Is Border Crossing Becoming Tougher And Tougher?

[onecooldude]

Hi All,

I have been a lurker for quite a while. Recently my wife and I went our separate ways. So I started hobbying to satisfy my libido. I live in Western New York and unfortunately the talent available there seems far behind when compared with Toronto and Niagara Falls, Canada. So I am thinking about crossing the border to hobby in which I never did before. I have heard that border crossing has become tougher and tougher ever since 9/11 in 2001. I have heard they interrogate travelers more at both customs. They search peoples’ vehicles and belongings more these days. I had friends who got turned away because they have xxx rated materials in their possession at the time. I also heard stories that a guy was refused entry because he had a tool box in his car trunk, I supposed on the suspicion that he was looking for work. Are both customs turning away more and more people these days? I guess once the custom agents are suspicious of the traveler’s motives and purposes of crossing the border, they tend to give the travelers hell.

I am born a US citizen. I have my passport and birth certificate. So paper work is not a problem. I just have a hard time thinking of some legitimate reasons to cross the border. I certainly do not want to tell them that I come over to hobby, as if I want trouble from them. Hahahahah! But if I tell them that I come over to the casino or tourism or have a better view of Canadian Falls or I am visiting Toronto for sightseeing, these excuses may be so common place that invite even more scrutiny from both customs. I was hoping the experienced hobbyists who frequently cross the border can help out.

So here are my questions waiting for answers:

1. What are the best fool proof excuses to use to cross the border without arousing suspicion? Smooth sailing from both customs is what I ask for.

2. Are there any hobbyists ever being denied crossing the border? If so, for what reason(s)? I do not mean those who have criminal records or other serious legal issues. I mean something like not being able to give them a consistent reason for crossing or the case of having too many tools in the car trunk. If the denial for entry was temporary instead of permanent, for example, for that day only, can the same hobbyists attempt to cross the border again, say the next day? If so, were they successful? Were they being flagged for follow up inspections from the customs? Don't they keep a record of those people the custom agents turned away? Thanks in advance for your help and answers.

 

[jaycam]

Hi All,
I have heard that border crossing has become tougher and tougher ever since 9/11 in 2002.

2002?

Ok I will be nice, your not crossing the border into Iraq... If im down at the falls for the day I cross just for the hell of it and a cheap tank of gas. Why do you think they would question you about going to the casino, Its a turist town your touring! If you told them you were crossing to by a toliet then you may get questioned.

Im my life I have never had to get out of my car coming of going from the US. Say your going to casino for the afternoon and have fun.

P.S. This is not Mexico, bring Canadian dollars, if you find girls that do take US$ they will rip you off on the exchange

 

[Speedo]

Since your paperwork is in order and (I assume) you've never had problems before, you shouldn't have any trouble. Just say you're visiting the Casino or Toronto or want to see the falls from the Canadian side -- anything like that should be fine.

Obviously, don't be bringing in any dicey material over the border -- drugs, guns, porn, etc.

As for smooth sailing, it's simply hit and miss. Most of the time, it's straightforward and problem-free. Sometimes, a border guard will be Mr./Ms. Chatty and sometimes you'll get one with a bee in their bonnet, and will give you a miserable time.

A couple of tips that may help -- look like your passport picture. In other words, take off the shades & ball cap as you approach the booth and mute the tunes. And if you have automatic windows, roll down the back seat one, too. It makes it easier for them to peek in.

Happy travelling !

