Canada Border Crossing
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
Just in case anyone is wondering. Gaining entry to Canada if you've ever been arrested.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...conviction.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...conviction.asp
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Best thing to do, like someone said is turn off engine, take off glasses, and answer all questions formally, "yes sir" "no sir" type thing. No joking around, no witty comments, they will take them literally.
Know where you are going, where you'll be staying in Canada, and when you will return home. Know the exact dates, nothing wishy washy.
If you give concise accurate answers, polite and without attitude you'll get through a lot quicker. If you give them any doubts about anything, you'll be pulled over for further analysis, which could include searching.
This all from experience crossing into the states, and I know the Canadians are just as hard on you U.S. folks.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 815
Likes: 28
From: Ontario, Canada
I'm curious about the post that said they asked if he owned any guns at home in Oklahoma. So if they ask me that what should I say. Normally, since there is no government record of a US citizen purchasing a weapon (form 4473s stay in the gun shop) most folks could say no and there would be no way for anyone to know if it were the truth or not. However, I own five items that fall under the National Firearms Act and to purchase them I had to register them with the BATF and wait months for them to do a background check on me. So for these items my name is on a list. What is a border gaurd going to think if I tell him yes I have machine guns and suppressors at home.......... Or worse, what is he going to think if I say no and the record is right in front of him?
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I'm curious about the post that said they asked if he owned any guns at home in Oklahoma. So if they ask me that what should I say. Normally, since there is no government record of a US citizen purchasing a weapon (form 4473s stay in the gun shop) most folks could say no and there would be no way for anyone to know if it were the truth or not. However, I own five items that fall under the National Firearms Act and to purchase them I had to register them with the BATF and wait months for them to do a background check on me. So for these items my name is on a list. What is a border gaurd going to think if I tell him yes I have machine guns and suppressors at home.......... Or worse, what is he going to think if I say no and the record is right in front of him?
If you lie, and give them doubts, you'll be in the back room guaranteed.
The thing is, so many US folks have firearms and your laws allow it that a lot of people try to bring them across. The border guards will screen you by asking a series of questions to try to determine if you're one of them. If they think you are, they'll check. That can take a while, an hour or maybe 3 or 4 depending on your attitude.
Last edited by zeus33; Jun 26, 2012 at 02:10 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 129
From: Black River Falls, WI.
I wouldn't lie to them. If you do and they know about your guns already then you'll be marked for the rest of your life. I would tell them yes that you have have guns but not with you. They may search your vehicle (anyone can be searched) but if you've got nothing to hide then you should be OK.
Kris
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 815
Likes: 28
From: Ontario, Canada
Interesting...I was under the impression a passport was mandatory to get in or out of the country.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
I remember back in the day crossing with a pickup truckload of amateur radio equipment and 5-6 long guns including an AR-15 with over 1000 rounds of ammo. In fact I can remember the Canadian Customs agent. She was very cute. It took me a little while to answer all of her questions but I was able to enter no problem. Obviously, this was well before 9/11.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
Only if entering (Canada or USA) by sea or air. They keep extending the passport requirement for land entry. Of course they can refuse you entry regardless if they so decide and, to my knowledge, don't even have to tell you why.