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-   -   No US riding for me!! What next? (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/travellers-seeking-travellers/no-us-riding-me-what-51832)

planethopper 2 Aug 2010 23:18

No US riding for me!! What next?
 
Well, I tried to enter the States to hit the BMW rally in Vermont but there is no way they were letting me in. Now my plans to ride down to South America need to change. I was planning on riding from Ontario to the east coast of Canada then down the east coast of the US, then take the TAT to the west coast, then make my way south through Mexico and so on. Does anyone know how and how much and where to ship my bike to Mexico? Or would it be better to ship it further down?

Mickey D 3 Aug 2010 00:10

Wow! That is a shocker. We've now got dozens of NSA contractors data mining everything on the planet ... turning up all kinds of reasons to deny entry to people ... and to detain perfectly innocent US citizen as well.

Welcome to our post 9-11 solution to Terrorism. I've even heard the Canadians are denying entry to Americans as well.

The US have something called a "No Fly" list. This list (and I'm sure others) are used to filter out people getting on planes and crossing borders.
Problem is, US citizens cannot access any info about themselves or why they are on it. Nearly impossible to get off it unless you hold some sway in govt. NO ONE is doing anything to correct this situation.

I would probably look at Air Freighting your bike somewhere. Your choice really. Sea Freight might be cheaper but perhaps more work?
Be a shame to skip Mexico and Central America but you could ship straight to S. America and work your way around, eventually coming North. If you're on a list, the US won't be letting you in at the Southern Border either. Best sell bike off down South and fly home at journeys end.

Best of luck ,hope a solution comes your way!

planethopper 3 Aug 2010 00:58

It's crazy at the border now. I know lots of people that can't cross into the US now and I know many that won't even try. They treat you like a criminal there. You have a great country but you border guards are brutal. I can fly to almost any country in the world but I can't go visit our neighbors to the south, makes no sense to me.

T.REX63 3 Aug 2010 01:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by planethopper (Post 299551)
It's crazy at the border now. I know lots of people that can't cross into the US now and I know many that won't even try. They treat you like a criminal there. You have a great country but you border guards are brutal. I can fly to almost any country in the world but I can't go visit our neighbors to the south, makes no sense to me.


So, you show up at the US boarder on your Canadian registered and properly insured bike, valid Canadian passport at hand, no criminal record, and they turn you away....??? :eek3:

farqhuar 3 Aug 2010 01:14

I appreciate you may not want to air your past in public PlanetHopper but I'm interested to know why US customs is treating you this way - do you have a history of drugs, jail time or leftist political leanings, or is the US government just generally difficult to deal with at present regardless of how "good" you've been?

Last time I visited the US was in 2007 and apart from having to take my shoes off every time I boarded a plane nothing was different. I lived in Toronto for the first half of the 90s and was regularly crossing the border (with Canadian residency but on an Australian pasport) without problems.

BlackBeast 3 Aug 2010 01:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.REX63 (Post 299552)
So, you show up at the US boarder on your Canadian registered and properly insured bike, valid Canadian passport at hand, no criminal record, and they turn you away....??? :eek3:

I understand you may not want to share the reason; however the US border guards must have had a valid reason for turning you away. Even on my South African passport, I had no issues crossing when I first moved to Canada; however I am not on any watch lists either.

Road Hog 3 Aug 2010 02:35

For the good ol days when you could drive back and forth to Canada at unmanned crossings and not even stop. Alas the world has changed, we all need to talk to our congressmen and senators to see it we can get Homeland Security to pull there head out of where the sun don't shine. They think if they treat everyone really rude the terrorist won't come in.

The Canada / USA boarder is a problem if you have a criminal record, they don't want ours and we don't want there's. The only thing we can do is contact the politicians and get the rules changed so at least you can find out why they won't let you in. So put that on your list and lets see what we can get done.

RJT

planethopper 3 Aug 2010 03:44

I do have one small theft charge from back in 1985 that I got a pardon for. I don't know if this is part of their interrogation training or not but they were accusing me of have an alias and didn't seem to take my answer of "no I don't" to kindly. I was there for 4 hours and they had a team of officers going through my laptop, bike, and personal info. I'm not a bad person, I don't do drugs and I hardly drink. It just didn't seem to be fair but at the border fairness is not a right I guess.

motoreiter 3 Aug 2010 03:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by planethopper (Post 299571)
I do have one small theft charge from back in 1985 that I got a pardon for. I don't know if this is part of their interrogation training or not but they were accusing me of have an alias and didn't seem to take my answer of "no I don't" to kindly. I was there for 4 hours and they had a team of officers going through my laptop, bike, and personal info. I'm not a bad person, I don't do drugs and I hardly drink. It just didn't seem to be fair but at the border fairness is not a right I guess.

Sounds like they gave you the standard "Nazi border guard" treatment, sorry to you and the others that are subjected to this nonsense. As to the poster who asserted that "the US border guards must have had a valid reason for turning you away"--your faith in our border bureaucracy is touching but completely misplaced.

planethopper 3 Aug 2010 04:34

Come to think of it, they didn't even ask for my vehicle registration or insurance. I had everything in order but they were more interested in my laptop then anything else.


Quote:

Originally Posted by T.REX63 (Post 299552)
So, you show up at the US boarder on your Canadian registered and properly insured bike, valid Canadian passport at hand, no criminal record, and they turn you away....??? :eek3:


Mickey D 3 Aug 2010 05:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by farqhuar (Post 299553)
I appreciate you may not want to air your past in public PlanetHopper but I'm interested to know why US customs is treating you this way - do you have a history of drugs, jail time or leftist political leanings, or is the US government just generally difficult to deal with at present regardless of how "good" you've been?

Last time I visited the US was in 2007 and apart from having to take my shoes off every time I boarded a plane nothing was different. I lived in Toronto for the first half of the 90s and was regularly crossing the border (with Canadian residency but on an Australian pasport) without problems.

In the last year or two things have changed radically for the worse. But don't think these are Obama policies ... on the contrary. These are Bush/Cheney policies put in place years ago that are just now being enacted. A recent report discovered 75 private companies doing work for NSA, CIA, M.I. and Homeland security digging up all kinds of BS on people. This is costing Hundreds of Billions of USD's to run.

