Beware..travelers to Canada

[Fireeater]

I was on my yearly Canadian fishing trip this week. 12 hour ride with a few friends leaving Chicago. Stopped at International Falls for a quick bite and off to the border we went. Stopped at the check point, got asked the usual questions and then we were told we need to come inside. As we entered, the Canadian customs agent told us they were doing a back ground check on us. No problem. As we waited for 30 minutes, the agent called me over to the window. " We're you ever arrested before ?" Yep. 3 times over 15 years ago. "Sorry, we can"t allow you over into our country cause you are a threat to our people".

Nice. So, after her speech to me, I had to turn back around, go through our customs and be on my way. I took a flight out of International Falls for $500 back to Chicago. I wasn't about to ruin my friends trip cause I got arrested 15 YEARS AGO!

Moral of story.... if you have been arrested anytime after the age of 18, you may not be allowed into Canada.

One last thing. You can send all your paperwork into the Majestry, pay a fee (mine is $1000) to have them review your case and decide if you may enter after they a thorough background check.

Signed,

Forewarned

[Samckitt]

Wow that is nuts. "A threat to our people", whatever.

[Fireeater]

Seems our government shares information with Canada.

They said a guy was there a week prior to me. He had a DUI that was 28 years ago. DENIED entry.

[Samckitt]

Wow. I guess you could say that is "Canuckin Futs" LOL

[6fastback7]

Im Canadian and trust me its NOT just a Canadian Border law...the same questions are asked from your US border patrols...its nothing new either its been like that for as long as i can remember. It could of been the simplest infraction of the law and they wont allow you into the U.S for the same reasons the Canadian Border patrol gave you. Its best to just get a Pardon from your government..i know they do that up here and it lets you pass the border.

[Fireeater]

This has been in place since 2004. It's all random also. I have been there 4 times prior and never had a problem. If I'm checked, I feel everyone should be....probably cause I got nabbed. Just forewarning everyone cause I have never heard of this until now.

[gordonquixote]

Too bad you are American. You could have signed up for food stamps, enrolled your kids in school, got a drivers license, and free healthcare if you had just snuck back into the US Illegally......

Sick I tell ya.

[Samckitt]

Now if we could just get that kind of border patrol on the southern US.

[BossaNova]

Put a towel on your head and wear a fake beard. They'll wave you right on through the gates.:hammer:

[bwhinnen]

It's the same for us trying to enter the US. Any sort of record and your chances are slim pickings!

Oh and you don't need anything special to get inover here, you're welcomed with open arms ;)

[Martin71RS]

I have heard similar stories of people not being allowed into the US (even without ever being arrested)....same everywhere. Too bad it happened to you.

[fast Ed]

That's right, it works both ways. A friend of mine from the Toronto area, who had been back and forth across the border several times previously in 2007, got the 3rd degree and was denied entry for a charge about 18 years ago.


cheers
Ed N.

[6fastback7]

well im not aware of this only starting in 2004 but Ive been asked that question since back in the late 80s when crossing into the U.S...i believe its been in place alot longer then a few years. Its just a random question they ask...i know almost everytime i cross its a different question. Last time it was all about prescription drugs..the U.S border even wanted to know if we had tynelol on us.

[Fireeater]

The agent told me this was an Act that started in 2004 that the U.S. started sharing info because of 9-11. Like stated before, I had no idea that this was in effect and it was heart breaking to have my past brought up like this. My fault for not looking into this prior, but why would I.

The thing I got a chuckle about was when the agent asked me if I had my court papers on me. I said " From 15 years ago"?. Not likely. I was responsible to have those papers with me. Yeah right. The questions were always there when I went across the border before and I was even car searched.

I am saying that they do a back ground check on you since 2004.

[bwhinnen]

well im not aware of this only starting in 2004 but Ive been asked that question since back in the late 80s when crossing into the U.S...i believe its been in place alot longer then a few years. Its just a random question they ask...i know almost everytime i cross its a different question. Last time it was all about prescription drugs..the U.S border even wanted to know if we had tynelol on us.

