What do they check for at the Canadian Border?

Question

If you were going into Canada what would they check your license plate for?

Or do they even run your plates?

What about food?

What kinds of food can you bring?

And also duty fees... any idea how those work?

Thanks...

Answer 1

At the border, there are various levels of checks. Recently there is a requirement for passports (which is creating a delay at the border) but this is inconsistent. They don't regularly run your plates. Generally they don't check carefully for food, and you can get away with declaring nothing.

In general, driving through the border is easier than through airports.

Answer 2

Contrary to what Jasper said.........

Yes they do "run your plates " automatically, as you are waiting in the line up, by TV camera and computer systems. The inspector sees the results on a screeen in his booth, as you pull up to it.

If you have ever been convicted in the USA of a felony, or a DUI, you  will be rejected. Further, you may be sent for "secondary inspection " which means that your car and you will be searched.  

You may be asked about  any guns in the car, or where you are going in Canada and for how long ?

Food, A few restrcitions. Firewood, not allowed due to insect problems in the USA.

Before entering Canada, you can stop on the US side and buy at the "duty free store " where the items are "tax free " but there is a personal limit on how much each adult ( over age 19 )  can spend there. Se the signs at the duty free for details .

Each person in the car should give their ID papers to the driver, who gives them to the inspector, and shut off the car's  engine,. so he/she can hear your answers to the questions asked. Driver take off your sunglasses. Only answer the questions  that are asked.

Jim B. Toreonto.