Resources: Crossing the border into Canada

from olympicresistance, 19 January 2010:

Border Information for those entering Canada from the U.S.
Prepared by the Olympic Resistance Network, Jan. 2010

As the Olympics approach, American and Canadian Border Services Agencies (Homeland Security and CBSA) have teamed up to tighten what they call "security," particularly along the BC/Washington border. This means not only an increased level of militarization at border crossings, but also an intensification in the profiling of "suspicious persons." Border agencies are working hard to expand their range of targets from migrants, people of colour and indigenous people, to political dissidents at large.

Unfortunately, the Olympic Resistance Network (ORN) cannot predict exactly what kind of security measures will be in place at the border in February. This communique is an effort to offer as much guidance as possible to those needing to cross the border in order to attend the Anti-Olympic Convergence from February 10-15. While you may very well get through with no problem at all, do bear in mind that the border is a militarized zone, so people with sensitive personal histories, documentation issues, or health needs should assess the risk to themselves and act accordingly.

Please be in touch with any questions to olympicresistance@riseup.net or contact us at 604-723-1206. Good luck and see you in February!

Information from the Canadian Border Services Agency

1. Required documentation for crossing Canada Customs:

UPDATED INFO ON PASSPORTS: Because of a friendly border crossing agreement between Canada and the United States, Canada Border Services did not require U.S. citizens to present a passport to enter Canada. This friendly border crossing agreement used to be mutual; however, now the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires that U.S. citizens have a passport to return home. In this way, passport requirements for Canada and U.S. borders are different on paper, but, are in practice, the same. Canada will not allow a U.S. citizen into the country who does not have the proper documentation to return home. Info here or here

Check out 24 hour passport service at rushmypassport.com.

(a) Canadian requirements: "When you enter Canada, a border services officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa (if you are arriving from a country from which one is required). If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to enter Canada (note passport requirements above); however, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a [government issued] photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you. For more information on admissibility into Canada, read the fact sheet called Managing Access to Canada."

2. Reasons the CBSA can refuse a person entry - in particular note criminal records.

3. CBSA's "Olympics" page.

Information from the ORN (disclaimer: this is not legal advice)

Things to bring:

1. You cannot go through Canadian customs with only a driver’s license. Bring a valid passport, green card, Status card or government-issued photo ID plus birth certificate (see CBSA guidelines above).

2. Return travel tickets (if not traveling by car).

3. Relevant vehicle documentation (if going by car).

4. Contact information for where you are staying. You may be asked for this at the border, so confirm with your host whether it's ok to give their address out. If you are receiving housing through the ORN, you are asked NOT to give out the address you will be staying at unless you have the express permission of your host to do so. Please see a list of hostels (in appendix below) whose addresses you can provide instead.

5. Proof of ties to your country of origin: This can include contact info for your place of employment, if any, or documents like a housing lease. However, be advised that appearing "too prepared" can sometimes attract more attention!

6. Travel insurance, if any.

Medications & Traveling with Minors:

1. If bringing prescription drugs of any kind, they must be in the original bottle with a valid prescription printed on it. Avoid any things that will bring extra scrutiny to you, such as vitamins, especially those in gelatin capsules - they may be seized or cause a thorough and time-delaying search.

2. Minors also need to present ID (Birth certificate sufficient). Even if accompanied by one parent or guardian, minors must have a letter from absent guardian(s) stating that it is alright for the minor to travel, specifically across the international border into Canada, and listing who they are travelling with. Otherwise, the minor will be turned away at the border.

Things NOT to bring:

1. Don't bring any restricted items, such as fruit, soil, drugs (see CBSA site for details).

2. Don't bring any anti-Olympic or otherwise "subversive" materials – these things can be used as an excuse to detain you.

3. Avoid bringing materials that could be perceived to be for commercial purposes -- eg. lots of something to be distributed. Without proper licenses, the possession of commercial goods/merchandise can be grounds for refusal of entry.

4. Do not bring any electronics that are really precious or contain sensitive information. Be aware that cell phones can be searched/your address book recorded, and in some cases, police & intelligence agencies have been known to implant tracking or listening devices in phones.

5. We recommend against bringing laptops. Border agencies have the power to seize, search and hold laptops if you refuse to provide passwords or access to encrypted documents. Please contact us for a mailing address if you wish to send up non-electronic materials, like pamphlets, posters, T-shirts, etc.

Getting through:

1. Remember that border guards are likely to question people who fit their idea of an "activist" (or other "subversive") profile. Keep in mind that there will be many gung-ho tourists coming up as well, and use that to your advantage -- if you can, buy a hockey jersey and blend in! If you are traveling in a group then remind others of this too. 2. It is in your best interests to be as truthful and straightforward as possible when speaking to border guards about your reasons for travel. So for your convenience, we are providing a list of free entertainment and "Cultural Olympiad" events that you might like to include on your planned trip itinerary to reference. (See appendix below.)

3. Keep travel plans off line. Whenever possible, avoid communicating over email or through social networking sites, especially for final travel logistics. In-person communication is often ideal. 4. Discuss in advance with your travel buddies what you will do in the case that one or more should be refused entry. 5. If traveling alone, make sure someone knows where you are going, when you should arrive, and how to contact you or your hosts in Vancouver.

Need a ride?

The Cascadia Convergence Network (cascadiaconvergence.net) is organizing carpooling for folks heading up to Canada from the Cascadia Bioregion (Pacific Northwest). If you need a ride please email Ptownno2010@cascadiaconvergence.net. Please detail if you are associated with any organizations and why you are interested in carpooling to the games.

ORN Support:

1. ORN has arranged to have a lawyer on-call in Vancouver during February in order to assist with difficulties as they arise at the border. Check back for updated contact information closer to the date, or contact us for more details. 2. Please contact the ORN so we can keep track of any problems that occur at the border: 604-723-1206 or olympicresistance@riseup.net. For legal questions you can also email ornlegal@riseup.net.

3. We will be updating our website in early February with more information on the legal rights of non-citizens and youth.

See: http://olympicresistance.net

[original article]

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