We just got asked if we had Tim Tams when we came to the US in Feb :D

[6fastback7]

We just got asked if we had Tim Tams when we came to the US in Feb :D

they probably were about to go on break and were hungry...i just googled the timtam it looks delicious!

[jknight16]

I had to look it up too. Looks like a rectangular Ding Dong to me!

[bwhinnen]

I was going to put up a link to them for you all, maybe I should have.

Back on topic though, one of the things that is asked of us before we travel is to make sure we've never been arrested or bought up on charges such as violence, domestic etc as we may be refused entry into the USA.

[Fireeater]

Maybe the governments should be concerned more about the people stealing our money for oil and gas instead of people whom have made a mistake earlier in their lives.

[Kenova]

Just this week some (Canuck) guy was on the Niagara river with some friends. They were playing around on their personal water craft when he had some sort of accident. A US marine unit pulled him out of the water unconscious and took him to the nearest hospital.
After he came to he was arrested by US immigration (or perhaps border patrol) for not reporting to a border crossing when entering the US.

Ken

[killer69]

Man if you think it's hard to get into Canada???.......... try getting into the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Department of homeland parinoid!
you would think we all had 25 lbs of pot in every car that crosses the boarder
so i am a white 40 year old no tattoo no record, never been arrested for anything and EVERY time i try to come to the land of the FREE with a car in the trailer you would think i had a friggin nuclear warhead in the back. last time it took an hour to go through the trailer, truck, car GF purse the dog the whole nine yards........................ then after the red flag ? " so is that your car? NO, who's is it ( and i even have a letter from the customers lawyer saying i can have the car)it's a customers........ REALLY???
yep! here we go!!!
any way the whole thing is OUT OF CONTROL

[zbugger]

I drove from Seattle to Vancouver once. Getting into Canada wasn't much trouble. I was with my mom and my sisters, and all I needed was a copy of my birth certificate. Took all of a couple minutes and "Have a nice day. Thanks for visiting Canada". Coming BACK on the other hand... It was about 20 minutes of sitting there with us basically telling a story of our trip into Canada. The clincher though.... We're in a rented Chevy Berretta, which you can't fit much it besides us, and the guy asks us if we have any Iranian rugs with us. Ummmm.......

I'm not sure I want to visit Mexico. Because I speak spanish as well, I may not be able to make it back home.

[Jim Nilsen]

It's all about instilling fear into everyone just like the Nazis did and it will get worse. They want everyone to think that there is a big threat and they are right, there is a big threat , Them and they want you to be fully aware of it.

A guy at work was stopped at the Iowa -Illinois border on the interstate by a road block that just like the border at Canada just a few weeks ago. There were no reasons other than it was a roadside saftey inspection, but they were interrogated like they were criminals that had escaped from prison or something and the car was searched by dogs and officers for 20 minutes. They said the hiway was backed up for 10 miles. They were doing this to everyone.

[Happyfunballs]

I go to Canada for work regularly and border trouble is hit or miss. I have no record and been denied entry into Canada several times for several reasons, they usually think I'm "working".(Manual labor and getting paid in Canadian dollars which isn't the case) I find that if you go to a male border guard when you cross, it's eaiser. Four of the five times I've been denied entry have been at the hand of a female guard, for whatever reason. The US guys are just as tough coming in, even with a US passport.

[toofun]

Sorry guys dont mean to be the spoiler here but I for one am happy they are so strict. Lets not forget that Canada got a huge Black Eye from the whole 9 11 event. They came through CANADIAN borders into the U.S. This is well documented. So although it is a pain in the arse, I am willing to put up with it to avoid another potential event like 9 11. I will get off my soap box now....

Mark
TOOFUN

[SaturnVUEguy]

toofun, I've heard that before too. My dad has even told me that is how the Cubans get their cigars here, is through the Canadian border because Canada and Cuba have a better relationship than the US and Cuba

[6fastback7]

Sorry guys dont mean to be the spoiler here but I for one am happy they are so strict. Lets not forget that Canada got a huge Black Eye from the whole 9 11 event. They came through CANADIAN borders into the U.S. This is well documented. So although it is a pain in the arse, I am willing to put up with it to avoid another potential event like 9 11. I will get off my soap box now....

