taking a trip to niagara falls on. any thing i should know about geting thru customs thanks?

Answer 1

Ignore the first person as they are clueless. You will have a *much* easier time getting by Canadian Customs than you will getting back into your own country again, I can guarantee. What *will* give you problems is giving any border guard (Canadian or American) an attitude. If you open your mouth and say "But I'm an American!" (especially when coming back into your country), you are screwed so just get off any ego trips before making international travel.

Have all your ID (preferably a passport as they can swipe it on the scanner) and documents (I've had them ask for vehicle registration sometimes) ready at hand, be polite and be prepared for them to ask odd questions. Customs will maybe ask weird questions to throw you off and then read you for malicious intent. ALWAYS tell the truth!!! Regardless, the worst that will happen if something goes horribly wrong coming into Canada is that you will be pulled over, searched, and possibly sent back (although that is rare). The worst that I've seen going into the USA as a limo driver taking people to Buffalo airport was the client being hauled away by Homeland Security and I was held up for hours just for being the driver. The funny part was the client was a mouthy American, so you figure it out. ;)

Relax and don't worry. 99.5% of the time they scan your ID and wave your through.

Edit: to respond to other points in other answers, you don't require a passport at this time and that program (due for the end of 2007) might be delayed further. Even so, that requirement was for you to get back into the USA, not get into Canada (we're not quite so paranoid). Also, the children thing is not for taking children into Canada but for bringing them back into your home jurisdiction. I know....it strikes me as odd too because you'd think they'd want to prevent you from kidnapping them out of the country but that's not how the rules are set up. Regardless, they rarely ask for those things either.

Answer 2

All I know is that pretty soon you're going to need a passport to get through Customs between the US and Canada. I don't know if it's started yet, or when it'll start. If you're going to need a passport, they'll take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to arrive, after you've filled in the paperwork and paid the people. You may want to check on this as soon as you can. If you plan on going to Canada often, you just as soon do the passport thing. Best of luck to you, have a good trip.

Answer 3

"When crossing the international border be sure to bring either a birth certificate or valid passport in addition to your drivers license. If you are bringing children with you, birth certificates are still required. If the children are not yours, you must provide a signed hand written note by the parent indicating how long the child will be in the country you are visiting along with telephone numbers for the parent as well. You may be denied entry if you are lacking proper documentation. (family photos can help too!)"

Answer 4

I cross back and forth over the border at least once a week. You do not need a passport. You do need photo ID and birth certificate. Sometimes they won't even ask for ID. They might ask you to pop your trunk, or if you're bringing in any alcohol or tobacco. Just answer their questions and they'll likely wave you through with no problems at all.

Answer 5

Current Requirements for Entry Into Canada

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada from the U.S. You will, however, need:

1.
Proof of your U.S. citizenship such as your U.S. passport (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with one of the regional passport agencies located throughout the U.S.) or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county or state in the U.S. where you were born. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver’s license, voter’s registration card or Social Security card is NOT valid proof of citizenship.
2.
Photo identification, such as a current, valid driver’s license.

All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport.

Answer 6

You can buy Cuban cigars in Canada, but you can not legally bring them back over the border. It's easier crossing the border if you have a passport. If you go with only your drivers licenes, they ask you a ton of questions. Just be prepared for that.

Answer 7

Be very polite..the Canadian border crossing guards are quite anti American at the moment