 

[y2kmark]

Well, yes & no

FYI 9/11 was in 2001. To get to the reason first - just start out any night hobbying with a drink at your favorite SC. Where are you going? Maxines, Mints or PE (depending on the bridge) There is more chance now of getting your car tossed than 5 years ago, but it is a random thing unless you are acting suspiciously somehow. The less you have in your car the less there is to search. A workout bag with a towel and toiletries is never a problem, especially if you do stop at Balley or someplace before or after work - after all, hobbiests should stay in shape anyway. They also do random ID checks, but using the passport should just about eliminate that altogether. It's always better to tell the truth, especially coming back into the US, so you might want to stop at the SC after as well. Never carry weapons, non perscription drugs or any other type of contraband either way. A friend of a friend in college was detained over an hour, had 2 court appearances a $300 fine (and the cost of a lawyer) and probation for 3 Cuban cigars - more for lying about it than the cigars, really. He is also being denied entry into Canada over it, and can't apply to change his status for over 3 years. One other thing, no matter how long the line is or how slow they are don't show impatience or comment about it - they can screw with you for 20 or 30 minutes just on general principles even with nothing to go on at all.

All that said, 90% or better of your border crossings should be smooth as silk and hobbying in Canada vs. the states is well worth the occasional hassle.

 

[onecooldude]

FYI 9/11 was in 2001. To get to the reason first - just start out any night hobbying with a drink at your favorite SC. Where are you going? Maxines, Mints or PE (depending on the bridge) There is more chance now of getting your car tossed than 5 years ago, but it is a random thing unless you are acting suspiciously somehow. The less you have in your car the less there is to search. A workout bag with a towel and toiletries is never a problem, especially if you do stop at Balley or someplace before or after work - after all, hobbiests should stay in shape anyway. They also do random ID checks, but using the passport should just about eliminate that altogether. It's always better to tell the truth, especially coming back into the US, so you might want to stop at the SC after as well. Never carry weapons, non perscription drugs or any other type of contraband either way. A friend of a friend in college was detained over an hour, had 2 court appearances a $300 fine (and the cost of a lawyer) and probation for 3 Cuban cigars - more for lying about it than the cigars, really. He is also being denied entry into Canada over it, and can't apply to change his status for over 3 years. One other thing, no matter how long the line is or how slow they are don't show impatience or comment about it - they can screw with you for 20 or 30 minutes just on general principles even with nothing to go on at all.

All that said, 90% or better of your border crossings should be smooth as silk and hobbying in Canada vs. the states is well worth the occasional hassle.

Guys, thanks for the valuable advice. I stand corrected on my typo. 9/11 indeed took place in 2001.

It surely looks like people need to do their homework if they don't want to be roughed up by the custom agents. y2kmark, your narration of the story about 3 Cuban cigars is very interesting. I guess the punishment your friend's friend received was quite harsh for a little lie he invented. But wouldn't a hobbyist be lying if he comes over to get laid and then tell them he went to SC, assuming he stopped by a SC joint just for the sake of being able to tell the customs about it. I wonder how the customs will react if they were told his primary objective is to get laid. Lol!!!

A friend of my friend was turned back by the Canadian custom because she had a trunk load of merchandise from her shopping spree in which she forgot to unload before crossing the border. Her car was being searched for two hours. Then she was ordered to turn back and given a paper something to the effect that she withdrew her application to enter Canada. The customs also had her information (passport, driver license, and so on) in the computer. She wasn't issued any ticket to appear in court or anything like that. But she was told that everytime she comes back, there will be follow up inspections on her belongings. What a hassle! I am not sure if the Canadian custom agent was trying to scare her. I guess the Canadian custom was suspicious that she was selling those merchandise or something. Anyone had similar experience?

In my case, if I come to Toronto, I like to stay the night. If I have a carry on lugguage, should I just put it in plain sight in the cab instead of the trunk so may be they don't ask to look at my car trunk? I guess it may not matter as it seems the chance of being searched is more like the luck of the draw.

 

[goodtime]

A couple of tips that may help -- look like your passport picture. In other words, take off the shades & ball cap as you approach the booth and mute the tunes. And if you have automatic windows, roll down the back seat one, too. It makes it easier for them to peek in.

Good suggestion. That's exactly what I do before they asked, it makes their life easier and I don't get hassled.

Stay calm, prepare with short concise answers like where'll you be staying? purpose of travel? and how long you'll be away?

It's time for a little T.O. Enjoy.