Mark
TOOFUN

Im sorry Mark..i hate to talk politics since cars are my passion...but in this Case for Canadas sake...your talking about a Myth that was never proven.
That 911 commission report stated they entered from other countries other then Canada...the myth started from Newpapers and not from actual government intelligence..you can thank the media circus you have down there for the so called Blackeye...its sad the myth still floats around.
The bottom line is all of the terrorists were legally living in the United States with U.S visa`s granted by your government.
And even if they had entered from Canada...wouldnt it be YOUR border problem that had a blackeye for the letting them in...the Canadian border patrol doesnt screen citizens from entering the U.S we only screen people crossing from into are Canada from your country
And on that note im also glad the borders are tough...we are just as much vulnerable to attack as you are...we are at the same war as you fighting arm and arm...every day we see another Canadian soldier dieing at the arms of terrorists...my neighbour lost her Husband helping your country fight this war. Id just hate to see your country think anything less of are country over something that is a myth and rumour.

[hotrdblder]

on top of making it tough on attackers, last i checked they were all towel heads of radical thinking, not your average AMERICAN CITIZEN who made a bad choice 10 yrs ago.
i just went to montreal for a open track day, i got into canada in 5 mins, just popped there head in the trailer, and looked, i was in canada less then 24 hrs and coming back thru i was there 45 mins whil ei opened every door, they searched my caamro in the trailer, etc. equal rights bs.
theres a reason china doesn't let arabs on there air planes.........
hate to say it as i am not racist, however if ur people are the ones who blow themselves up and kill others, you shoul dhave to deal with being profiled.

[6'9"Witha69]

Jake, lots of those who are US citizens and look like you and me are sympathetic to or in allegiance with them. Just like profiling is not 100% there are many who slip through the cracks cause they don't fit the profile, but are as or more dangerous than they are. It is equal rights. We are equally subject to the same crap they are.

Sure it's a hassle and sure nobady wants to deal with it. But it is a small price to pay for a little peace of mind.

[hotrdblder]

Jake, lots of those who are US citizens and look like you and me are sympathetic to or in allegiance with them. Just like profiling is not 100% there are many who slip through the cracks cause they don't fit the profile, but are as or more dangerous than they are. It is equal rights. We are equally subject to the same crap they are.

Sure it's a hassle and sure nobady wants to deal with it. But it is a small price to pay for a little peace of mind.
i guess your right, but it still sucks. i mean if your a us or canadian citizen and they can look deep in your backround and all you have is an oui or other low scale mess up, why not allow you into the country?? when i am sure they cannot get detailed info on european/asian countrys other then if they have a U.S visa, or other, which those are the organizations that should be paying the price, not your average person traveling.
i know i am preaching to a deaf audience but come on

[Jim Nilsen]

History is repeating itself and the tactics are the same, divide and conquer. Listen to what you are repeating. It's usually not a truth base on facts but an opinion based on fear and predjudice. The terrorist are the ones making statements to put you in fear and ask yourself who those people are? It's a con game older than time and brainwashing.

If you want to see something that will get you with the program go to youtube and type in " Don't be a sucker 1942". This is how it starts and it started in this country by people you thought you could believe and trust. All of the border crap is just that ,crap. You have no border since 2005 when the North American Union was formed by guess who?

I'll stop now but if you look you will find the correct answers and if you can find a way to stop it good luck.

[6'9"Witha69]

i guess your right, but it still sucks. i mean if your a us or canadian citizen and they can look deep in your backround and all you have is an oui or other low scale mess up, why not allow you into the country?? when i am sure they cannot get detailed info on european/asian countrys other then if they have a U.S visa, or other, which those are the organizations that should be paying the price, not your average person traveling.
i know i am preaching to a deaf audience but come onDon't get me wrong, not alowing people over based on something someone may have done umpteen years ago as a youth is stupid. Given that people are meant to and can rehabilitate means that there isn't even a 'playing the odds' factor here. If I was not allowed based on the fact that I was arrested @ 21 for drunk in public coming out of a frat party that the cops were clearing, I would be pissed too.

