Community Forums

Bushman512003 · 02-02-2008, 06:03 AM

Just remember can goods with beef are a no no soup stew etc. and also fruit can be taken away so I say buy after You cross to save the red tape.Bushman

Kyle241 · 02-02-2008, 12:29 PM

Tom,

Not sure what you are referring to. Below is from the Bellingham crossing info:

Americans Entering Canada (per person allowance)
Alcohol: 40 oz. liquor or wine, or 24 containers beer (12 oz.)
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes + 50 cigars + 200 gms. tobacco + 200 tobacco sticks
Gifts - no duty up to $60

That is what I was going on as I usually cross in NY state to Ontario. I don't even carry alcohol in my RV so I could have old info.

Kyle

Tom N · 02-02-2008, 12:48 PM

Duty free allowance is 40 oz. liquor or wine, or 24 containers beer (12 oz.). You can bring more alcohol, just declare it and pay the duty. I do it every year.

-Tom

chasfm11 · 02-02-2008, 05:05 PM

I'm a big believer in the old saying "it is what it is" so I recognize that we've got to comply with whatever rules there are. That said, it seems like this whole border-food thing is more about bureaucracy than safety. I fully understand that fresh fruit and fresh meat (even frozen) pose risks. But canned products with beef in them - come on! My guess is that the same canned food products are sold in both Canada and the US and that they flow back and forth across the border as a part of normal commerce, albeit with proper inspections. That we cannot carry them in an RV seems like big time overkill. Both countries are probably importing a lot of things from China and we've recently seen how safe THAT can be.

DW is diabetic so we normally carry our food with us to help her stay on her diet. We'll only be in Canada and having to buy only what we use on a daily basis while we are there in addition to practically emptying or cupboards before hand is enough to make me want to cancel that part of the trip. Grumble, Grumble. One of our purposes in buying a larger RV for just the two of us was to be able to buy food in advance and avoid these specific types of situations.

Yes, Yes, I know. Some of these same bans exist between Hawaii and the mainland US, too. At least there, it is limited to fresh fruits and vegetables.

David K · 02-03-2008, 08:17 AM

You have the bans within the US also --- crossing in the South from California to Arizona to New Mexico ---- can't bring vegetation, fresh fruits, etc.

Ray,IN · 02-03-2008, 11:57 AM

Western Hemisphere Travel Inititiative has the current accurate border crossing requirement for individual documentation. A passport is not required, only a picture ID issued by a governmental agency and a certified birth certificate.
When we crossed last July, each way, we were never asked about fruits, meats, etc. That was at Buffalo, NY crossings. I don't have the link handy, but if you go to "travel.canada" you should find the current food limitations.

David K, every time we have enter/exited CA, within the last 4 years, all the fruit inspection stations were closed. I think CA Ag dept. realizes the horses are already out of the barn with, all the foriegn goods imported.

Bushman512003 · 02-04-2008, 04:41 AM

What is asked a crossings is up to the border guard and also You are the one to know what is to be allowed in after all You are bring it are You not?So if You have some thing not allowed You can be turned back fined or both just remember as always said know the law for playing dumb will not help...Bushman

Skrams · 02-04-2008, 04:49 AM

I have been turned away from entering Canada (my home country) because I had firewood that was of US origin. That was an ugly day as it was very busy crossing both ways and my youngest daughter was sick too. I was not too happy but the rules are the rules, I should have realised.

I made the mistake of asking a US border guard after he confiscated a beef pot roast from my fridge what they do with the removed items. He told me they incinerate them. I replied that a pot roast is better done medium well. For that he went back to my fridge and found some more things to remove. Remember these people sometimes do not have a sense of humour.

GaryKD · 02-04-2008, 06:28 AM

Skrams,
I agree with you. After traveling all over the world for 14 years, imigration officers have no sense of humor. I think when they are hired a secret operation is performed removing all joy from their mind and body. Like most, I have always had more difficulty with my home country imigration officers than any visiting country officer.

However, there is one humorous instance that may make some smile. I was entering Venezeula, via air, and was asked why I was coming into the country. I answered "by mistake". This was true because of a problem with the airlines I was traveling on (it's a long story and had been a long day). The officer took offense to my answer. Even after I explained the background, she could have cared less. I was taken aside and had to go through some additional interrigation. After about 90 minutes of nothing happening, I was allowed to enter the country.

The moral of the story is to make sure you are well rested and have your brain in high gear when approaching a border crossing.

Tom N · 02-04-2008, 06:36 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Skrams:
I made the mistake of asking a US border guard after he confiscated a beef pot roast from my fridge what they do with the removed items. He told me they incinerate them. I replied that a pot roast is better done medium well. For that he went back to my fridge and found some more things to remove. Remember these people sometimes do not have a sense of humour. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In today's political climate, joking with a border guard is the same as joking on a commercial airliner or at the airline boarding counter.

-Tom

georgetown350 · 02-04-2008, 01:31 PM

Give short answers to all questions. Dont talk more then needed. I cross the border twice dailey and I can tell you there are some good ones and some bad ones. The bad ones simply dont have people skill and when someone tells a joke they dont know how to react. So by punishing you they feel they are in charge. Little man syndrome I guess.