 

[MuffinMuncher]

Every single time I drive over the border from Buffalo I simply hand over my passport and car registration. If they ask (50/50), I say "I am going to the casino for a couple hours before I have to drive to my parents house over in Rochester." Once you are over the border, it doesnt matter.

On the return, I go through the same process. I never put anything in my trunk, all my bags are in the backseat. If asked, I reply "I was up for the weekend to play golf (or go skiing) with friends in Toronto".

Stick to something simple, dont elaborate unless asked, and do not give them any reason to ask any questions.

 

[robert99]

These guys can be real pricks when they want to be and for no reason at all. Judging from the expression on their faces, it's like they have a bad day, everyday. LOL.

This is a hiring prerequisite - both on the Cdn and US sides

 

[Esco!]

Have your papers in order and tell them you are going to the Casino in NF to do some gambling

Thats a brilliant lie, and I'll tell you an almost 100% foolproof way of getting into Canada or the USA.
If you get denied turn back, wait 30 minutes, and try the same crossing again but drive up to a different booth. It's highly unlikely you'll get denied twice in one day. If you do get denied again then drive up to Lewiston and try your luck there.

Few years ago I got denied (for no clear reason) on the I-75 tunnel in Detroit, I then drove back made a U-turn and tried the bridge and got in no problem

 

[skypilot]

If you are going to see an SP and decide to lie and say "I'm meeting a friend at a restaraunt." Be prepared to answer what restaraunt and the name of the friend. In otherwords don't make it too complicated - just say going to the casino, or going to the stripjoints. I like telling female customs officers that I am going to (or have been to) the stripjoints. They just look disgusted and send me on my way. Any other answer and they are questioning you forever.

 

[crownandseven]

From 6/04 to 12/05, I worked for a US company, but I had responsibility for Canadian sites (Toronto and NF). I once went to CA 8 straight weeks and would tell the CAD Customs Agent that I had meetings, or was sightseeing, or visiting the Casino (depending on if I was going to Toronto or NF). I never showed my passport entering CA, just my birth certificate so my movements couldn't be so easily recorded. I also used rental cars picked up in the US, so I wouldn't have the same license plate number twice. I never had a problem either crossing into CA or back to the US. However, if I bought cigars at the duty-free shop, I kept them in the front seat of the car with the receipt to show the US Customs agent. I had to show that several times. One agent told that I would almost be better off trying to smuggle drugs into the US vs. Cuban cigars. I didn't really believe it. I would also bring back up to 3 bottles of liquor, even though the limit is one, and was never questioned nor had to pay the additional tax. Like others have said, don't have anything suspicious with you and you should be fine. I never told CAD Customs Agents that I was going to hobby, but they seemed very satisfied with the casino reason, especially during the Winter (NF off-season). I always crossed at Ft. Erie as I live in western NY.

Having said this, during Fall 2003, I was crossing at 1000 Islands because I was going to Montreal for business (but also to hobby for the 1st time). I must have said something wrong, looked suspicious or had a suspicious car, or it was my turn for the "random" search. I had my car searched, including under the wheel wells, trunk, hood, and glove box, in addition to luggage. I thought I was going to be detained, but I wasn't. As you see, anything can happen, but you should be ok.

As I'm writing this, I just thought of a question an American may know. According to the US Customs website, it is technically against US law for a US citizen to consume a product made in an embargoed country, even if the consumption occurs in a country permitting (US citizens smoking Cuban cigars in CA. When purchasing one, I've never been asked to show a US passport, then refused to be sold one.). If that's a crime, then is it a crime for a US citizen to hobby in CA, even if it is done in the legal ways in CA, but it is illegal in US? I believe to transport someone across state lines for that purpose is a felony?? I probably should have asked this question earlier, huh?

Crownandseven

 

[John Dough]

I am in the process of getting a "waiver" to get into the USA. It will happen, but it is a long process. Was a bullshit tax issue when I had an office in Miami. They, about a year ago stopped me at the airport..long story.. any way my question is... when driving and you show them your passport or drivers licence do they look and if you appear harmles waive you through or do they check their data base.
I know the risk they can claim the car etc etc, but I have often wondered if I could get across driving as I know that by air it would be impossible.