[70 Chevelle]

The thing we really need to ask ourselves is do we really feel safer knowing that guys who got arrested for bulls*** can't enter the border? Those guys are smarter than that and they have already proven it. In Vegas they hire x scam artists to protect the game floor cause they know how the scams work. obviously flipping a terrorist isn't as easy as throwing money at them so I say they have the right to use any means necessary to get info from them but they can't because we are taking away their human rights.What about the human rights of the people affected by terrorists? Anyone associated with terrorism does not deserve any rights. period

[RAMKAT2]

obviously flipping a terrorist isn't as easy as throwing money at them so I say they have the right to use any means necessary to get info from them but they can't because we are taking away their human rights.What about the human rights of the people affected by terrorists? Anyone associated with terrorism does not deserve any rights. period


Using that logic, the terrorists win. Part of the plan the "terrorists" are using is to do enough damage to our justice system that they convince us to destroy or give up our constitutional rights in the name of fighting terrorism. Our government is only too happy to play along, as the constitution just gets in their way most of the time as they try to increase their power over the people in this country.
U.S. citizens have been slowly giving up their rights for nearly 100 years, usually precipitated by some crisis, whether it be a recession, a war, or an act of terrorism. Research the history, and you will find that in most cases, the very laws that were written to save us from "repeating the crisis" actually took away some of your constitutional rights in the process. The patriot act is a prime example. The FBI, Homeland Security, even state and local police can use the patriot act to hold you in jail indefinately if they claim you are a terrorist. How long will it be before driving a car too fast will be considered an act of terrorism?
Don't think it can happen? Better think again! Ask the citizens of Venezuela about how quickly your rights can disappear once a powerful government leader decides he wants total control. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Later, Randy

[Jim Nilsen]

Using that logic, the terrorists win. Part of the plan the "terrorists" are using is to do enough damage to our justice system that they convince us to destroy or give up our constitutional rights in the name of fighting terrorism. Our government is only too happy to play along, as the constitution just gets in their way most of the time as they try to increase their power over the people in this country.
U.S. citizens have been slowly giving up their rights for nearly 100 years, usually precipitated by some crisis, whether it be a recession, a war, or an act of terrorism. Research the history, and you will find that in most cases, the very laws that were written to save us from "repeating the crisis" actually took away some of your constitutional rights in the process. The patriot act is a prime example. The FBI, Homeland Security, even state and local police can use the patriot act to hold you in jail indefinately if they claim you are a terrorist. How long will it be before driving a car too fast will be considered an act of terrorism?
Don't think it can happen? Better think again! Ask the citizens of Venezuela about how quickly your rights can disappear once a powerful government leader decides he wants total control. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Later, Randy

At least I can go to sleep knowing at least 1 more person gets what is going on.

It used to be a saying that when the big one hits all you could do is bend over and kiss your ass goodbye, now most people can't even hear it's coming because they would have to pull their heads back a couple of inches to do it.

[Jim Nilsen]

The thing we really need to ask ourselves is do we really feel safer knowing that guys who got arrested for bulls*** can't enter the border? Those guys are smarter than that and they have already proven it. In Vegas they hire x scam artists to protect the game floor cause they know how the scams work. obviously flipping a terrorist isn't as easy as throwing money at them so I say they have the right to use any means necessary to get info from them but they can't because we are taking away their human rights.What about the human rights of the people affected by terrorists? Anyone associated with terrorism does not deserve any rights. period
They love people like you !

If you just read the last sentence you wrote and took it seriously you would have to get rid of the government, the media , and everyone who listens to them including you.

Go watch the video, it is only 7 minutes of education everyone needs, "Don't be a sucker 1942" , any longer!

[Spiffav8]

Canada aye.....almost made it.

[Zee]

FWIW the same thing happened to us a few months ago on our annual fly in to Manitoba. 3 out of a group of ten were detained at the border. We went on across but the other 3 went to Rainy Lake which is only about 20 min from International Falls and about 1/2 of the lake is in the US so all you need is a MN fishing license to use the MN side. They ended up kicking our a$$ on size. We beat them on quantity but I was there for a trophy and probably would have been better off staying in MN. If nothing else, it would have saved me about a grand between fuel and the flight charter. No offense to you north of the border gents. I like your country and you have always shown us a good time each of the last eight years in a row that I have vacationed there but I have no plans on going back.

