PhotoSlip
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2007
- Messages
- 19
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I used to live in Vancouver.
Vancouver/Bellingham border has always been the worst.
I got through easier lying about going to Bellingham to shop or going to Seattle to party, than telling the truth about anything else I was doing.
I was called into the office and had my car searched about 50% of the time (probably the times I didn't lie)
I find nothing out of the ordinary in your story as far as entering the states.
However, it's amazing how much hassle you got for coming back to Canada!?
I have never been bothered by them. I think I've only stepped into the office once and that took all of 10 secs.
Was there something else going on at that time that neither country wanted you taking pictures of? This is really odd.
I agree that you should print up some business cards and say you're getting shots for your portfolio or you have a job. Something like that.
Driving through the border randomly to take pictures is kind of odd to a normal person and border partrol is paranoid normal people. Not to mention, it sounds like you were on your own and you weren't going to meet with anyone.
One other thing, don't go to the Vancouver/Bellingham crossing, there is an exit earlier that goes to the truck stop border. It's way faster and the patrol there is concentrated on x-raying trucks, not checking private cars. It's much more smooth going through there. Usually the trucks will park to the side while waiting in line so you don't have to line up with them. You can always turn around and continue to the Van/Bell crossing if they're blocking the road either way.
Vancouver/Bellingham border has always been the worst.
I got through easier lying about going to Bellingham to shop or going to Seattle to party, than telling the truth about anything else I was doing.
I was called into the office and had my car searched about 50% of the time (probably the times I didn't lie)
I find nothing out of the ordinary in your story as far as entering the states.
However, it's amazing how much hassle you got for coming back to Canada!?
I have never been bothered by them. I think I've only stepped into the office once and that took all of 10 secs.
Was there something else going on at that time that neither country wanted you taking pictures of? This is really odd.
I agree that you should print up some business cards and say you're getting shots for your portfolio or you have a job. Something like that.
Driving through the border randomly to take pictures is kind of odd to a normal person and border partrol is paranoid normal people. Not to mention, it sounds like you were on your own and you weren't going to meet with anyone.
One other thing, don't go to the Vancouver/Bellingham crossing, there is an exit earlier that goes to the truck stop border. It's way faster and the patrol there is concentrated on x-raying trucks, not checking private cars. It's much more smooth going through there. Usually the trucks will park to the side while waiting in line so you don't have to line up with them. You can always turn around and continue to the Van/Bell crossing if they're blocking the road either way.