I had some HSA clown tell me I was part of a white supremascist group in N. Carolina. I think he Googled me. He had found someone with the same name ... but he failed to note the middle name was different and the pic was WAY off. Idiot.

The HSA now have way too much power .... way beyond their pay grade and purview, and way too little real training. This all the result of Bush's combining of agencies. (Border Patrol, Immigration, Customs, Airport Security .... now all are Homeland Security.

Hopefully these tales will get back to someone who may actually affect a change.

markharf 3 Aug 2010 05:22

Yes, border guards can and do turn people back for the vaguest of reasons. I've had friends turned away because the guy in the booth had a suspicion they were planning to look for work in the States. That's all it takes: a suspicion. Add to this the fact that a certain percentage of border guards are jerks; same as lawyers, auto mechanics, or members of the trade or profession of your choice. But if an auto mechanic is a jerk you just go to the next guy down the street; when it's a border guard in a uniform the consequences can be enduring.

To the OP: I also know people who have gone back the following day and talked their way up the bureaucratic ladder until they were granted entry. I know little about how this actually works except that I do know a few people who have done it and succeeded. Try it and see.

Hope that helps.

Mark

*Touring Ted* 3 Aug 2010 06:02

So sad to hear this...

There are plenty of people wanting to ride Alaska/Canada to Ushuaia (me included) who just dont want to take the risk of flying self and bike way up north just to be turned back by a Doughnut munching border guard with a chip on his shoulder.. It's too much of a financial risk.

For future reference, is there no way to be granted a visa for transit BEFORE you head up to the border ?? Especially if you're coming from outside continental North America.

I think I'd probably end up flying into Northern USA and buying a bike there.

Such a shame to miss the awesomness (is that a word?) of Canada though.

farqhuar 3 Aug 2010 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 299586)
Such a shame to miss the awesomness (is that a word?) of Canada though.

Probably a word nowadays Ted but not the right one to use if you know the etymology of the word (awesome) - it actually means terrible.

farqhuar 3 Aug 2010 08:19

Sad to hear that the governeent has come down so hard Mickey and Mark.

I''ve done two big long rides across North, Central and South America but have never gotten to Alaska. I hope to do that in the nearish future and hope not to have border issues.

The only problems I've ever had at a US border was in 1990 when my wife, children and I went to live in Canada from Australia. We stopped over in Hawaii for a few days and my wife was travelling on her Japanese passport. At the time, Japanese citizens did not require visas for the US if they were just visiting for a holiday (which we were) but because she was enroute to another country (Canada) and not returning directly to either Australia or Japan, the customs officials said that was in contradiction of the visa-free regulations and incarcerated her for a couple of hours - eventually sorted, but quite trying at 3am in the morning when we had our 2 month old daughter who was breastfeeding, with us.

Once we got to Toronto we then had to get a full US tourist visa in order for her to cross the border at Niagara (which we did on average once a month whilst we lived in Toronto).

oothef 3 Aug 2010 08:30

Imagine if you were in your own country and you had heavily armed foreigners telling you what you can and can't do. It's no way to carry on.

Fastship 3 Aug 2010 08:40

I've been on this forum a few years now and the two BIG countries that you want to ride through and are hard to avoid on a RTW are the Peoples Republic of China and the USA. The former still is difficult for political reasons and the USA is catching up fast...


It took a change of government in the UK to beat back Labour's BIG BROTHER state and it's still work in progress.

T.REX63 3 Aug 2010 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* (Post 299586)
...
For future reference, is there no way to be granted a visa for transit BEFORE you head up to the border ?? Especially if you're coming from outside continental North America.
....

There are 36 countries part of the visa waiver program (vwp), the UK is part of it, as is Germany. You can always apply for a business visa ahead of time, which is valid for 10 years (IIRC).

Also, now the new ESTA is in effect:
"quote"
...
ESTA is Required: Effective January 20, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security is transitioning to enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for VWP travelers. Therefore, VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
...
"unquote"

The border crossing from the US into Canada has always been more "detailed" in my 25 years of business travel going back and forth. Coming back to the US (US border guards) was always more pleasant and relaxed in terms of border guard attitudes.

I have crossed the US/Canadian boarder by air, car, motorcycle and on foot countless times. I've done so with a German passport (visitor), US permanent resident card and finally as US Citizen and never have had any issues.

They always "fan" through my passport (usually the pages fill up before passport expires) and comment on my travel frequency. But, nothing negative.

But, that is just my experience...

garmei 3 Aug 2010 14:35

Visa Waiver Programme....
 
.... it confuses the hell out of me. Is this mandatory? will it help smooth things over? Is it only for buisness travel? I dont want what happened to the OP (bad luck mate) to happen to me, so I want to be as prepared as possible.

I've looked (several times) at the US embassy website for an explanation, but it just makes my brain hurt. And now the ESTA thing too...? Oh man...

I've just finished jumping through the EPA importation letter hoops and now this!!

:taz:
(I love Taz ;-)

Can anyone shed some light on this subject or even post a good link to a straight forward website please?

T.REX63 3 Aug 2010 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by garmei (Post 299634)
...

Can anyone shed some light on this subject or even post a good link to a straight forward website please?


Does this help ?

garmei 3 Aug 2010 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.REX63 (Post 299640)
Does this help ?

Yes it does! Thank you very much.

It seems to be tailored for travellers arriving by air or sea ports... not sure if this is intended or just an oversight that overland borders are omitted. Hmmm..

I think I'll do it regardless - it is free and could potentially help with convincing an awkward border guard that I'm not a menace to the state!

One of the questions asks for 'address whilst in the USA' (can be hotel address) so I'll have to book a place first then get it submitted. Or maybe find a USA HUBB community to provide an address. Turnaround time is quoted as 72 hours, so this can wait - I'm 6 months away from entering the USA. Hell, I'm 2 months away from beginning my trip!!!

Many thanks
G

planethopper 3 Aug 2010 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by garmei (Post 299644)
Yes it does! Thank you very much.

It seems to be tailored for travellers arriving by air or sea ports... not sure if this is intended or just an oversight that overland borders are omitted. Hmmm..

