Unbelievable!
08-21-2009, 05:41 PM
#16
Nordschleife Master
Was the paper work something that could be resolved or was his trip totally boned?
Wasn't Obama in Montana last week? Could be some lingering heightened security.
Wasn't Obama in Montana last week? Could be some lingering heightened security.
08-21-2009, 05:42 PM
#17
Race Car
In that case, if his Scottish passport (with US VISA, if required) was not enough documentation to allow him into the US, I 100% agree with you.
Dan
'91 928GT S/C
475hp/460lb.ft
Dan
'91 928GT S/C
475hp/460lb.ft
08-21-2009, 05:49 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
They told him to go home and get some additional papers, but he had already driven 5 hrs to get to the border, so the trip was essentially boned. As for Obama being here last week, he came right to this town, We drove down to the airport last Saturday and stood 30 yards from Airforce One and watched it take off, without a single problem from SS or TSA. So I don't think that was an issue.
08-21-2009, 05:49 PM
#19
Range Master
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08-21-2009, 06:02 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
This should not be a surprise without a passport! Yeah, it sucks but we do not want any rogue Canadians crossing the border 
....
'89 S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black sunroof
Objects in mirror are losing
....'89 S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black sunroof
Objects in mirror are losing
08-21-2009, 06:05 PM
#21
Owns the Streets
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So vot passport vas Flying Scot traveling with?
An EU UK thingie?
Sounds mighty suspicious to me.
Hope he doesn't fume too much.
An EU UK thingie?
Sounds mighty suspicious to me.
Hope he doesn't fume too much.
08-21-2009, 06:33 PM
#22
Nordschleife Master
Well this sounds like a real bummer for Malcolm.
I cross the line all the time and NEVER get harrassed. Though I always have my passport in hand and am polite and answer all questions immediately.
I cross the line all the time and NEVER get harrassed. Though I always have my passport in hand and am polite and answer all questions immediately.
08-21-2009, 06:42 PM
#23
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My daughters boyfriend had trouble as he is from England but just need to report inside and get an exit visa. Just like we need when we go to mexico. (I-94).
I await to see why he was turned back, but it has been common knowledge that a passport was needed for a couple of years. They have just been putting back the dates till june 1st when they became more militant. By the end of summer there will be no exceptions
08-21-2009, 08:49 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
That is a total bummer for Malcolm.
Even with the proper documentation, getting back INTO the states from say Vancouver, BC is a hassle. Drive up from Seattle on the way to Canada, wait at the border for 15 mins, Canadian border guard staff are generally nice, polite and professional.
Look over to the other side, the wait to get into the US is generally twice as long -at least. Seems to be less staff.
The US border guard staff are generally pretty serious, don't seem too concerned about being polite. They are not rude, but I always get the distinct impression that they don't want any crap from me - while I am in my family truckster minivan with the wife and kids.
It's a strange situation and its kind of irritating when you can get into Canada twice as fast as you can get back into your own country.
On the other hand, things have changed since 9/11.
And on the other other hand, its fun to visit Van - cuban cigars, funny beer, friendly people, its a trip.
And we just got the wife and kids their ID things so we can cross the border, I use my passport now.
Even with the proper documentation, getting back INTO the states from say Vancouver, BC is a hassle. Drive up from Seattle on the way to Canada, wait at the border for 15 mins, Canadian border guard staff are generally nice, polite and professional.
Look over to the other side, the wait to get into the US is generally twice as long -at least. Seems to be less staff.
The US border guard staff are generally pretty serious, don't seem too concerned about being polite. They are not rude, but I always get the distinct impression that they don't want any crap from me - while I am in my family truckster minivan with the wife and kids.
It's a strange situation and its kind of irritating when you can get into Canada twice as fast as you can get back into your own country.
On the other hand, things have changed since 9/11.
And on the other other hand, its fun to visit Van - cuban cigars, funny beer, friendly people, its a trip.
And we just got the wife and kids their ID things so we can cross the border, I use my passport now.
08-21-2009, 09:23 PM
#25
Done With Sidepatch
Rennlist Member
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That is a total bummer for Malcolm.
Even with the proper documentation, getting back INTO the states from say Vancouver, BC is a hassle. Drive up from Seattle on the way to Canada, wait at the border for 15 mins, Canadian border guard staff are generally nice, polite and professional.
Look over to the other side, the wait to get into the US is generally twice as long -at least. Seems to be less staff.
The US border guard staff are generally pretty serious, don't seem too concerned about being polite. They are not rude, but I always get the distinct impression that they don't want any crap from me - while I am in my family truckster minivan with the wife and kids.
It's a strange situation and its kind of irritating when you can get into Canada twice as fast as you can get back into your own country.
On the other hand, things have changed since 9/11.
And on the other other hand, its fun to visit Van - cuban cigars, funny beer, friendly people, its a trip.
