/22/10 at 12:35am
No, I don't have any convictions for anything other than minor infractions, all dealt with responsibly. The last one being a U-turn in a business district two years ago, and the previous one for speeding more than 10 years ago. Besides, it was the US authorities that did it - not the Canadians. The Canadians didn't blink an eye. Even then, the US guys weren't that bad. I wasn't searched personally and they mostly opened the car's compartments while making small talk. Uncomfortable, but like I said, they didn't step outside their authority and I was not mistreated in any way.

We'll see what happens tomorrow. I'm in Arizona for a few days and I'm planning to visit Mexico tomorrow. I wonder if the DHS will pull me aside. I'm not terribly concerned; just a little tourism and a few cheap drinks. Maybe I'll (legally) enjoy a Cuban tobacco product or two in a sleazy bar.
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