I think I'll do it regardless - it is free and could potentially help with convincing an awkward border guard that I'm not a menace to the state!

One of the questions asks for 'address whilst in the USA' (can be hotel address) so I'll have to book a place first then get it submitted. Or maybe find a USA HUBB community to provide an address. Turnaround time is quoted as 72 hours, so this can wait - I'm 6 months away from entering the USA. Hell, I'm 2 months away from beginning my trip!!!

Many thanks
G

I was told it's $545 us, and it takes 4 to 6 months after you apply. Plus you still need to get fingerprinted by your local government and that also costs money and takes some time. Then if everything goes well and you get your waiver, the guards at the border can still refuse to let you in.

garmei 3 Aug 2010 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by planethopper (Post 299657)
I was told it's $545 us, and it takes 4 to 6 months after you apply. Plus you still need to get fingerprinted by your local government and that also costs money and takes some time. Then if everything goes well and you get your waiver, the guards at the border can still refuse to let you in.

Canada is not on the list of countries eligible to apply for a waiver. I assume you are canadian from your location? (check the link provided by TREX63 for a list of eligible countries).

Here is what it says in the 'help'section of the ESTA website regarding fees-

"I have seen other Web sites that are charging money and assisting travelers in applying for their ESTA application. Is there a benefit to using one of these other sites?

Visa Waiver Program travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites that charge a fee to provide information about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and to submit applications on behalf of the Visa Waiver Program traveler. These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with the Department of Homeland Security or the United States Government. The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain travel authorization through the official Web site. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization will not expedite the granting of approval."

Yup, I understand that the border guard has ultimate say over your entry, but this could just be another tool in your arsenal in case of a difficult border guard - I dont intend on being turned away without a fight at least. So I'm not leaving anything to chance - I'm taking proof of employment back home, a quote from James Cargo for a return freight for my bike, credit cards, proof of money in my account, lucky boxer shorts and some incriminating photos of the border guard. Okay, maybe not the last one!:biggrin3:

After all that they better put up a fight, I'll feel a bit cheated if they just wave me through!

olyflyer 3 Aug 2010 17:55

I just got a 5 year B2 visa which means I can stay for up to 6 months each calendar year but it is up to the boarder guards to decide if they want to honour it, it cost me just around $200AUD for it

here's to hoping I can get a 6 month visa in 2 and a half weeks when I arrive in San Fran and head south slowly

farqhuar 4 Aug 2010 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by olyflyer (Post 299669)
I just got a 5 year B2 visa which means I can stay for up to 6 months each calendar year but it is up to the border guards to decide if they want to honour it, it cost me just around $200AUD for it.

Here's to hoping I can get a 6 month visa in 2 and a half weeks when I arrive in San Fran and head south slowly

Have a great time on your travels Oly.

I just wanted to provide a bit of clarificationfor everyone. I worked for Immigration in Australia for 3 years so I have a fairly good understanding of how things operate.

1. A VISA has a validity period (in the above case 5 years) during which you can enter as many times as it states (in this case a multiple entry visa allows unlimited entries. It also states how the maximum period you can stay in the country during each entry.

2. When you arrive in the country you are given an ENTRY PERMIT STAMP. This stamp determines how long you can stay. Technically when you leave the country the entry permit stamp should be cancelled and you should receive a new one when you return to the country, however, the US does not always enforce this for people crossing from the US into Mexico or Canada. You can receive an ENTRY PERMIT STAMP which extends beyond the data of your VISA expiry (e.g. you arrive on the 1st of June and are given a 6 month ENTRY PERMIT STAMP allowing you to stay till the 1st of December even though your VISA expires on the 1st of August).

3. As pointed out above, regardless of the fact that you have a VISA the ultimate discretion is in the hands of the border immigration officer (not the customs officer - they are usually two separate officials). You can still be refused entry even though you have a valid VISA in your passport and the immigration officer can also elect to give you an ENTRY PERMIT STAMP for a much shorter period than your visa states.

The only countries I have visited that I can recall are radically different to the above are Russia and the ex-soviet satellite states. In those countries your visa is linked to the entry permit and you must leave the country on or before the day your visa expires. This is a real pain because in Russia they generally only give a short visa (say valid for 3 months from date of issue) which means that any time spent travelling in other countries, prior to arriving in Russia, cuts into the maximum time you can spend in Russia.

DLbiten 4 Aug 2010 03:11

:offtopic:The USA did get rid of it old political government old GW the Republican and got a new one Obama the Democrat. Almost all of the US government is now controlled by the Democrat party the kinder gentler left of center liberal party. Did not seem to do any good. Under GW I have seen little problems people coming and going in to and out of the USA. Under Obama not so much new EPA regs more people being turned back at the border. All this and we still in 2 land wars over land we do not want oil we did not import for some thing the governments of the lands did not do. I hate being me sometimes. $2 trillion on the rich and who knows how much spent on the wars of my money but I brake an arm and am out of luck. I hate them both.

But back to the OP you can fly over the USA right to Cuba gust to rub it in, you may be able to ship your bike overland to Mexico. I still see no reason that you gave why you can not enter the USA. You may want to call the US state department and ask them or go to the US embassy in Canada The Embassy of the United States of America - Ambassade des �tats Unis . You may want to go west a bit and try to cross there most of the people that have posted they did get to go in to the USA have been on the East coast. Sorry for your problems at the border I wish there was something that can be done but I gust do not know.

chris 4 Aug 2010 06:03

Last year another hubber intending to transit the USA en route to Central Amercia was also refused entry:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...y-to-usa-45606

Is it an idea to "name and shame" the border crossings where these events are happening?

I can't contibute here myself. In 2000 on my RTW jolly I crossed from Vancouver island by ferry to Port Angeles WA and had no problems. Since then, apart from once, my arrivals in the USA have been at airports which haven't been difficult either.

I did arrive at the Tijuana border from Baja California in early January 2009 on a Nevada registered dirtbike and the border matey-boy only asked for my passport after I inadvertently mentioned I was English and flying from LAX back to GB. Other than that, I probably wouldn't have needed to show any paperwork whatsoever.

