| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 851.1 | | CSC32::S_BROOK | There and back to see how far it is | Fri Aug 05 1994 15:02 | 24 |
| Generally speaking, crossing the border is a formality with an often
unnecessary slightly confrontational situation between Customs/Immigration
and traveller. Answer the questions calmly and in a moderately confident
manner and people rarely have problems ...
THe only problem you may have is with that much photo type equipment, it
is quite possible the question will come up "business or pleasure" ... and
with that much equipment customs may think "business" which needs an
appropriate work permit. So, anything you say mustn't provoke them into
believing this is potentially for business use. There is another note
in here somewhere describing someone's border crossing with a musical
instrument, and customs believed he was going to work, and unfortunately
he compounded the problem with his answers.
If it truly is for business use, consult a Canadian consulate PDQ to find
out what you will need to work and documents for your equipment.
Also it would be a good idea to have documentation of your equipment, such
as purchase receipts. Sometimes customs MAY ask that you leave a bond
so that you are going to return it to the US (not very common though).
But it is a good idea to have this documentation for getting it back
into the US!
Stuart
|
| 851.2 | Document your stuff before crossing! | KAOFS::LOCKYER | | Fri Aug 05 1994 15:40 | 18 |
| I don't know what the procedure is for someone travelling from the US
into Canada and return, but when I go to the US with valuables that I
don't want to get hassled about, I fill out a little card on the
Canadian side and then show it to whoever needs to see it so that I
don't have to pay duty etc. The card lists what the object is and
identifying marks such as serial numbers and you get Canada Customs to
look at the stuff and stamp the card.
I've done the above many times including a number of times when I took
hot air balloons across the border. It's always worked and I've never
had a problem or paid a bond.
But Stuart's advice is really good - be friendly, it's for pleasure and
your not going to make any money in any way!
Regards,
Garry
|
| 851.3 | | TROOA::SOLEY | Fall down, go boom | Fri Aug 05 1994 16:06 | 4 |
| US customs does not have the equivilant of the little green card for
temporary export of goods that Canada Customs has. Closest thing they
have is a one time use permit, you have to physically take your stuff,
in advance, to the closest customs office to get it.
|
| 851.4 | Personal Travel - Documentation | POLAR::PARKER | | Wed Aug 10 1994 15:24 | 19 |
| <<< Note 851.3 by TROOA::SOLEY "Fall down, go boom" >>>
Actually, USA Customs does have an equivalent to the "little green" card
(Y38A). U.S. Customs Form 4455 (Certificate of registration) may be used
to identify to USA Customs that you are taking goods out of the country
and intend to return. Typically, the 4455 must be certified by a USA
Customs officer prior to exit. Upon return to the USA, show them the
certified form 4455 and you will receive duty/tax free entry.
Canadian Customs will allow you entry of personal goods without security in
the form of bond or temporary entry provided you answer their questions
completely and candidly.
Worlwide Trade (Customs) in Acton may be of help.... try Steve Handy, or
Worldwide Trade in KAO (dtn 621-4133).
Regards
Roy
|