Requirements when travelling to Canada

FordTruck · 10-05-2006, 06:30 PM

Wife and I will be celebrating 20 years together next April. We're planning a trip through Upstate NY and across the border to Toronto. Will have 9-10 days for the round-trip.
What can we expect at the border crossings, both outbound and inbound? (Stirp searches

?, cursory questions about where we're going and how long we'll be there? Bribes to the border guards?)
We have the paperwork (passports and drivers licenses, vehicle registration and proof of insurance).

Thanks for sharing your experiences.
FT

maxandgeorgia · 10-05-2006, 06:51 PM

Congratulations on your 20th and happy planning for your celebration trip! You might use the search tool on the menu bar at the top of this page. We had a discussion of this topic during the past summer. Use key words: Canada, border crossing, and so on. You'll find some useful information. As well, I think members will add to the discussion on this thread

I know we need to get passports by next year; you already have them! ~G

ticki2 · 10-05-2006, 06:59 PM

Congrats!
Try a search on " Northern Camping" , good discussion.

GlenCoombe · 10-05-2006, 07:10 PM

Wave at the customs guys going in and tell 'em I'm not coming back!
Don't forget that if you're taking pets they have to have documentation too.
Just like on the airlines.... no jokes as you board or cross the border. Be nice and answer the questions as asked....don't volunteer extra info... it just slows down the process for those behind you.

SmokelessJoe · 10-05-2006, 07:58 PM

FT:

It's as easy, or easier, than us getting into your country --- but don't try to bring any firearms in.

Enjoy your time here.

Smokeless Joe

( Drop by my Oyster Bar - same name- at 125 John Street in Toronto.)

**azflycaster** · 10-05-2006, 08:02 PM

Here is detailed list of what you can and what you can't.....
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...onal_1170.html

skykingpilot · 10-05-2006, 08:37 PM

Hey Ford,

My congrats to you as well. We celebrate our 25th next week! In this day and age, this is getting to be something truly fantastic. Keep camping! Keep the fire burning - figuratively and literally!

I travel internationally often and you will find that over the northern border is very easy. There is a lot of talk about requiring passports in the future, though at the present time there is no such issue. I agree with other posts... treat it like a plane trip and you'll be fine. The Border guards that get these asignments are usually tenured guys with a lot of experience. They are generally good guys and more anxious to wish you a good trip than to slow you down. If you're traveling for pleasure you'll be welcomed accordingly. They love to have us go north and spend our money there...

I typically fly across the border in private aircraft. When we cross we do so with a simple preplanning effort with customs. These guys are all normal guys. You should expect no issue at all. Might want to check before you leave in case the rules change between now and then...

Have fun!

Mark Wiltrakis · 10-05-2006, 09:27 PM

FT -
I just returned from a 3 week fishing trip to northern British Columbia. I crossed the border at a small town (Sumas, WA) and avoided the lines at the major crossing on I-5. Two cars were in line as I left US, one on my return. Approx 5 questions were asked at each crossing. No search of any kind was done, and I was through the border in 2 minutes or less each way. The only Airstream related question was whether there were any passengers or firearms in the trailer. No documents were requested. I used my passport as my ID at each crossing.
It was a pleasant and surprisingly stress-free crossing each way. I hope you have a similar experience.
Mark

**Janet** · 10-05-2006, 09:56 PM

Be prepared to leave your apples,cheese and sausages behind in the states. Check the list of "unapproved" foods. On the west coast they take crop pests seriously - in both directions.

I have had difficulty at border crossings into Canada and back again - but I am a musician. The Canadian gov is extremely concerned about US citizens crossing into the country to work - most especially artists. If you look like you are going to work - they care.

I happen to play Canadian made guitars. Stuff made sold in Canada is subject to duty (tax) if purchased in Canada and then hauled into the US. If you are concerned about this, you can register your stuff at the border on the way into Canada. Sometimes just having proof of purchase upon return to the us is not enough - you need to register it as you leave the US.

And a word of gentle caution.... do not make lighthearted jokes abuot anything with the border guards - in either direction. Be polite and brief!

It's generally harder to get back into the states than into Canada!

Other stuff to be concerned about:

If you take ferries In Canada, your propane bottles may be an issue. Find out what you need to do prior to showing up to the ferry terminal.
Prescriptions - Keep your pills in their original bottles. have copies of the scrips and maybe even receipts available for border crossing back into the US. Seniors crossing for cheaper drugs is a hot button.
Pets - already mentioned. Rabies certs are required and the vaccination frequency requirements are different in Canada. Check in advance.

Canada welcomes tourism dollars and tourists - that is reflected at the border crossings, The US return crossing is not always so warm and fuzzy.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 10-05-2006, 10:21 PM

Hi, as Janet mentioned dogs are required to have rabies shots more often. From my previous experience, Canada requires Rabie shots every six months. So we got all of our dogs shots done about a week before going.

From the experience of a friend of a friend, He did not get the Rabie shots and records for his dogs. His dogs were taken from him by animal control, quaranteened, boarded, and given shots. He was told to come back in two weeks, pay your pet's bill, and you can take them home now.

Bob

Happycampers · 10-06-2006, 05:33 AM

Bob .. someone is pulling your leg.. We live in Canada and cross the border regularly.. Our Rabies vaccine is good for 3 years and is NOT every 6 months..You MUST have the vaccination record with you when crossing into Canada and into the US.. We keep ours for our dogs with our passports..

golddigger · 10-06-2006, 07:27 AM

If you do not have it already, consider getting your insurance company to provide your with Canadian insurance papers. Don't forget to top off your gas tank before going into Candada. Taking a bird back and forth over the border is a pita, unless you can train it to fly over the border station and land on your truck on the other side. Don't bring fire works. Fruit and fresh meat can be an issue. I've been searched a small percentage of the times I have crossed. They are polite and efficient on both sides. Remember that your cell phone can be a bit expensive to use in Canada since you'll probably pay roaming charges. The other replies have pretty much covered it.

Have a nice trip!

safari57 · 10-06-2006, 10:11 AM

FT - Yeah, there's some things you have to make sure you take care of when crossing the border but none of it is difficult - it's just due diligence. I cross often into the US and find they like it when you take sunglasses off, answer their questions and as noted by others don't volunteer anything more. It's the people who are very nervous, don't answer the questions so appear evasive, and who volunteer unnecessary information that seem to get the most attention. But now and then you can get a "difficult" customs person in either direction and you just have to grin and bear it.
Have a great vacation and congrats on the anniversary. Life is great when you get to share it with someone special.
Barry

ROBERTSUNRUS · 10-06-2006, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happycampers

Bob .. someone is pulling your leg.. We live in Canada and cross the border regularly.. Our Rabies vaccine is good for 3 years and is NOT every 6 months..You MUST have the vaccination record with you when crossing into Canada and into the US.. We keep ours for our dogs with our passports..

Hi, I read that in a travel magazine before our first trip to Canada. I believe it was about 1985 then. Was I wrongfully informed or was that the law back then? Anyway, better safe than sorry!

Bob