I did however have a little run in with the dept of Homeland Security's O FCUK (er I mean.... OFAC). The story is at the bottom on this webpage: Baja California TBSdotCom
Then again it was possibly a ruse used by the fcukers at Halifax Bank of Scotland...:funmeterno:

To the OP: Good luck in trying to enter the US. Once you're in, there's lots of great biking and wonderful people.

Chris

trying59 4 Aug 2010 12:47

I ve been finger printed and turn back just because I forgot my birth certificate. I get the works including finger printing. The guard goes afterword now you can never do any crime in the usa . ( Unless you re going to steal 2 million or more why bother? ) Yep my record is as shiny as a bald guys head. Got back into my car to find they had open a gallon of oil container and not put the cap back on right. spilled all over. My only sin was was being honest. Are you working no. My advice is lie. Yes I m working. Have a fake letter saying you ve paid the rent on house to show you ve got an address. When asked where you are going say something like Reno for 2 weeks . Have a bank book that's up to date that shows you ve got 5 grand or more .

T.REX63 4 Aug 2010 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by trying59 (Post 299759)
...
My only sin was was being honest. .... My advice is lie.
...

I caution to lie to a CBP Officer. In the days of electronic data and cross-referencing, any CBP Officer has access to a lot of info at their fingertips. Plus, you are NOT dealing with guys & gals who worked last week at a McDonald's either. They are well trained and do nothing but spot people who's stories don't add up. Edit: (...or people who think they are hot shit :whistling:) .

You get caught lying and it will be on your record hard & sticky. It will be very tough to get any negative information removed.

If they pull your passport through any of their computer scanners, they know exactly where and when you have entered the US and any comments if you have caused reason for suspicions.

My advise: Be honest and back your story with proper paperwork that's verifiable. If you have nothing to hide, you should be generally OK and they'll let you in. But, as stated before, visa or not, it is ALWAYS up to the CBP Officer to allow or deny entry.

Of course, there are always exceptions, where certain actions by a CBP Officers are not just. But, that's just like anything else in life, when you deal with people in position with power.

markharf 4 Aug 2010 17:26

Heh heh heh. Me, I always lie--at all borders throughout the world. In particular, I say I've got a job whether I do or not--this is SOP for any traveler. But I never lie about stuff which can be checked, like when I entered or left a country previously. And I always bring the appropriate paperwork, although this doesn't include bank statements or rent receipts.

Usually it's attitude which carries you through borders. Sometimes it's the whims of the particular border agent you happen to encounter....and contrary to the statement above, they are not necessarily highly trained, alert, intelligent and/or interested in doing their assigned job. Sometimes they are ignorant, badly-trained, sleepy and merely moonlighting from their actual careers, which are quite varied (I'm speaking of US border agents here, but this applies elsewhere almost equally). Sometimes, moreover, they are motivated almost purely by the desire to show you who's boss, and in such cases you've got to suck it up and let them do so.

Anyone who thinks that our American visa and visa waiver programs are applied and enforced fairly or efficiently is living in a parallel universe to which I've got no access. The system sucks, and not only does it make us look foolish and inept, but it fails to achieve even its most basic goals while doing so.

I can hear the rant ramping up in my tone, so I think I'll save it and sign off.

Safe journeys!

Mark

(back on American soil for the first time in many months)

Mickey D 4 Aug 2010 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf (Post 299792)
Anyone who thinks that our American visa and visa waiver programs are applied and enforced fairly or efficiently is living in a parallel universe to which I've got no access. The system sucks, and not only does it make us look foolish and inept, but it fails to achieve even its most basic goals while doing so.

Mark

(back on American soil for the first time in many months)

Spot on Mark! :thumbup1:

Scrabblebiker 4 Aug 2010 19:02

I wouldn't give up on this. Maybe you could try crossing at a smaller, less busy crossing and try to talk your way through if there is another problem? Despite the border issues experienced by some individuals, the USA is an amazing country to travel in. "The cradle of the best and the worst" :-) as Leonard Cohen puts it.

Borders are always a tricky thing. I always go against my true nature and act very demurely with lots of deferrence to the border guard, as well as an apologetic tone. Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue and let the power hungry ones feel like you're "submitting". This makes them happy and you'll be more likely to be on your merry way, sometimes after some kind of lecture. Vent your frustrations afterwards. The goal is to get into the country, not to make a point or to prove who's right.

I'm not suggesting that this relates to the problem the original poster had. Simply stating that this has worked for me for 25 years of regularly crossing the US/Canada border on the West Coast, even with a Cuban stamp in my passport. I was even let off after being caught not declaring purchased goods coming back into Canada.

Of course, being a graying middle aged woman might be a factor these days as well. I do sometimes lie, or at least lie by omission. Volunteer as little information as possible and only directly answer those questions that are being asked. They have no way of checking wether you're truly only going to Tennesee for two weeks or going further. On the other hand, don't deny having been somewhere when there's something obvious like a stamp in your passport.

"going down the Oregon Coast" would be good answer when crossing on the West Coast. It's not a lie since I'm actually doing that. I'm just omitting the fact that I plan to continue down a whole bunch of other coasts ;-) Then only give more information if they want to hear more.

Unfortunately if a name like your's or similar to your's appears on some list then you could easily be hooped. I'm just glad that I have a very uncommon last name.

Good luck with everything.

...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

chris 4 Aug 2010 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrabblebiker (Post 299799)
I wouldn't give up on this. Maybe you could try crossing at a smaller, less busy crossing and try to talk your way through if there is another problem? Despite the border issues experienced by some individuals, the USA is an amazing country to travel in. "The cradle of the best and the worst" :-) as Leonard Cohen puts it.

Borders are always a tricky thing. I always go against my true nature and act very demurely with lots of deferrence to the border guard, as well as an apologetic tone. Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue and let the power hungry ones feel like you're "submitting". This makes them happy and you'll be more likely to be on your merry way, sometimes after some kind of lecture. Vent your frustrations afterwards. The goal is to get into the country, not to make a point or to prove who's right.

I'm not suggesting that this relates to the problem the original poster had. Simply stating that this has worked for me for 25 years of regularly crossing the US/Canada border on the West Coast, even with a Cuban stamp in my passport. I was even let off after being caught not declaring purchased goods coming back into Canada.

