FC (more specifically going through US Customs)

[Snoww]

Greetings everyone, you may or may not know me already, but I feel obligated to share with everyone here that I will be going to FC later this month. I welcome all positive encounters and greetings with anyone who wants to say hi. I'm very approachable but I can guarantee that I might seem shy and coy as I am with meeting new individuals but warm up quickly. I'm also not too much of a furry and this is only my second FC (Third overall con); I mainly go to conventions to see my close friends and meet artists, but at the same time I'm not a jerk by any means and will be outgoing to those who want to share time with me.

With that said I have a couple questions.

Last January was the first time I went through customs and the first time I traveled alone. I couldn't help to feel nervous of how customs officials feel about me meeting up with friends on the internet, and especially at a furry con. I was also worried about the content in my luggage being discovered by US officials also. Thankfully though they were only more concerned about drug trafficking and I don't do anything that stupid.

I had to make up a BS story about meeting up with a friend who I knew in real life but somehow is now living in the United States. It wasn't easy and I felt dishonored for lying... even if it was to the government.

My questions are:

1. Do U.S. customs officials frown upon going to the U.S. for a "furry convention"
2. I will be bringing embarrassing items, nothing illegal, but do they frown upon that also?
3. I presume U.S. customs officials frown upon coming into the country unemployed and meeting up with someone from the internet, am I right about that?

I'd like to hear about your experiences with U.S. customs and your knowledge to get through smoothly so I wont make any mistakes and find myself stranded and have wasted money on my travels.

I think I got *very* lucky the first time I crossed the border and I wish the advice of everyone here so my plans go smoothly.

Thanks.

[Acco]

Some thoughts... it's not your story that they care about. It's your reaction to the questions that they ask. For example... there's only so much detail that a lie can be.

But really, as far as things go... forget the lying. Tell a half truth. Say you're going to san jose to see a bunch of friends.

/2cp

[RainRat]

Well, I personally just admit to going to a furry convention when I'm going by myself. I figure they can look through your stuff, look things up on the internet, so don't lie about anything they can check. Once, I couldn't see the screen but I could see he was typing the name of the convention I said I was going to.
Besides that, I know they're also looking for nervousness, changing stories, so I suggest sticking to as close to the truth as possible.

1. The reaction can depend on the border guard. Some are fur curious, some I think just figure that if you're admitting something embarrassing it's got to be true. Some just don't know what to make of it and just treat you like a typical tourist.

2. Well they probably see a lot of embarrassing stuff. While I'm not suggesting hiding it, there's no reason to tell a story with your embarrassing stuff either. Put your lube with your toiletries, your sexy underwear packed just like the rest of your clothes, and your chains with your tools (as opposed putting them together and telling a story without words) (those items are just examples, not saying that you or I are bringing those things).

Try not to bring anything that could even be interpreted as underage or bestially -- that stuff can cause trouble, even if you are eventually found innocent.

3. Yeah, they are worried you're going to stay with someone and not leave. Bring proof of anything that shows you're not gonna stay (school obligations, property back in Canada, return tickets)

The things you gotta watch out for:

-They're looking for people trying to work in the states. If you have some vague plan that you're gonna sell commissions, better not to mention it. If you're registered as a dealer or have a truck full of supplies, work things out ahead of time.

-Just answer the question asked. If you start going on about how you're gonna stop here and there and visit this guy and that guy, the chance of you misspeaking and getting something wrong goes up. Or you just confuse him and he thinks you got something wrong.

[mediar]

The boarder guards can be scary. However, as long as you remain cool and you're not bringing anything over that is illegal, you should be ok.

When they ask you the questions, be truthful, these guys are trained to pick out liars.

If they want to look in your baggage, let them with out a fuss, and answer any questions they have truthfully.

It's true they don't like unemployed people crossing the boarder, but they should be ok with you saying that you're going to a convention and will be back in Canada in X number of days.

I cross over about 2-3 times a month via the ground boarder portals, so I have a fair amount of experience with these guys. Just make sure you have nothing illegal and you have your passport!

[Fargo]

Like you've said, you don't have anything illegal with you, so really, there's not much to worry about, even if they do a random inspection of your stuff. It happens, but that's more of an inconvenience than anything else.

Basically what they will want to know is:

Why are you entering the US? Answer: You're going to a convention in San Jose, California.

How long will you be staying? Answer: However long the convention is, as well as however long it will take to get to/from the con. (I don't know whether you're driving, flying, or taking the train)

Do you have anything to declare? You can take a certain amount of stuff like smokes, booze, money and whatnot into the US duty free. Anything over that amount and you have to pay "duty" on it.

That's basically what they'll be looking for. Other than that, just make sure to have all your documents ready. Your passport (or enhanced DL) Registration and proof of insurance for your car if driving. A letter of permission if you've borrowed said car. Just common sense stuff like that. Just relax and don't feel intimidated.

Here's a link to the Canada Border Services Agency. It should be helpful to everyone who is going:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html

[Duffy]

Tell em you got something in your underwear >:D

[dragonmanmike]

The US border guards are a little more uptight than the canadinan ones but for the most part they are pretty nice about the whole process. 