 

[onecooldude]

I think you are overly paranoid about this. Have your papers in order and tell them you are going to the Casino in NF to do some gambling and for how long. Remember, we are not the U.S. Americans are not coming to take Canadian jobs away. The Canadian customs don't care if you come up here because you will be spending money and supporting the economy by doing so. For us, U.S. customs are always worred about when we go down there that we're taking jobs away from their citizens. If you act nervous in front of customs, they will detect this. These guys can be real pricks when they want to be and for no reason at all. Judging from the expression on their faces, it's like they have a bad day, everyday. LOL. You're not doing anything wrong so don't keep anything suscipious looking in your car, answer their questions and you'll be fine.

HMMMM...Perhaps you are right that I am overly paranoid, Ms. Taylor. But I certainly think that you are so cute! May be if I have you riding in the car, the customs won't bother me. I am not accustomed to lying. Perhaps that is it. But obviously I do not want to tell them I come over to this friendly country to get laid. Is honesty the best policy here?

I actually consider coming over to rendezvous our lovely SPs as none of the customs' business. I have no doubt those customs agents are trained to profile travelers and they will search me if they have any doubt about me. So perhaps trying to beat them at their own game is risky. Too bad we have a border between the two lands!

 

[I_AmCdn]

if asked, I reply "I was up for the weekend to play golf (or go skiing) with friends in Toronto".

just make sure you get the seasons correct....we ski in Dec to Mar and golf April to Nov....i.e. Just like Americans in New York.

 

[onecooldude]

...If you get denied turn back, wait 30 minutes, and try the same crossing again but drive up to a different booth. It's highly unlikely you'll get denied twice in one day. If you do get denied again then drive up to Lewiston and try your luck there.

Few years ago I got denied (for no clear reason) on the I-75 tunnel in Detroit, I then drove back made a U-turn and tried the bridge and got in no problem

A few years back, I think it may be easier to turn around in a little while and try again if one is denied entry. These days with sophisticated IT technology from our tax payers, I am certain they notate the record on their computers. So perhaps turning around and try again may not work if the traveler's info appears on their system as not to be accepted on a certain day or period. I am curious as to any uptodate successes that one attempts to re-enter after initially being turned away. Anyone?

 

[zanner69]

had this problem entering detroit, i have dual cit. so no prob for me, the guy with me only had a letter from the boss, got denied at the bridge, couldnt get a hold af anyone at the office, so we took the tunnel, they knew we were denied and sent us inside, got lucky i was legal so wtf, go on through she said. they had our plate in their computer.

everytime to enter the U.S. your license plate number goes in the computer - a picture is taken of your license plate - they also record how many people are in the car - when you entered etc.

they can go back and check to see if you have ever been denied access.

I have dual cit. as well - so no problems here

 

[Esco!]

had this problem entering detroit, i have dual cit. so no prob for me, the guy with me only had a letter from the boss, got denied at the bridge, couldnt get a hold af anyone at the office, so we took the tunnel, they knew we were denied and sent us inside, got lucky i was legal so wtf, go on through she said. they had our plate in their computer.

Well thats strange cause this happened only 2 years ago.
Maybe the bastard didnt have his glasses on

 

[Steve-A]

If you're planning on going fairly often - why not apply for Nexus. Then you don't have to give a reason...

 

[jeffham29]

I know Customs agents and I am Canadian. After crossing the border many times even since 9/11 I've found that U.S. and Canadian Customs guys don't really give a shit, especially if you're coming across to spend money (at a casino, etc.). I'd wager a box of Timbits that a quick flash of your driver's license and two questions about citizenship and reason for visit gets you across in 30 seconds.

 

[baltimoron]

What about the tools in the trunk? Just got a brand new tool kit for my car for emergency use.