Of course, being a graying middle aged woman might be a factor these days as well. I do sometimes lie, or at least lie by omission. Volunteer as little information as possible and only directly answer those questions that are being asked. They have no way of checking wether you're truly only going to Tennesee for two weeks or going further. On the other hand, don't deny having been somewhere when there's something obvious like a stamp in your passport.

"going down the Oregon Coast" would be good answer when crossing on the West Coast. It's not a lie since I'm actually doing that. I'm just omitting the fact that I plan to continue down a whole bunch of other coasts ;-) Then only give more information if they want to hear more.

Unfortunately if a name like your's or similar to your's appears on some list then you could easily be hooped. I'm just glad that I have a very uncommon last name.

Good luck with everything.

...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

I would have to agree with everything Michelle says, except that I'm a a graying middle aged man:cool4:. The game is that they let you into their country, whatever you have to do to make that happen. I only ever got cute once with a border matey boy and that was leaving Jordan when he insisted I needed my carnet de passage stamped out, when it wasn't stamped in and said in big letters on the front "not valid in Jordan". Luckily he didn't understand enough English to appreciate the similarity between the words Hashemite and Shite.:smartass:

As said above, speak when spoke to, turn off bike engine, remove helmet and sunglasses, look demure, only answer the question posed and if in doubt, blow so much sugar up their ar$e that they can't remember who they are and why they were born. They are in a uniform for a purpose: they have a pre shrunk part of their anatomy that needs enlarging in their mind for as long as they have something you want.

Good luck,
Chris

chris 4 Aug 2010 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by planethopper (Post 299546)
Well, I tried to enter the States to hit the BMW rally in Vermont but there is no way they were letting me in. Now my plans to ride down to South America need to change. I was planning on riding from Ontario to the east coast of Canada then down the east coast of the US, then take the TAT to the west coast, then make my way south through Mexico and so on. Does anyone know how and how much and where to ship my bike to Mexico? Or would it be better to ship it further down?

Which border post was it?

Chris

planethopper 4 Aug 2010 20:37

The border crossing was Saint Steven NB into Calais Maine. I can't try another border because they gave me a brutal warning about being arrested, imprisoned, and deported if I were to try another crossing. Oh, and that my bike will not belong to me anymore. It seems that every American I meet is extremely embarrassed about their border policies and I agree. I have been to the States many times in the past and yes the previous poster is right, the States has some beautiful riding, sights and great people but the ones at the border need............well I don't want to say anything in case they bugged my laptop or something. They had possession of it for about 3 hours so who knows what they did with it.

markharf 5 Aug 2010 05:28

Whoa! They really didn't like you much at all.... Normally they just turn you away with a lecture or a lot of sneering. I don't know what made it happen, but you must've rubbed someone the wrong way.

I think you need to go back and kowtow your way up the ranks a bit, asking for an explanation and suggestions as to how to deal with the situation. Maybe there's no alternative, but remember what I wrote earlier--I know a couple of people who've first been refused, then allowed when they (very politely) persisted.

trying59 5 Aug 2010 08:02

I thought I would add this to my post 2 days latter with my sister and famley we drove right through. Only differance was how I dressed. that reminds me dress better then what you normally would at the usa border and you might just get through. dump the jeans, the motorcycle jacket and put on some casual wear if you got it. it can't hurt? image is everything to this jerks.

BruceP 5 Aug 2010 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by trying59 (Post 299859)
I thought I would add this to my post 2 days latter with my sister and famley we drove right through. Only differance was how I dressed. that reminds me dress better then what you normally would at the usa border and you might just get through. dump the jeans, the motorcycle jacket and put on some casual wear if you got it. it can't hurt? image is everything to this jerks.

It might hurt if you fall off without your bike gear on :-)

I must stop reading these threads, it only gets me all wound up :-(

motoreiter 5 Aug 2010 11:58

What's the point of giving you a visa if any cranky border guard can arbitrarily refuse you entry? Where is the sense in that?

planethopper 5 Aug 2010 14:44

Yes, it doesn't make much sense to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get this waiver only to show up at the border and get turned away again. That's what I'm afraid of. They say you can apply as many times as you want, at $545 a pop I guess they would say that! Is there anyone out there that has received a waiver and if so did it work for you? By what they were saying to me at the border I don't think they would let me in even if I had a waiver, or maybe that was just part of their interrogation methods, who knows. I'm 50/50 on this one.

markharf 5 Aug 2010 16:15

Planethopper, you need to take a deep breath and regroup. The waiver doesn't cost $545. Even a visa doesn't cost $545. I'm the first to agree that American border guards are often arbitrary and unfair.....but you're doing something very wrong, and you need to figure out what it is and correct it.

FWIW to anyone who's listening: a visa, no matter for what country anywhere in the world, never guarantees entry. And countries for which you don't need a visa never guarantee entry. You can always be refused; this is not just the USA.

Mark

(preparing to apply for entry to that big, scary foreign country immediately to the north)

Scrabblebiker 5 Aug 2010 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf (Post 299895)

(preparing to apply for entry to that big, scary foreign country immediately to the north)

My thoughts are with you. Please be careful. :scared:


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

markharf 5 Aug 2010 17:18

[quote=Scrabblebiker;299896]My thoughts are with you. Please be careful. :scared:

Heh heh. Thanks Michelle. You know how easily frightened we Estados Unidenses are these days!

See you at Nakusp.

Mark

planethopper 5 Aug 2010 23:18

Hey Markharf. I wish you were right but I looked into it and it is $545 to apply for the waiver. The guards at the border told me that and I called a place in BC that does them and told me the same thing. What is needed is:
1) Completed and signed form I-192 in duplicate
2) Completed and signed form G-325A in quadruplicate
3) RCMP criminal record
4) Certified court information
5) Letter of employment
6) Letter of circumstance
7) three letters of reference
8) Copy of Canadian pardon if applicable
9) Passport or drivers license and birth certificate to verify citizenship
10) US $545 filing fee payable by Visa, Mastercard, American Express and US dollars.

