Seat 2A

As one who's had the good fortune to have travelled widely around the world, this statement sounds a tad pretentious to me but then, you are of course entitled to your opinion. There are plenty of interesting places to travel on this magnificent blueish green orb we inhabit, and for many people Canada and America in particular rank right up there at or near the top of their list of desired destinations. The numbers bear it out with regard to most popular tourism destinations worldwide.

As an Alaska resident I've made many border crossings into Canada by land, though I've also flown into Canada through a variety if gateway cities as well. I always expect Customs to do their duty in any country I visit and as such I think my overall demeanor and comfort level with Customs officials reflect that. Despite my appearance (Beard, longer hair, backpack) and/or occasionally peculiar itineraries, I've generally always been treated with respect and courtesy despite having gotten the second degree on a couple of occasions while entering Canada.

König

I have been entering the USA on tourist visas, on Green Card, and finally on US passport. Of course, it is my personal experience, but I have not noticed a drastic difference in treatment or length of questioning from INS and [later] CBP agents. I would even say that if you are subjected to a "regular" interview at the primary, the level of privacy intrusion would be the same for foreigners and returning US citizens. It is still quite high for my taste... would rather prefer the speedy [and quiet] process of entering Germany.

Mr_Tudball

This is almost a verbatim account of my experience arriving at YVR from SEA on QX last Christmas Day. My US passport was taken away and I was held in an empty room for 45 minutes. The only interaction I had with anyone during that time was an officer who told me I was sitting in the wrong chair. Finally, the officer returned and asked me to empty my backpack. He then gave me the same third degree as the OP experienced. Next he asked for my wallet, held it up, flipped it open, and shook it vigorously until its contents spilled out. What did not fall out he yanked out and slammed down on the table. I guess he must have been satisfied that I was not a criminal at that point, because he mumbled that I was free to go.

I can understand a certain amount of brusqueness on his part if he suspected I was some sort of criminal. I wasn't expecting any courtesy, but I don't think it was unreasonable for me to expect the officer to conduct himself professionally. I don't know if YVR has just a few "bad apples" (maybe it was the same officer) or if this is a pattern, but I'm not looking forward to my next flight into YVR, an otherwise wonderful airport.

blahter

While that may be true for you, my guess is that you've never had to enter the US or Canada as a brown male in the last decade. These days I usually don't get it as much but I'm pretty much resigned to my fate and I will usually schedule long layovers at my point of entry just to be able to make a connecting flight. Just answer the questions and keep calm.

I'm lucky that as a US citizen, the longest I've been detained was about 2 hours. Some of my friends who aren't have experienced 5-7 hour wait times although that was a few years ago and I think now it's not too bad anymore.

Seat 2A

These are indeed different times and no doubt being an American of French/Scottish descent has likely expeditied matters somewhat for me. The primary concerns that Canadian Customs have expressed to me over the past ten years have been guns and drugs. Guns was a big one, though. I seemed to have that gunrunner look - at least in the eyes of Canadian customs officials. I once had an agent at an Idaho border checkpoint ask me three times if I was really certain I didn't have any guns or weapons in my truck. He then detained me for about an hour while he assumedly ran my name through all manner of criminal databases. Oddly enough, my truck was never inspected.



This picture was taken in 1999. Would you let me into your country?

yyzvoyageur

It was in the beard, wasn't it? Interesting method of concealment....

blahter

I would let you in to my country based on that awesome beard alone.

CDTraveler

The Canadians do seem obsessed with guns. Crossing into Canada this past summer with child, cat and bicycles in the mommy style station wagon I was repeatedly asked about guns, knives, pepper spray, etc. Did I look like a gun runner?

Way back in 1999 was treated to a harangue by the car rental clerk at Calgary airport about the evils of bringing guns into Canada. It's worth noting I don't even own one, let alone travel with one.

M60_to_LGA

Well, Canada has strict gun laws (and good for them!), while the US, er, doesn't.

I'm sure Canada gets lots of Americans who try to cross the border with guns, in some cases without even thinking it would be an issue.

Furthermore, I'm sure there are lots of gun runners who don't fit whatever image you might have in your mind. Just as there are little old grannies who smuggle drugs.

CDTraveler

So of course it is logical and consistent for Canadian provinces, cities, parks and resorts to advertise hunting with guns at every travel and sporting expo that I've been to in the last decade?

As for the way you say "I'm sure" about guns at the border and what I might have in mind: speculation on your part does not make for a convincing post.

GRALISTAIR

Absolutely - that beard should automatically let you into Canada or the UK. Hell I think if the Taliban were still running Afghanistan, you would be allowed in there too!

evanderm

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britis...uard-shot.html
They also have a personal interest in whether or not you're carrying a weapon.

durberville

Meh, whenever you go through customs you risk this. You win some, you lose some. Get NEXUS.

ls17031

I've been working the border for 15 years. He's right, you're wrong.

Convincing enough?

tentseller

In the case of Nexus, when you lose, you lost it all.