[mdouglasswow]

When you are traveling with another biker, do you both pull into the customs booth at the same time, or do you go one at a time. On our way into Canada they seemed very happy that we both came in together. On our way out the guy gave us a hard time and told us never to come in together again. Any thoughts?

 

[Jstrom]

Yep.

When you are traveling with another biker, do you both pull into the customs booth at the same time, or do you go one at a time. On our way into Canada they seemed very happy that we both came in together. On our way out the guy gave us a hard time and told us never to come in together again. Any thoughts?

My thoughts are Canadian border crossing persons are trained to use common sense and American ones aren't but they carry guns so just do as they say.

 

[V-Strom Ry]

When you are traveling with another biker, do you both pull into the customs booth at the same time, or do you go one at a time. On our way into Canada they seemed very happy that we both came in together. On our way out the guy gave us a hard time and told us never to come in together again. Any thoughts?

Yes: many US CBP personnel are arbitrary, rude, and rule-bound. You're from the US and they treat you like that. Imagine how they treat Canadians. This is not to say that Canada Customs doesn't have some ridiculous rules, or staff who are arseholes, too.

Oh, some of them are actually quite pleasant and helpful, though. It's still a big hassle.

 

[Yak]

One at a time, although I have had instances where the american customs officer asked 2 (out of our group of 3) to come up together, and the second time (different port) she wanted all 3 of us together.

 

[chicago]

I've encountered problems going into both as one person, riding or driving alone, sleepy crossings or major. Sometimes I'm welcomed, sometimes it's a problem. Once when riding with a friend we split up before the border, he was a Canadian resident and I US and we were just being cautious. I've had problems coming home to the US and this was long before 9/11, partly because of my Canadian origins and having a bit of Canadian ID and some US ID also. Now I carry passports for both countries. They can still harass me but eventually have to let me in. Also on occasion I've been met with a welcome and a smile into both countries. I try to be respectful and courteous and have my papers ready. Look them in the eye, sunglasses off if possible, yes sir, yes ma'am. Now's not the time to show how you really feel.

 

[water warrior]

Lynda and I cross the border one at a time. Never a problem. This may seem like dumb statemen/question but would 2 cars travelling together pull up together at customs ?

 

[Craig Jackman]

In multiple crossings, in groups large and small, it's been one at a time. One exception was during heavy rain, when the US border guard called my riding partner up at the same time so he didn't have to sit there.

Border crossing is simple. Passport. Either have helmet off when pulling up to the guard or be taking it off once stopped. Answer the questions, don't be a wise guy. Once they release me I ask them where they want me to pull over to put my helmet back on. Oh yeah, and if they hand you a slip and tell you to go in and pay taxes and/or duties when crossing the border, just go in and pay. It's just easier in the long run ... trust me.

 

[Yak]

Lynda and I cross the border one at a time. Never a problem. This may seem like dumb statemen/question but would 2 cars travelling together pull up together at customs ?

No, but 2 people travelling together in the same car would. 2 bikes will fit under the canopy and some officers just grab all the passports and run them together - in effect treating small groups (2 or 3) of bikes as a single vehicle with multiple occupants.

 

[footloose]

I live minutes from the Canadian/US border and cross the border very frequently. I travel/ride extensively in the States and also regularily shop and visit friends there.
I have rarely had any kind of "problem" on either side of the border. By that I mean, a customs officer that is rude, arrogant or unreasonable. I have on occasion been asked "extra" questions that seemed pointless or been detained into the customs office to have a more thorough check. In the hundreds of border crossings I've made, these are minor inconveniences really.

I now have a Nexus card, which means I've had a security check and issued a card which lets me use a "fast lane". But my procedure I use whether using the Nexus lane or not is the same....ride up fully prepared with passport handy, shut down the bike (so communication is easier...it's noisy in those allies with all the close traffic), be prepared to remove helmet and glasses if asked, answer the questions specifically with no other info volunteered, have a pleasant attitude!
If travelling with another bike it is best to pull up singularly until told that they would prefer both or several at once. Each crossing or officer seems to have a different preference and better to not tick them off by presuming it's ok to all ride up at once.

 

[MikeB]

My wife and I had a number of US-Canada border crossings on a recent trip to AK and were surprised at how easy and non-hostile all the customs encounters were on both sides of the border.

 

[Willdiesoon]

When I traveled with my 2 friends to Alaska this July, we approached each border crossing (US and CA) separately and all but one crossing (Haines, AK) they asked the first rider if we were together and then waved the other 2 up.

 

[2tall]

I've crossed many times at many different border crossings and never had a problem. Go up single, unless directed to do otherwise.

 

[Ches_Man]

Always have approached as a single. If in a group at times the Customs agent has asked for others to join, but mostly they've dealt with each of us individually. I've always been asked to remove my helmet and glasses, so I do it automatically whenever I'm approaching.

Never had issues, sometimes additional questions about how much $$$ I'm bringing in, do I have credit cards etc... Pretty painless overall.

Ummm, with the exception of one time when a buddy travelling with us responded to the question of 'Have you ever been convicted of a offence' with - "No, Yes... Maybe". This caused us an hour+ delay when they pulled him over.

 

[tatloon]

I've crossed many times at many different border crossings and never had a problem. Go up single, unless directed to do otherwise.

thats what we have done every time and never had a problem or rude agent

 

[DougInKY]

Always have approached as a single. If in a group at times the Customs agent has asked for others to join, but mostly they've dealt with each of us individually. I've always been asked to remove my helmet and glasses, so I do it automatically whenever I'm approaching.

Never had issues, sometimes additional questions about how much $$$ I'm bringing in, do I have credit cards etc... Pretty painless overall.

Ummm, with the exception of one time when a buddy travelling with us responded to the question of 'Have you ever been convicted of a offence' with - "No, Yes... Maybe". This caused us an hour+ delay when they pulled him over.

Smart ass answers will get you the personal attention of customs every time. I am polite and answer their questions truthfully. Works good for me.