And we just got the wife and kids their ID things so we can cross the border, I use my passport now.
Even with the proper documentation, getting back INTO the states from say Vancouver, BC is a hassle. Drive up from Seattle on the way to Canada, wait at the border for 15 mins, Canadian border guard staff are generally nice, polite and professional.
Look over to the other side, the wait to get into the US is generally twice as long -at least. Seems to be less staff.
The US border guard staff are generally pretty serious, don't seem too concerned about being polite. They are not rude, but I always get the distinct impression that they don't want any crap from me - while I am in my family truckster minivan with the wife and kids.
It's a strange situation and its kind of irritating when you can get into Canada twice as fast as you can get back into your own country.
On the other hand, things have changed since 9/11.
And on the other other hand, its fun to visit Van - cuban cigars, funny beer, friendly people, its a trip.
And we just got the wife and kids their ID things so we can cross the border, I use my passport now.
It's not Malcolm's first road trip south so I'll be interested in the details / hiccup he ran into. Sorry to hear it my friend.
Ed, your post pretty much sums up my ground crossings by car. The US customs personnel seem to have a limited sense of humour which I don't test.
Last edited by Mike B; 08-21-2009 at 09:28 PM. Reason: revision
08-21-2009, 09:41 PM
#26
Rennlist Member
hi guys I'm here. Thanks for most of the posts and the ones who jumped to the wrong conclusions here's the facts:
I am Scottish, first 24 years of my life, so have an accent; audible minority. Have now lived in Western Canada for the past 27 years. I carry a Euro passport. I also carry a Permenant Resident Card for Canada.
I have travelled the world in my careers as a professional engineer for several very large telecommuncation companies so have travelled to many many countries.
The last time I went to the USA they scanned my eye, studied the hell out of my passport, had to get a visa etc etc.
Today the border guard pulled me into their interogation shack, scanned my eye told me it matched their records and my passport but they wanted proof of employment as he was worried that I may just stay south of the border. I didn't have any other than a Visa card our company logo (we run a B&B at home on the farm). Another issue he had was I dont have a street address on any ID...........we live on a farm and only have a legal land description.
I was travelling solo, the wife wasn't there to provide further info.
I'm home now, scotch in hand.
Ed, we'll try the road to the sun later this fall have a great ride tomorrow
I am Scottish, first 24 years of my life, so have an accent; audible minority. Have now lived in Western Canada for the past 27 years. I carry a Euro passport. I also carry a Permenant Resident Card for Canada.
I have travelled the world in my careers as a professional engineer for several very large telecommuncation companies so have travelled to many many countries.
The last time I went to the USA they scanned my eye, studied the hell out of my passport, had to get a visa etc etc.
Today the border guard pulled me into their interogation shack, scanned my eye told me it matched their records and my passport but they wanted proof of employment as he was worried that I may just stay south of the border. I didn't have any other than a Visa card our company logo (we run a B&B at home on the farm). Another issue he had was I dont have a street address on any ID...........we live on a farm and only have a legal land description.
I was travelling solo, the wife wasn't there to provide further info.
I'm home now, scotch in hand.
Ed, we'll try the road to the sun later this fall
have a great ride tomorrow
08-21-2009, 09:59 PM
#27
Burning Brakes
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Bummer, I guess if you travel across the line enough sooner or later you will have an issue. I know I have spent the night at the border more than once with paperwork problems.
I guess it depends alot on which officer you get. But it really shouldn't. Seems to vary from time to time.
Better luck next time, I know it sucks.
I guess it depends alot on which officer you get. But it really shouldn't. Seems to vary from time to time.
Better luck next time, I know it sucks.
08-21-2009, 10:10 PM
#28
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I've noted a change in tone in the last 3 to 4 months crossing the border. I travel to the US between 2 and 4 times a month, usually by air. The latest thing is to park me in secondary inspection until just before my flight is about to leave. I've always gotten to my flight but just as the plane is about to leave which is kind of stressful. I get the impression that they want to make it difficult for us to cross the border to do business (sales engineer) and the new administration doesn't want to appear protectionist.
I remember when I was a kid and my dad would bring us to the drive in across the border...great times. No passport or even birth certificate required...my oh my how times have changed... which is kind of sad since border communities relie so heavily on cross border trade to survive.
I remember when I was a kid and my dad would bring us to the drive in across the border...great times. No passport or even birth certificate required...my oh my how times have changed... which is kind of sad since border communities relie so heavily on cross border trade to survive.
08-21-2009, 10:17 PM
#29
If you had come from the south, you would have been stopped because you are a pale-face.
Coming from the north and not saying "eh" at the end of each sentence gave you away. You were mistaken for an IRA bomber......Thank GOD we have border patrol up there.
/I keed, I keed.
Coming from the north and not saying "eh" at the end of each sentence gave you away. You were mistaken for an IRA bomber......Thank GOD we have border patrol up there.
/I keed, I keed.
