When driving across the U.S.-Canada border, do agents run your passport through a computer system?

Question

Or do they check the passports by hand? Also, what questions do they ask? Also, what kind of information appears to them if they run your passport through a system? Driving/criminal records? Prior Visa history?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Border agents on both sides have a computer program which checks for crimminal backgound info including driving offences.  They may or may not check people in your car.  The only info they can get directly from your passport is your I.D. info and visa history.  See article below for info on questions you may be asked.

Answer 2

Whenever I drive through the border in Champlain, NY, the border agent scans my passport.  I have been asked where I am going, for how long, where I am staying, what I plan to be doing, and how much currency I am bringing.  Less than $10,000 is the legal limit.

Also, I believe they keep records on when you have crossed in the past. I know this, as I have been quizzed on that as well.  

If you are going there on business, tell them, and tell them what company you work for.  Have a printed itinerary available as well, to prove where you are going.  I know criminal records appear there, but am unsure about driving records or visa history.

Word of advice too - don't try to be chummy with the border agents going into Canada.  They seem to have no sense of humor whatsoever.  Just answer the questions straight and truthfully, and you should be fine.  They have the right to turn you away.  And for all those hours spent driving there, that's no fun.

The US border agents (going from Canada back to the States) seem to have a better sense of humor in general with US citizens.  But I cen tell they are very shrewd.  They will quiz you on where you live, and what cities are nearby where you live, so be prepared for that too.

By the way, the worst I had was having to give them my keys, and they searched my trunk.  Then I was on my way. The worst part of it was waiting in line.

Answer 3

Yes, the run it through a computer to check your criminal background. They can see if you got a DUI or something like that. Who wants to let in a criminal in their country? No one. Also other information such as your last entry into the country and when it was and how long you were there. If the agents added any notes about you in the system, whatever they entered will be in there for anyone else to see.

They ask you thinks like "what are you entering for? business or pleasure?", "how long do you plan on staying?", pretty routine stuff. Nothing to worry about.