Crossing the boarder, north or south

In short ... no. I have both with me at all times and I have never had so much as a question about either and I cross the U.S./Canada border 2-3 times a week.

However, be aware that the U.S. CBP has new powers of siezure if they suspect you have illegal material on your laptop. Along with the new powers are laws outlining under what circumstances they may sieze your computer, etc. A summary of the information here:
http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,10009426o-2000537720b,00.htm

So long as you are neither a peadophile or terrorist you probably won't have much to worry about.

 

I have crossed the border with Canada many times. Only once have I ever been questioned about a computer. It was by the Canadian side of North Portal. They searched the entire hard drive for pornography, especially child pornography. It took about an hour.

 

I don't blame them for doing that... Actually glad they took the time to do such a thing.. Kind of in a way sounds like a reason to search for other things as well but at least they are checking...


I have been across the Northern border several times... They never checked my laptop that was mounted on a laptop stand.. (used it for GPS) They always were nice to me and never gave me an issue.. Now if you have to walk and do a manual entry(not sure if they still do those) The people are not as nice.....

 

The only problem I had is when they grabbed the computer. I advised them that I had to stay with it because there were 50 tax clients private information on the computer. Includes their tax return info and ssn and all. When they found that out, they gladly invited me back to the area.

They searched the truck as well. The first and only time that happened.

 

Be advised new Homeland Security advisories have come out and they can remove your computer, cell phone or recording devices to examine them. Time of return is at their discretion. This only happens on entry to or returning to the U.S.

 

There was an article about this. I'll find the link.



Cybergal posted this.
UPDATE
US border cops empowered to seize laptops, cell phones
08/05/2008

Quote:
WASHINGTON -- Need another reason to avoid crossing the U.S. border?
How about the fact that your laptop, cellphone, or other electronic communication device could be confiscated for almost no reason at all.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently granted American border agents the authority to seize and detain such property from cross-border travelers.
http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.c...TOKEN=82132362

 

I know it is a pain for those all who frequently cross the border.. unfortunately it shows the times that we currently live in.

 

Actually, I have not crossed the border since this article came out. I am not sure I will again.

 

Same here... Not in a big truck at least... I would say i made about 20 crossing in the past 6 years in a big truck.. All of them went pretty smooth accept the manual crossings.. Worst thing about that was having to walk a mile to the broker office in the wind and it was snowing every time it seemed.. Not to mention you had to walk a mile back.. (always seemed like my broker was always towards the end of the buildings and never was lucky in getting one close) and the people attitude toward you change a little in the customs building as well... they are not as nice as the people in the booths, they you can joke with where customs they don't want t hear a darn thing from you..