Hi all,
My wife and I set to drive up to Quebec City tomorrow. Problem being I hear the Canadians are very restrictive in who they let in. Years ago upon returning from Vietnam and the Army I got into some minor trouble, a few arrests actually. All were misdemeanors and due to troubles from Vietnam.
I then went on to become a part time Police Officer and Reserve Deputy. Now I am worried when I get to Canada they won't let me in. Also, never told wife about troubles. Any thoughts?


kevin

Who knows until you actually are at Canada Customs.

A few years ago I sent an employee into Canada. He had no record, he was clean as far as he knew.

He was refused entry and sent back into the USA. Canada Customs gave him their reason, in 1964, as a 16 year old living in Italy because his Dad was US Military stationed in Italy, he got into a fist fight and was arrested. In Italy in 1964. Way over 40 years years ago.

Go figure.

I've been to Canada multiple times and never even a hint of an issue, yet coming back into the USA was a somewhat of a hassle.

Enjoy your visit in Canada, it's a great country and ally.

You mshould guy be able to contact Canada Customs or embassy and ask them beforehand.

Thanks Gene. I was in Canada in 2000 and did not have a problem but like you said the US Customs guy gave me a hard time asking about a woman I was with. Canada Customs said enjoy. Too late to call now, going tomorrow.

I cant imagine they run everyone's records or you would have lines backed up for miles.

Don't get me started on Canadian customs. I had my motorcycle searched and was "interviewed" while the RV of college age kids was passed through with nothing but a wave. I was searched the first couple of times I went to Canada now it seems like I am good.

Quebec City is really nice, I spent three days there on the way back from Cape Breton and really enjoyed the old world feel. Just beware of the "Angry Moose". The Ft is awesome and definitely do the tour.

Whatever you do, don't lie.

You have your passport right? You don't need it to get in, but you need it to get back to the USA

On one of my last visits to Canada, the entry officer asked my occupation. When I said I was a cop, I was immediately directed to another area where some folks were having their cars systematically disassembled. A uniformed Mountie approached me and asked if knew why I was being detained. I replied it was because I told the entry officer I was a cop. The Mountie asked if I had any firearms in my possession. When I said no, he shook hands with me and said "welcome to Canada".
Coming back into the US? Tore my truck apart including removing the plastic bed liner.
Welcome home!

Not good guys! Yes I have passport. This should be an interesting trip then. Of course I don't know why US Customs would bust your chops?

Kevin

Went in August. Upon entry, after occupation check, they asked if I had a gun in the car. My daughter pipes up and says he's probably got three.

I explained my daughter's sense of humor and advised them I know I'm not supposed to bring weapons into Canada and that I left them stateside and they can search my car if they want. They just said Good enough, enjoy your visit.

Coming back, they just looked in my trunk and let us in.

quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
Whatever you do, don't lie.

Yeah, you don't want to end up in a Canadian jail. Poutine every day, hockey every night, a cellmate named Gordie who calls you "his own Don Cherry".

Maybe you can contact the Canadian Consulate and spell out the situation. You don't want to get turned back at the border.

quote:

Originally posted by Chowser:
Went in August. Upon entry, after occupation check, they asked if I had a gun in the car. My daughter pipes up and says he's probably got three.

I explained my daughter's sense of humor and advised them I know I'm not supposed to bring weapons into Canada and that I left them stateside and they can search my car if they want. They just said Good enough, enjoy your visit.

Coming back, they just looked in my trunk and let us in.

“When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any firearms with me. I said, "Well, what do you need?”

― Steven Wright

Canadian Customs is where Canada sends all the assholes. Everybody else is polite and friendly, then it's like, "Scott, you're a dick, here's a customs uniform."

When I was a kid, they wouldn't let my uncle in because he had a DUI on his record, nevermind that at the time he could barely walk or talk due to MS.

quote:

Originally posted by BrianC:

quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
Whatever you do, don't lie.

Yeah, you don't want to end up in a Canadian jail. Poutine every day, hockey every night, a cellmate named Gordie who calls you "his own Don Cherry".

Guy I work with got denied entry. Twenty plus years ago he had a DUI. Denied on that basis.

Geez. Last time i went to Canada I was a kid traveling with my grandmother. I think they might've asked business or pleasure and sent us on our way, barely stopped long enough to say hi. How times have changed.

I've always gotten a harder time, lots of questions, son questioned, where does he live, who does he live with, by US than Canada.

Even the Canadians I know complain about their own customs officers.

I heard a radio piece the other day about how the US is doing the same to Canadians. Sounds like tit for tat.

I've probably been up to Canada at least a hundred times over the years and all I've ever gotten was "Welcome! Have a great time, eh."

Coming back, however, has been an entirely different experience. It should not be illegal to beat the hell out of our border patrol officers.