[6fastback7]

FWIW the same thing happened to us a few months ago on our annual fly in to Manitoba. 3 out of a group of ten were detained at the border. We went on across but the other 3 went to Rainy Lake which is only about 20 min from International Falls and about 1/2 of the lake is in the US so all you need is a MN fishing license to use the MN side. They ended up kicking our a$$ on size. We beat them on quantity but I was there for a trophy and probably would have been better off staying in MN. If nothing else, it would have saved me about a grand between fuel and the flight charter. No offense to you north of the border gents. I like your country and you have always shown us a good time each of the last eight years in a row that I have vacationed there but I have no plans on going back.

Im from Manitoba lol..didnt know any American would know where that is :hand: ...but im not surprised a fisherman would. Where abouts did you fly into to fish?

[70 Chevelle]

They love people like you !

If you just read the last sentence you wrote and took it seriously you would have to get rid of the government, the media , and everyone who listens to them including you.

Go watch the video, it is only 7 minutes of education everyone needs, "Don't be a sucker 1942" , any longer!

What about the rights of the people affected by terrorists? I have not watched the video yet but how would you like to be a family member of the people in one of the towers knowing that they burned to death or jumped out of the building to avoid being burned to death then seeing members of the group responsible being treated like humans and not tortured because it is not humane? Surely this has to bother you on some level?

[derekf]

Folks, this thread on a border crossing into Canada has turned into a free-for-all political discussion.

If you've got stuff to say about border crossings, then by all means.

If you want to talk about the humane treatment of terrorists or the direction a given government is going or the nefarious plans of the Illuminati, please do it elsewhere. The forum rules disallow political discussions.

[Fireeater]

Thanks Derek. I just wanted to warn people to be aware of the situation before getting turned away by surprise like I was. Coming in either way, I felt it was a little extreme that if something happens 15 or so years ago, why be double penalized? I served my country, was some what highly decorated, got out with a honorable discharge, and not to mention I have received a few awards on my present job. Just a shock to have my past brought up like that when all I wanted to do was fish and give some of my money to Canada.

[Zee]

Actually, we fish a boundry water between Manitoba and Ontario called Warrington lake about 120 miles north by float plane from Red Lake Ontario. It's on a reservation and we pretty much have the lake to ourselves. Two indian families are there but they stay on a part of the lake we don't use that much. Anyway, it's one of those quality managed lakes and essentially has nothing but Pike and Walleye in it. One of our group pulled a 50" Pike out and we normally get 1 or 2 in the 40-50" range per trip. It wasn't for lack of trying but we didn't get anything over 39" this time but a 27" Walleye was caught. If you wanted to you could pull about 100 smallish Walleyes/day. Kinda dissapointing if you were looking for a trophy as we were the best preparred whe had ever been. It was also the most expensive it has ever been and that combined with the hassle at the boarder leads me to believe that our next trip will be within the confines of the lower 48.

[6fastback7]

[quote=Zee It was also the most expensive it has ever been and that combined with the hassle at the boarder leads me to believe that our next trip will be within the confines of the lower 48.[/quote]

Well when you first start makin those trips your U.S dollar was probably worth 30% more then a CND $1...its almost trading at par this year...and typically in Canada we pay more for everything compared to your U.S market...so i wouldnt blame you..its alot less attracted to be a tourist in Canada. Thats why the Canadians are flocking to the U.S like crazy in the last year or so...were taking advantage of the cnd dollar while we can.

[SimplyKC]

I'm confused. If you were "arrested" for anything they will deny you?

Littering?

Unpaid parking ticket?

DUI?

This seems odd. For those of you that have been denied entry, what did you really do? Was it something serious? Was it an outstanding charge?

I don't understand the "arrested" question. You can be "arrested" for anything, but "prosecuted" is a whole different story.

[6'9"Witha69]

Yeah, I was arrested and stuck in a drunk tank for 6 hours but never charged with anything.

Every law office in the area sent me crap for the next 2 weeks though!