Chris of Japan 6 Aug 2010 00:48

OK, this is where you are confusing people planethopper. What you are applying for is NOT a visa waiver (which costs NO money), it is an application for waiver of inadmissibility as an "Inadmissible Nonimmigrant" (i.e., someone with a criminal record as is your case).
USA's visa waiver program "enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa."
The requirements for Canadians are different (usually not as strict).
Citizens of Canada traveling to the U.S. do not require a nonimmigrant visa... Additionally, Canadian citizens who are ineligible for a visa under immigration law, or have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the U.S., can Learn More about ineligibilities related to Canadians on the CBP website.

markharf 6 Aug 2010 00:58

Thanks, Chris. I was getting ready to post the same after confirming I had the names correct. The original mention of the term "waiver" referred to something different from Planethopper's use of the same word.

None of which alters my deeply-held belief that my country has gone off the rails with regard to immigration and border controls.

Mark

planethopper 6 Aug 2010 02:45

Sorry guys and gals. I'm just using the term that they used on me. Sorry for the confusion. To much bullsh_t at the border. It should just be a 50 cent toll to go across and a big sign that says "welcome neighbor"

DLbiten 6 Aug 2010 03:06

Did some looking in to the problems at the USA/Canada border and it is not good. Seems the USA and Canada and soon more all share ALL the information they have on you I am betting by name. Not much new some say but the laws for getting at that information are as is the amount. Bad news. you now a FBI file with input from CSIS, CIA, homeland security NSA, your mom and gust about any one else they can dig up. And time seems to little to do with you getting let in I have read about some one getting popped for pot in the 70's in the US turned around at the border. do not know if it will help but DHS | Crossing U.S. Borders this part may help U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Travel.

To bad the "law" is not upheld the same for politicians last 3 presidents have enfe violations on there record to ban them leaving the USA. Drinking, drugs, starting wars you know just little things like that.

Off the rails? hell no. We are past that, we are dropping down a cliff with the D and Rs in power yelling "FASTER FASTER!" Hope and change!

Chris of Japan 6 Aug 2010 05:51

You were half right in that it is a waiver (of inadmissibility), but not a visa waiver. If you want to go to the states, think of the procedures as an extension of the punishment of the crime you were convicted of and just deal with it. Maybe you don't think it is fair to have to do this for something you did 20 years ago, but that is life in the age of instant access to your past. You may be a nice guy who made a stupid mistake in your past, but as far at the guys at the border are concerned, you are just a convicted criminal of which the USA had enough of already. They probably don't want their boss to come and ask why they admitted someone with a record if that person ends up being arrested for a crime in the USA.
Good luck in your endeavors to get permission or to go around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by planethopper (Post 299968)
Sorry guys and gals. I'm just using the term that they used on me. Sorry for the confusion. To much bullsh_t at the border. It should just be a 50 cent toll to go across and a big sign that says "welcome neighbor"


motoreiter 6 Aug 2010 07:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf (Post 299895)
FWIW to anyone who's listening: a visa, no matter for what country anywhere in the world, never guarantees entry. And countries for which you don't need a visa never guarantee entry. You can always be refused; this is not just the USA.

OK, fair enough, although I can't say I've every heard of someone being turned away at a border because someone didn't like their looks? If the US is that worried about 30 year old criminal convictions, etc., wouldn't it make sense to conduct those checks BEFORE issuing a visa? Whole process sounds worse than I thought...

markharf 6 Aug 2010 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoreiter (Post 299988)
I can't say I've every heard of someone being turned away at a border because someone didn't like their looks?

Hey, I've stood right next to people while this was happening (entering the States from Canada), and I've been turned back from Canada myself due to inadequate grooming (i.e., long hair and patched clothes back in the good old days). You've never heard of this? You really do live in a parallel universe!

I'm not criticizing your perspective; actually, I find it fascinating. I thought everyone knew these things, but obviously I need to expand my horizons a bit.

motoreiter 6 Aug 2010 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf (Post 299989)
You've never heard of this? You really do live in a parallel universe!

No, I can't say that I have heard of this, although I travel extensively and have lived abroad most of my adult life. However, I've got very little experience crossing the US/Canadian boarder. In particular, I can't say I've ever heard of someone flying to another country with a valid visa, just to be told, "gee, we don't like how you look, get back on the plane..." I like my universe better.

garmei 6 Aug 2010 19:36

In my universe.....
 
.... I look like Brad Pitt, ride like Rossi and always get the girl!

Those border guards will stop the traffic and lay down the red carpet...

:wink3:

planethopper 6 Aug 2010 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by garmei (Post 300071)
.... I look like Brad Pitt, ride like Rossi and always get the girl!

Those border guards will stop the traffic and lay down the red carpet...

:wink3:

I want to live in you universe, but throw an "s" on the end of girl;)

Road Hog 7 Aug 2010 18:05

This whole border thing has me worried as I head for Nakusp next week. 12 million undocumented people in the US and we have to worry that someone has a 30 year old theft charge. It is amazing what access they have to records, There is no such thing as esponged records, even what you did when you were in grade school can be accessed.
A few years ago we did a project for a State Prison and had three of our crew refused. One was a part time police officer who was arrested (but never charged) for a fight at school. They even would refuse someone if you had a relative who had got in to trouble with the law. If HLS is using the same data base we are in trouble.
The only way this situation will improve is by contacting the politicans and demand some change. If you have a name similar to somone they do not want in there should be an easy way to prove you are not them, at no cost.
One problem is that the public is demanding that we improve our border security, but I do not think that what we are seeing is the way to do it.
I must be lucky (or dress right, cut my hair, smile a lot) as the only problem I have ever had was when I told Canadian border guard that I was entering for business. To which I was led to a room and lectured on what was required to legally do business in Canada, (didn't get the bid so never had to do it).
We should have a discussion at Nakusp (HU CanWest meeting) and put together a battle plan. (no one allowed to take names or we might not get back home).
Bob:scooter:

