What's it like at the border?

Question

I have some friends from Canada who are here in the States going to school, but while we're on break, some of their friends want to drive down and hang out with all of us for a week. What should they be expecting once they're at the border? I'm talking questions, possible searching of the car, identification, etc.

Answer 1

1) I.D. needed is official photo I.D. like a drivers license; and proof of citizenship, such as birth certificate or citizenship card.

2) Questions to expect at border:
---- where are you going
---- for how long
---- who are you seeing
---- where are you staying
---- how much money do you have with you or available
---- what day are you returning
Have answers ready (but not too "rehearsed"), and be prompt and honest with them. Designate a spokesperson, usually the driver, unless questions are specifically directed at other persons.

3) If anyone is under 18, a signed and notarized note from parents giving permission may be needed.

4) Don't freak if you are asked to go inside, sometimes groups of people, esp. young people, will be asked to, not for any particular reason, does not necessarily mean anything is wrong, just that they wanted a closer look.

5) Have a written (preferably notarized) permission from owner of car to take it across border if the car is not owned by the driver.

6) Occasionally car is searched, it is often random, so again, don't freak. They will ask you to go inside and leave the keys in the car. Oh, and you can't take cell phones into U.S. border stations, nor can you use restrooms in them.

Answer 2

as long as you guys aren't taking drugs across or anything else illegal you'll be fine. Answer the questions honestly and if they DO search the car, either its a random check or they spotted something suspiscious, keep your cool, their just following procedure, unless you guys got something to hide, than you better start worrying.

Answer 3

Just make sure to have your ID's with you. Sometimes they'll search you, and sometimes they won't.

Nothing to worry about, though.