US -> Canada customs
 

I'm going to Canada (Vancouver) in a couple weeks and haven't been there since 9/11, does anyone know how they do customs when flying there from the US? I'm trying to get a travel time estimate and wondering if I will be going through customs (at all?) here or once I land in Vancouver and approximately how long it takes assuming things go smoothly.. Thanks..

It depends on the traffic at the time. You'll most likely have to give a short interview to a customs official. It's usually questions like:
What's your citizenship?
Where were you born?
Where do you live?
What's your purpose for visiting?
How long are you staying?
What are you bringing? They usually ask specifically about tobacco or alcohol.

You'll have to show ID. If youre a US citizen you won't need a passport. IT makes things easier but it's not necessary. Just bring your photo ID. A birth certificate is helpful as well.

Lets see... When I flew through Toronto on my way to Calgary last summer, I had to fill out some paperwork because of the SARS mess. Basically saying I was healthy and whatnot.

I think that's about it though. You should have no problems.

Bring your ID, don't lie, and you should be good.

Make sure you bring booze for your friends up here :p :thumbsup:

Now, heading back home for you and dealing with US customs can be a bitch...from my experience.

The customs officials of Canada are super-efficient. They ask you a couple questions and wave you through. They're much faster than the US Customs. I'm looking forward to visiting Vancouver in a couple weeks meself. :)

The customs agents were engaged in a bit of job action because they didn't like the wage increase offered them. I am not sure if this is still ongoing. If so it could increase your time. But usually it's quite fast. The first person checks your passport and then while you wait for your luggage another agent may come by and ask a few more questions. You should allow yourself 90 minutes from arrival at the gate to in the car.

Bring an umbrella... :(

What are you (and onesnowy) doing in our fair city?

I went on an organized trip a few years back with my college, and Canada to US customs was quite interesting. Getting into the US took about an hour because the customs officer first had to GET to our bus, and then she finally came on. She checked every single person, and had to check citizenship in the computer or something of people who were not Canadian citizens (they were British).

Getting back into Canada however, was actually pretty humorous as it was really a stereotypical site to see. The Canadian customs offcer came on with his Tim Horton's coffee, walked up the steps of the bus, and said, "Are you all Canadian?" After everyone responded 'yes!', he said "Hope you had a good trip!", then walked off the bus and we were on our way. It was funny and scary at the same time.

Oh, and this was AFTER 9/11.

Me and the other "49%" have decided to move there, know of any rooms for rent?

Just kidding, I'm going skiing in Whistler for three days and then driving back to Seattle for Christmas.

90 minutes from gate to car? Seems like a lot! Is it really likely to take that long? This will be on December 16th..