As for telling them where you are going, just tell them you are going to a convention in San Jose and most of the time they will let you leave it at that.  If they want to search you, just let them, yeah its a inconvenience but if you have nothing to hide then they will send you on your merry way with a smile.  As to having embarrassing things like toys or porn just smile and shrug.

Crossing the border is not as scary as it sounds.  I have never been hassled at the border save for once but that was coming back from the sates not going to lol.

Hope to see you there, I will be wearing my Red Dragon or White Fox ( he has green dredlocks) partials at the cone :D

[Acco]

Heh, well if you're flying, keep in mind about the restrictions on what you can/can't bring through security.

http://kl.am/CATSA1

[Snoww]

Hope to see you there, I will be wearing my Red Dragon or White Fox ( he has green dredlocks) partials at the cone :D

I'll be wearing my badge that Carowyn drew me, it's pretty big. I'm also a skinny wuff with a gray and white tail. (No suit) I'll probably be with either one or two others (I don't have an entourage, needless to say).

Heh, well if you're flying, keep in mind about the restrictions on what you can/can't bring through security.

http://kl.am/CATSA1

I'm traveling by bus. WestJet doesn't offer trips to San Francisco until May... thanks for the link though.

And thanks for the turnout of responses, the advice given will come in handy. *wags*

[Snoww]

Well I'm back home, for a while now.

I'll further describe what my customs experiences were in my FC2010 con report (In the making) but basically it went something like this.

U.S.: Don't care what you're doing, spend some money and get out.

Canada: What did you do?!

[mediar]

Well I'm back home, for a while now.

I'll further describe what my customs experiences were in my FC2010 con report (In the making) but basically it went something like this.

U.S.: Don't care what you're doing, spend some money and get out.

Canada: What did you do?!

lolol reminds me of Jeff Dunham's puppet Walter's take on Walmart Greeters, "Welcome to Walmart, get your shit and get out!". hehe  Very glad to hear you didn't have any issues!

[gruntmaster700]

Wandered across a tale by KT of his experience getting into Canada
and thought some of you might be interested:

Sunday, Jun. 20, 2010

"Page 5: Drove to Sarnia, Ontario. Customs gave me a hard time."
http://kinkyturtle.masemware.com/diaries/ac/ac10/ac10-05.html

"Page 6: Customs interrogated me.
http://kinkyturtle.masemware.com/diaries/ac/ac10/ac10-06.html

Page 7: Finally allowed to enter Canada. Drove to Toronto."
http://kinkyturtle.masemware.com/diaries/ac/ac10/ac10-07.html

[zenia]

lol By your OP, it sounds like you were taking a big box of dildos or something. XD Relax.

[kayfox]

Things to remember:

* Marijuana is still prohibited under federal law, the border enforces federal law.
* Carrying porn is not a good idea, just surf FA at the con or (better) get out of your hotel room.
* You and everything you are carrying or otherwise transporting is subject to search, this includes your phone, your laptop, that flash drive in your pocket, etc.  If you refuse to allow an electronic device to be searched, be prepared for it to be "detained" for inspection.  These inspections have been known to run into the years.  Kiss anything FIPS 140-2 certified they take interest in goodbye.
* If you are flying, remember to check what the TSA prohibits:
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items
* Don't bring anything made in countries on this list:
http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/Programs.aspx
(This means you should NOT explain where the sugar in Canadian soda comes from)
* Don't bring any plant or animal product "taken in a manner that is prohibited by the country of origin."  You should be mindful if, perhaps, you are carrying a guitar made out of poached wood.  (Seriously, this happens)
* When dealing with the Customs and Border Protection officers, or any cops (including the Coast Guard), be really nice, thy to be prepared, read up on things to avoid and things to do, and don't argue without: 1) An attorney present, and; 2) The realization that they may turn you around for no reason or no good reason at all.
* Be nice to the TSA people too.  Their job sucks.
* The rights enumerated in the Constitution apply to US citizens only.  These rights are subject to regulatory (TSA) and border exceptions, the border exception is pretty much total.
* Don't cross the border "unemployed," come up with an explanation that does not include words like "freelance" and "eBay."  Some things get you turned around right away.
* You met these people your going to visit at a convention or otherwise in person.  Not on the Internet.
* If you think they are going to question your ways and means or ties, bring proof of all of these.  This includes paystubs, bank statements, leases, etc.  If they want to see these and you don't have them, its back to Canada with you.  Also note: You can log into your bank account, or bring up something on your laptop for this proof, it has to be printed on dead tree.
* Avoid bringing anything that can be considered specialized tools of the trade.  The obvious exception is stuff like laptops, IE: common items everyone has for non-business uses.
* If your bringing expensive equipment, take it to the Canadian side first and get proof of duty cards (they are green, I forget the form number).
* If your bringing stuff like ham radios, have your license at the ready.
* Don't bring prohibited electronics, like unblocked scanners or non-type accepted CB radios.  Or really anything prohibited in general.