Canada Border Crossing
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Central Ohio
friends did the circle tour around Lake Superior a week ago. They pulled two of the guys out for a closer look, One of these two had a DWI 12 years ago, they said that if it was less than 10 years ago he would have been sent back to the US. If he had two DWI's No entry period. Out of 5 guys only two had the background check that showed up the DWI. Other than that everything was easy. They were not checked for insurance certificates. Iam told nothing special in the way of insurance is needed. One other thing No handguns are allowed.
I had no problems crossing the border twice last summer, but make sure you have your Passport or Passport card.
mikebaby
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
Heading to Alaska in a month. I am curious if it will be an issue crossing the canadian border without a Pa. state inspection. I just never bother to get my bikes inspected and am not sure if this is an issue going into Canada. I can't imagine they care but never know. Anyone help me with this one?
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, NC
Clear this up. There's a lot of talk about previous convictions. How do they know you have one? Are you the ones being stopped for further inspection? They can't possibly do a background on everyone.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and say the question about "do you own any firearms" is not so much that they have a list in front of them, as that they are most likely trained to look for responses from people who are not being truthful, at least on a rudimentary level. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but as others have said, unless you have a registered automatic weapon, supressor etc, there is no way they have a record of everyone in the US that owns a firearm. Think of the logistics of that, let alone the legal ramifications. But that being said, why not be honest? If you lie, you take the risk of being searched. I think that's pretty much the bottom line. Don't take a weapon and be as honest and courteous as possible. My .02
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oh, and not saying that they can't check to see if you have a firearm registered, dwi, etc etc. Just saying I don't think it's remotely possible that they screen "everyone" for these things. I'm guessing they probably do the dirty word, "profile"...
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
Computers these days are FAST. US and Cdn border agencies can access criminal and possibly other databases in their sister country. Some crossings (maybe all) have plate scanners that begin the process while you're still in line. Passports, DLs and other documents can be scanned and queried on computer databases within seconds.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Western WA
In WA they have a relatively new ID - the Enhanced Drivers License - that can replace the need for a Passport or other docs (e.g. drivers license + birth cert, etc) to prove citizenship when it comes to border crossing with Canada. Not sure if other states have such type of doc, but would expect so. Haven't got one, as I have a valid passport that I always use instead.
Border crossings have become more often a pain since 9/11, and I've experienced more issues with US border control than with Canadian, but nothing that would cause me to avoid enjoying the beauty of Canada and its people. Had some of my best rides and times in BC/Alberta - especially in smaller towns, outta the way places. And I love duty free liquor!
Border crossings have become more often a pain since 9/11, and I've experienced more issues with US border control than with Canadian, but nothing that would cause me to avoid enjoying the beauty of Canada and its people. Had some of my best rides and times in BC/Alberta - especially in smaller towns, outta the way places. And I love duty free liquor!
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Computers these days are FAST. US and Cdn border agencies can access criminal and possibly other databases in their sister country. Some crossings (maybe all) have plate scanners that begin the process while you're still in line. Passports, DLs and other documents can be scanned and queried on computer databases within seconds.
yup that's all true. Border guards have full access to the other countries data bases to check an individual. BUT, they only have access on a per individual basis. In other words, the US does not have a copy of the entire Canadian data base and visa versa. So they only know about your background if you attempt entry and they pull it. Once they have it they have it forever.
So, if you have a conviction say a DWI and attempt entry to the other country, they'll know about it. Then some time later if you go get a pardon and reattempt entry, they'll still have your file and can deny your entry even though you have a pardon. The USA claims they don't recognise Canadian pardons, and I bet Canada says the same.
Conclusion, get a pardon if you have a conviction before you attempt entry.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
Officer ast out crossing was all business. The wife had our passports and insurance and registration out. Wanted to know where we were coming from, where we were going to, purpose of our trip, how long we were staying. I removed my helmet in line as I pushed the bike up to his booth, wife did too. Yes sir and no sir, thank you sir. No problem