DawnBreaker 9 Aug 2010 04:01

Fellow travelers: I am sorry everyone is having such difficulties getting into the US. I myself have witnessed this first hand after returning from a 5 day trip to Mexico. The Mexican side was courteous and professional when I entered Mexico and also when I departed Mexico. When I made it to the US side, I had 6 Border Patrol officers start running toward me. A couple of them had their hand on their gun holster. They circled my bike and told me to keep my hands on the handle bars. They wouldn't tell me what I had done wrong. After about a 10 minute check they let me go without any explanation. At first I was offended. Then I started reflecting on 9/11 and all of the America Haters inside and outside our borders who want to do our people harm. Lets face it, if your counties had fallen victim to an attack similar to 9/11, I bet your borders and border guards would be acting the same way. This is the price we all pay when blood thirsty fanatics ram Boeing 767's into our cities. You should be pissed at the right people. The same people that I get pissed at every time I have to take my shoes off and empty my pockets at the airport. It sure isn't the US Customs and Border Patrol. Please try to be patient with me. I know I am venting but I still can vividly see the World Trade Center collapsing in my mind.

farqhuar 9 Aug 2010 04:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawnBreaker (Post 300401)
Fellow travelers: I am sorry everyone is having such difficulties getting into the US. I myself have witnessed this first hand after returning from a 5 day trip to Mexico. The Mexican side was courteous and professional when I entered Mexico and also when I departed Mexico. When I made it to the US side, I had 6 Border Patrol officers start running toward me. A couple of them had their hand on their gun holster. They circled my bike and told me to keep my hands on the handle bars. They wouldn't tell me what I had done wrong. After about a 10 minute check they let me go without any explanation. At first I was offended. Then I started reflecting on 9/11 and all of the America Haters inside and outside our borders who want to do our people harm. Lets face it, if your counties had fallen victim to an attack similar to 9/11, I bet your borders and border guards would be acting the same way. This is the price we all pay when blood thirsty fanatics ram Boeing 767's into our cities. You should be pissed at the right people. The same people that I get pissed at every time I have to take my shoes off and empty my pockets at the airport. It sure isn't the US Customs and Border Patrol. Please try to be patient with me. I know I am venting but I still can vividly see the World Trade Center collapsing in my mind.

Sorry to hear you had problems DB, but a little root cause analysis wouldn't go astray here. The events of the 11th of September were a response to an issue which had been brewing much longer. No, they don't deserve our sympathy for what they did, but they didn't crash those aircraft simply because they were blood thirsty fanatics. It's a complex world we live in and nobody solves issues by reducing them to a simple black and white / good vs. evil, blame game - regardless of the fact that your local media and politicians insist on trying to paint that picture.

mcgiggle 9 Aug 2010 10:14

I'm following this thread with interest because the info it contains is relevant to the subject title and very relevant to what I will be doing can we keep it that way :offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic: :offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic: :offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic: :offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic: :offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic: :offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic::offtopic: :

Mickey D 9 Aug 2010 19:29

This is all totally relevant. Like it or not 9-11 is the seminal event that's triggered much of the over-the-top border issues we are having today. Too much money and power in the hands of private contractors (read: mercenaries) with not enough govt. oversight. And not just US/Canadian borders. The US has MASSIVE influence over other countries and their security infrastructure, as we often PAY FOR IT. We have militarized many borders now ... as the US prepares for endless war. War is good business.

Come on over, you'll find out how the Homeland Security (HSA) does anal cavity searches. You think that's "off topic" ? You have no idea.

Farqhuar's rebuttal is spot on. Most US citizens have no clue what their govt. has been up to the last 20 years. Ignorant of history, misplaced super nationalism in the guise of Patriotism, all dangerous stuff with an ignorant populace. (think Germany, early 1930's)

Many Americans get their news from Nut Jobs like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck .... and other Far Right fascist and Racist elements from the Christian Right to Fox News. And Americans believe this shit, they really do! (Thanks Rupert!)

We now see radical armed militia movements, the Tea Party fringe and even nut job politicians with Hitler complexes coming out of the wood work. The stage is set.

As time goes on it will become more and more difficult and dangerous for US and British Citizens to travel. Period. It's now already started with absurd fees charged for visas (for US and other nationals) in some countries. Or outright denial of entry. More paper work than ever before, more scrutiny, most is reciprocity in reaction to our own immigration policies world wide.

As we kill more innocent civilians in our two illegal wars, we simply give strength and incur the emnity of not only regional peoples but the whole world. The US's extreme over reaction and misplaced use of force puts not only us, but the entire world in a very dangerous position. Like Nuclear obliteration kinda danger.

oothef 9 Aug 2010 19:41

Bloody Hell, Fear and Loathing!

planethopper 9 Aug 2010 20:30

It seems like the radical Muslims have ruined it for all of us. They seem to have less problems crossing borders then us non Muslims. How far through an airport or border do you think I would get with my face covered? I remember 911 and seeing the security personal at Toronto airport cheering when the towers fell, made me sick!!! they still work there!!! I'm sure I don't have to tell you what the security personal are at Toronto airport. I should stop venting here before I say something I shouldn't. Just venting a little I guess.

Scrabblebiker 9 Aug 2010 20:44

Does this forum have a moderator? Could we please all keep on topic and not vent our own pet peeves?

The original poster asked about his personal border crossing problems given his past mistakes. Why don't we try to help him instead of getting into misguided rants? Or take it to the HU Bar.

:taz:


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

Mickey D 9 Aug 2010 21:45

Personal insults removed. PLEASE don't do it!
thanks
Chris

*Touring Ted* 9 Aug 2010 23:43

This thread has gone off topic. I deleted a post that I posted which was just a bit of a rant, although I thought relevant.

It IS all relevant to the question but probably not the time and place to rant about it !!

And come on guys.. No personal attacks ! We don't need that here...

Ride safe !!

DawnBreaker 9 Aug 2010 23:45

Friends: How strange it is when people pride themselves on education and being properly informed but at the same time support and almost rejoice the barbarism of 9/11. Could it be that the well informed more intelligent people have also been swallowing propaganda? Sorry, if I hold to my ignorant, uninformed ideology that religious fanatics rammed airliners into the World Trade Center. It wasn't just slightly misunderstood, good old boys.

planethopper 10 Aug 2010 00:21

This is the beauty of large member forums, topics evolve with different opinions and take on a life of their own. If it gets to far off topic then you can just start another one. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of venting, sometimes forums are the only place you will hear some real thoughts and opinions. Society is way to sensitive these days, especially when it comes to ethnic backgrounds and religion. My mentioning the radical Muslims was still on topic because 911 gave the government the power to take more rights away from people in the name of national security. Unfortunately the rights are being taken from the wrong people.

chris 10 Aug 2010 00:29

OK, here's the deal: From here on, please keep it on topic (can't get into uSA from Canada, poss problems with border guard, minor misdemenors many years ago, visa requirements, maybe try another border point etc etc). Otherwise all the anti Muslim/American rhetoric will be deleted and the thread locked.

