Any secrets to avoid getting search and questioned for 1/2 hour at Canadian customs? (how much, attorney)

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

I wonder what happens if you try to go back without one?

Don't even both trying that, you'll probaby be held for hours (or days) and subjected to all kinds of crap, maybe even denied entry.

[Gary Siete]

Being a single male in a car doesn't help. How do you respond when they ask "what is/was the purpose of your visit?" I bet it goes downhill from there.
What is your citizenship, country of birth, & skin color?

[Kiwiluver]

Why don't you do some research and report back to the class! (just kidding) my bet is after 8 or 10 hours of interrogation you'd get back in.

[Kiwiluver]

Originally Posted by jambo101

I had a problem at the same border, after an hour and a half shake down he finally let me enter the USA,trouble started on subsequent visits to the USA when i'd get stopped and interrogated every time, finally after a nasty experience crossing into the USA at Sault Ste Marie where i was escorted to the parking area by armed guards and a guy ready to throw a spike strip i asked the interrogator what the heck was he looking at on his computer when i crossed the border, turns out the guy at Enosburg falls had put a red flag on my name erroneously saying i was an American citizen so every time i showed up at the border with all my Canadian ID alarm bells and red flags went up all over.
To make a long story short after much hassle i got the situation resolved and now only cross at large border crossings..

I actually thought I detected an odor of alcohol on the guy. I guess those "hooty owl" shifts out in Backyard, Vermont get boring. In the entire time we were there only one other vehicle passed.

[Squeamish]

I'm back from Canada. Surprisingly, I was only questioned briefly going both directions this time. No searching or extra interrogating inside or anything. Despite being a young single male in a car. No idea why. I did make an extra (unusual) effort to look them in the eye and try to keep my answers brief, so that may have something to do with it. Thanks for the tips.

I did notice one problem that's far worse than being searched and questioned for 1/2 hour. As I was headed back into the US, the line going the opposite direction was backed up all the way across the International Bridge, at least for a couple miles. I've seen this before at Pigeon River near Thunder Bay, so statistically it probably isn't an isolated incident. There was NO wait at US customs, which was very nice, but it's unfortunate for the Canadians returning to their home country after a weekend trip that they have to wait for likely hours in line.

[adurbis]

Originally Posted by Squeamish

There was NO wait at US customs, which was very nice, but it's unfortunate for the Canadians returning to their home country after a weekend trip that they have to wait for likely hours in line.

Different priorities. The US DHS is more interested in security whereas Canada wants to make sure CBSA collects the GST/HST etc on all the goods the Canadians acquired while in the US

[darrensmooth]

basically answer the questions that havent been asked...that works for me

where are you going? I will be going to such and such mall I will be shopping and return tonight

also number one tip as a male, you have to bring a woman with you if

[kanhawk]

As others have written here I do think it's a good idea to avoid small middle -of-nowhere crossings when coming back into the US. I crossed back over in some isolated crossing in eastern Montana once and they gave me a serious going over. They completely checked my car and luggage and the whole time I was there not another car approached. Just me, them and 30 miles of nothing in either direction. They were bored. I do wonder if the less than stellar border agents get sent to the isolated spots and take it out on the citizens.

[marc3565]

Watch these informational videos. If you look and act like these guys they will likely make you honorary citizens.

YouTube - bob and doug mckenzie

[Misia0982]

Hey guys i have two questions for you .
1> When you crossing the border from Canada to US do they chceck the passports? ,what i've read here you didnt mention anything .
2> What happens when you bring someone who's illigal with you , what happend then?