Travel Tips

RVing across borders

Driving across international borders goes smoother if RVers are prepared

by Carol Ann Quibbell

Crossing international borders can be intimidating but thousands of people travel between Canada and United States on a daily basis. Most of us cross between the two countries in our cars without giving it any thought but it can be extremely stressful for the uninformed or inexperienced RVer.

Easy Does It: Be prepared to encounter long lineups at international border crossings—photo by Carol Ann Quibbell

Waiting in a long line of traffic for a turn at the customs booth just magnifies the agony of wondering what the customs agent will want to know. Do we have proper travel documents? Do we have the right forms for our grandchildren who are travelling with us? Should we have waited before buying our food? Oh no, we forgot to take out our spare supply of firewood from underneath the motor home. Will they make us throw it away? What happens if we get sick or worse yet—have an accident? Is he/she going to search our unit?

To reduce the level of stress brought on by crossing an international border there are a few simple things a person can do.

Travel documents: Passports. Passports. Passports. This cannot be said enough. For identification purposes passports are the most effective. Although a Canadian birth certificate, a permanent residence card, a citizenship card or a certificate of Indian Status are also accepted, passports make everything easier for everyone.

Children or grandchildren: If the child is traveling with the custodial parent, a copy of the custody agreement and a permission letter from the other parent is recommended. Travelling with grandchildren is possible if all of the paper work is in order. Letters of permission are also a necessity.
Medical Insurance: Remember you are travelling out of the country so check with your insurance provider to ensure coverage and know whether extra insurance is needed. It’s better to be prepared than be faced with a large bill due to an unexpected injury or accident.

Travelling with Fido? Make sure he is healthy and has a current rabies certificate. Pet food containing lamb or goat may be prohibited. Some pet foods may be allowed if the label lists its ingredients but it is wise to check with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to departure.

Because RVs carry more than a regular passenger vehicle, special consideration must be made to the contents of the rig.

Camping supplies. Chairs, barbecues, etc. may be coated in weeds or fungi and must be washed. Firewood should be checked thoroughly for Gypsy Moth eggs. Don’t forget that emergency stash of wood carried under the RV. Check it all.
A few years ago, my unit was searched and they found the firewood I had forgotten about. I spent more than half an hour with the border agents until it was determined the wood was okay. However, I had to use it all before returning to Canada since we do not allow firewood of any sort into our country. There are different rules on each side of the border and the secret lies in knowing what the rules are.

Refrigerator contents: Some food items are allowed into Canada but with restrictions. They include dairy products, eggs, turkeys, chicken and some meats. The CBSA’s website is always up to date on current restrictions.

What food is in the refrigerator? The contents of the refrigerator are important since not all foods are allowed. This applies to fruit, vegetables, meat and animal products. Labelled US brand seasonal fruit is allowed with the exception of citrus fruit since it may carry diseases. Fruit grown in Canada or the U.S. are okay, as are vegetables, but they must be in season. If there are grapes in the refrigerator and it’s January, they obviously were not grown in Canada and are best left at home. Besides part of the travel experience is enjoying new food—why not buy in the region you are travelling in?

Coming home

Just as important is the preparation for the return trip back into Canada. Although rules in Canada seem to be much clearer and more simplified, they too must be followed.

Declarations: Declaring everything purchased while out of the country is the best advice a person can receive. The Border Services Officer will advise if items are exempt. All receipts for purchases must be kept and converted into Canadian currency. To prove length of stay keep receipts for accommodation and meals.

Prohibited food products: Fresh apples, apricots, nectarines, plums, peaches, guince, fruit of the hawthorn, blueberries, cherries, corn on the cob and potatoe sare not allowed. Neither is pet food containing beef.

Firewood: Burn it all before you come home.

The many border crossings between Canada and the United States are listed on the Canadian Border Services (CBSA) website. B.C. has more than 15, not including Alaska. It’s important to know where the closest border crossing is and when they are open or closed. They all vary so research before leaving is necessary.

Regardless of how prepared we think we are there is always some worry. But if a person has done their homework prior to arriving at the border that long wait in the line up will be much easier. Enjoy the scenery and relax.

RESOURCES:
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) • www.cbsa.gc.ca or
1-800-461-9999
Canadian Government • www.wap.gc.ca
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) • www.cbp.gov

If you go:

Here are Carol Ann Quibell’s top 10 things you should know before crossing the border:
• Border wait times—give yourself enough time in case of line ups.
• The 48-hour exemption has increased to $400.
• Many weapons are prohibited.
• Know your limits regarding alcohol and tobacco brought into Canada.
• Some fruits and veggies aren’t allowed across the border.
• Currency and Monetary Instruments must be declared—must report amounts equal to or greater than CAN $10,000.
• Receipts for your purchases should be available.
• Make sure you have the proper identification.
• Know before you go—check on possible purchases to ensure they are allowed into Canada.
• Beat the line ups—become a NEXUS member.

COMMENTS FROM READERS:

It is best to always keep it simple: no food—our fridge is empty and we stock up after we cross the border. When we were crossing from Mexico into the U.S. the officer jokingly complained that Canadians have learned so now he doesn't get a free lunch from us RVers. They keep track—once you forget, they remember and ask you specifically on your next crossing.

Passports, passports, passports. Expect to be checked.

I keep an envelop of receipts of purchases bringing back into Canada. On the outside, I have the totals and it broken into categories. When asked how much we are bringing back, we raise the envelope state the exact amount, he smiles, and off we go.

Plan ahead to go through a less congested crossing. there are four in the Fraser Valley and all have easy access to Highway 1.—Maureen Connolly, Mission, B.C.