If you wish to, without insulting people, discuss/rant about geopolitics please go to the Bar.

Many thanks
Chris

DLbiten 10 Aug 2010 03:35

Let me see if I can get back on the rails. You can try a paper wall gust as many forms as you can get hand them one by one to the border agent. There seems to a ton of visa waivers and cards you can get to help you get across. You may need a "Waiver of Ineligibility" That lets people in with a record, the time on this vary long 22 weeks or so. Criminal Ineligibility • U.S. Consular Services in Canada
Then there is the "Nexus card" Get Nexus @Nexus: How to get Nexus Pass for Border Crossing. upgraded drivers licence the Trusted traveler U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Travel
Still think your best bet is a BC/Washington crossing.

But you are not alone here is a story from the US side. Going to Canada? Check your past / Visitors with minor criminal records turned back at border

Scrabblebiker 10 Aug 2010 03:53

What's odd about this one is that Planethopper says he got a pardon for his 25 year old charge. It should not show up on a criminal record check anymore. But then who knows what databases the border authorities are using? It might be worthwhile to get a copy of your own criminal record to see if it's truly been removed ...in the off chance that you haven't already done so.

...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

Chris of Japan 10 Aug 2010 05:24

The United States does not recognize Canadian Pardons. If they are made aware of your record even after receiving a Pardon you could still be refused entry, be deported, detained or have property seized.

From what I understand, Canadian Pardons do not eliminate the criminal record, just make it unavailable except to some Canadian law enforcement agencies (and the USA).

Planethopper will most likely be issued permission to enter... after forking out $500, doing the paperwork, and waiting months...

So, everyone stay on the straight and narrow, and fight any false charges against you even if it would be cheaper and quicker to just pay the fine and be done with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrabblebiker (Post 300566)
What's odd about this one is that Planethopper says he got a pardon for his 25 year old charge. It should not show up on a criminal record check anymore. But then who knows what databases the border authorities are using? It might be worthwhile to get a copy of your own criminal record to see if it's truly been removed ...in the off chance that you haven't already done so.

...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com


markharf 10 Aug 2010 06:43

I crossed into Canada this evening on my US passport, just as I have maybe a couple of hundred times before....but to my surprise I was flagged for further interrogation by the people upstairs. This has not happened to me since I cut my hair and started driving minivans and in other ways acting respectable. Eventually they stamped me through following ten minutes of questions plus another ten of mysterious background checks.

Leaving, I realized the difference between this and all my many other crossings (I've got family all over Canada, plus there's skiing there, riding there, climbing there, kayaking there, and much much more) is that for the past several decades I've always declared myself employed, whether this happened to be true or not. This time, riding a bike covered with stickers from all over the world, I told the truth; I've been traveling, but am heading home in three weeks.

The takeaway lesson: always have a job you're returning home to, whether fictional or not. Usually they just wave me through; this time, the complete check. If I had a criminal record, they'd have found it and denied me entry. If I'd been denied entry in the past for any reason, they'd have found it. If I'd been flagged for any reason, ever, anywhere I'm sure they'd have found it. I presume this is what happened to the OP---no job, therefore the complete check, therefore denied entry.

Hope this helps someone, somewhere down the road.....and I hope Canadian immigration doesn't read the HUBB.

Mark

(safe and sound in southern Alberta)

planethopper 10 Aug 2010 14:40

I brought my pardon with me to the border and yes they do not care about a Canadian pardon, but they did keep it and when I asked for it back they refused. I even called the border a couple of days later from home and asked for it back and the guy on the phone said "I don't see it on the counter" "call your government and get another one" Now I have to jump through a ton hoops here to get a replacement.

alphajory 21 Aug 2010 00:19

I never give the up the original documents unless i absolutely have to. Photo copies yes notarized sometimes but the originals never. They were being absolutely prickish by not returning you the original. I would however asked the person identification so you could go to the next level to get your document back.

SprintST 21 Aug 2010 18:23

OP, I'd be very careful about following the advice of some posters suggesting just going to another U.S. Entry point. The CBP folks have more than likely made a note on your file that your were refused entry, which is SOP, for whatever reason. Other officers will know the answer BEFORE they pose the question "Have you ever been refused entry in the U.S.?". You start lying at that point and just see how fast your day goes down the toilet.

I've also encountered problems with a fellow traveler being refused entry at the St. Stephen/Calais crossing. Nothing bad, she just didn't have the required paperwork for an impromptu crossing. Took the long way round.

I hope you get this issue straightened out some day. There's plenty to see in the U.S., as there is in Canada.

olyflyer 21 Feb 2011 15:44

I just got turned back from the border at Brownsville with no paperwork, proof of funds and had bugger all cash on me and stupidly let slip I don't have a job

I now have a letter confirming that I will have employment on my return to Australia and bank statements and other paperwork that should help me over the border tomorrow

I'll let you all know how it goes

Marius356 22 Feb 2011 18:49

Crossings
 
Here's a hint: visit the European Union (EU): You won't even notice bordercrossings, even on the autobahn / autoroute (Hwys).

olyflyer 23 Feb 2011 16:45

Made it through, got the same lady at the border who was still not going to let me in but got a second interview with another guy who I told my travel story and documentation to and he was happy to let me in and gave me the full 6 months even though i said i only needed 2 months

hey Marius365 it way too expensive over in Europe, and the issues are what make the journey way more interesting, I got bought several whiskeys after telling my story to the people at the biker run bar I went to once I got into the US so I got reimbursed in a big way ;) and I had a good time in the border town and meet some cool new friends, so out of a problem there is opportunity

Mervifwdc 20 Jun 2011 17:12

Hi,

I think I read somewhere (and now cannot find it...) that the visa wavier program is not enough to allow you into the USA (for a european) IF your bringing in a vehicle with you? And in that case you need to apply for a full visa. Any truth to that?

Merv.


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