How to Cross the US-Canada Border With the Least Hassle

1. Your story

Have it straight. Border officials don’t like uncertainty, so it’s your job to make sure they don’t have to deal with it. This means having a short and easy answer — and supporting documentation — for the following questions, at least:

• Where are traveling to/from?
• How long were you/will you be there?
• Where are/were you staying?
• What is/was the purpose for your trip?
• What do you do for a living?
• Did you work while you were away?
• How do you support yourself?
• When is the last time you were in the country?
• What did you bring back (food, gifts)?

Answer the questions as asked and don’t volunteer unnecessary details.

If you have a job (writer, for example) that you could do while traveling, be prepared to answer questions about whether your trip is work-related. It’s also important to have a short, easy answer for the typical followup: “What do you write?” Despite the steady increase of freelance workers in Canada and the States, not having a boss still raises suspicions. Dampen them with easy-to-understand language. “I write for magazines” works better than “I’m a creative nonfiction writer.”

Border guards commonly ask about prior trips, so it’s a good idea to flip through your passport and refresh your memory with your visa stamps before you get to the wicket.

Before 2009, American and Canadian citizens could cross the border with only a driver’s license or other official picture ID. Not so anymore; now all travelers must have a valid passport. To make sure your crossing goes smoothly, check that the name on your passport exactly matches the name on all other documentation, and that if there are any discrepancies, you have supporting documentation. For example, if your name has changed because you’ve gotten married, travel with a copy of your marriage license. Additionally, if you’re traveling with children, and both parents are not present, have a note from the missing parent(s).

Officials are big on itineraries. Even if you don’t need it for your own use, prepare and print out a document with flight information, hotel addresses, and tickets to events. If you’ll be staying with friends, include their address and contact information.

2. Your appearance

Even before you reach the wicket you’re making an impression. To avoid hassle, dress simply. Be white. Do not wear a hijab or a taqiyah (the cap worn by some observant Muslim men). Fit one gender norm only.

I’m kidding…sort of.

No matter who you are, it’s a good idea to be well-groomed and tidy. Do not wear sunglasses or approach with earphones in. If you’re crossing in your car, turn off the radio.

3. Your cargo

Everyone who passes through the US-Canada border is searched cursorily. Travelers empty their pockets, take off their shoes and belts, and run their bags through an X-ray machine. Although cargo rules differ depending on your mode of transport, you’ll face the least hassle if you adhere to the strictest guidelines, so pack as if you’re traveling by air and leave the sharp objects at home.

If you’re searched by border control guards, you’ll want to be sure there’s nothing verboten in your luggage. Drugs, undeclared purchases, and “obscene materials” (as defined by the country you’re entering) will get you detained, but also pay attention to your camera, cell phone, and laptop. Border control can confiscate this equipment and mine your data. Pirated music or movies, incriminating texts on your phone, or sexytime vacation photos can land you in trouble. Your best bet is to travel with “clean” devices. Back up your data to external storage and cross the border with empty memory cards.

If you’ve been cross-border shopping, keep the tags on your purchases and have your receipts bundled and ready for inspection. Familiarize yourself with the duty limits.

4. Your demeanor

Never lose your temper.

When you first approach, greet the border official with a smile. If they ask how you are, respond and return the question. Say please and thank you.

If you’re detained, you’ll be asked stupid questions, boggling questions, offensive questions, and the same questions. It’s crucial that you maintain a polite and calm demeanor during this process. If you lose your temper, you’ll be held for longer and the search process will likely become more invasive.

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US or Canadian citizens can also cross with a NEXUS card. NEXUS is a program to speed up the crossing process for frequent travelers who have been pre-screened as low risk. The application document requires personal information including full name and citizenship status, residence and employment history for the previous five years, and your criminal history. It costs $50 to apply for a 5-year pass.