Crossing Blue water bridge??

[canadaman]

This saturday i will be leaving for disney world. We will be driving and crossing at Sarnia. I have never been across the border period, not as a driver or passenger. I am just nervous about the crossing procedure. Yes we all do have passports.

This is how I figure it goes.

First you pay a toll on the canadian side. Then you cross the bridge and stop at the US border inspection lanes, and answer what ever they need you to answer. Then you are on your way down the i-94.

Does that sound about right?? Anyone have any tips about crossing??

Thanks

 

[Cruiser1969]

This saturday i will be leaving for disney world. We will be driving and crossing at Sarnia. I have never been across the border period, not as a driver or passenger. I am just nervous about the crossing procedure. Yes we all do have passports.

This is how I figure it goes.

First you pay a toll on the canadian side. Then you cross the bridge and stop at the US border inspection lanes, and answer what ever they need you to answer. Then you are on your way down the i-94.

Does that sound about right?? Anyone have any tips about crossing??

Thanks

That is exactly how it works!!

My advice to you would be to truthfully answer the questions asked . . . and do not try to add any humour to your responses. It may or may not be well received. Like any other profession, most of the customs agents are very pleasant, but they are there to do a very serious and important job, so save the humour for some other place.

Also, make sure you don't try to go through the Nexus lane. This is for people who have special permits to use this lane. Stay to the right-side lanes and you'll be fine!

Once in a while, their computers will randomly pick a vehicle to be pulled over to be inspected. Don't panic! As long as you are truthful to begin with, you'll have no problems.

I'm sure you'll be through quickly and easily!

BTW, I have a friend who used to live in Hanover!!!

 

[rjan67]

Just remember if you were planning to take 94 to 75 there is construction so you will have to take 94 to 275 to 75. Also, there may be lane closures on the weekend in Detroit on 94. This past weekend they were on the eastbound lanes, but it switches so just check on the MDOT website. I would just add that at the border, hand over your passports when you pull up to the window and only answer what is asked of you. Don't be nervous...people like me do it 5x wk and survive (but most days I get to use the Nexus lane). Good Luck and have fun!

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

I cross there all the time like the others posters, and agree that it is pretty quick and easy. One tip that I would give you is to get there early. I don't know what time you plan to get to Sarnia, but in the summer there can be quite a wait by 9:00a.m. especially since you are going on the saturday.

You may already have this book, but when we drive to Florida we use our "Along the I75" book. It is great. It is a map, but it has MANY features. It shows where all hotels, restaurants, gas stations are, It also tells you the speed limit, and where radar traps are common. It also list historical sites, and interesting areas all the way down the I75 to Florida. It was so helpful and interesting for us! And great for the 'co-pilot' to look at during the drive. It kept our kids interested to when I pointed out different things to them. The map starts and Detroit, and each page is about 25 minutes of driving, so it helps to time yourself. Definatley something to look into if it sounds interesting to you.

Have a great drive! The boarder is a breeze! And have a GREAT trip!!!!!

 

[esdras]

One other suggestion - although this is just a rumour that I have heard - have your travel documents readily available on top of your identification. While I don't know if this would prevent the Customs Officer from maybe skipping you if your car came up as the random search, I have heard some say that if your car was picked, but you have documents showing a "Family Vacation" - you might get passed over.

We're crossing at Sarnia and flying from Detroit again this year - same as in '06. On that trip, after showing our ID he asked "what is your purpose for entering the U.S." - I said, "we're going to Disney World", and showed him our Magical Express tickets and CAA vacation reservation confirmation letter. He said thanks and waived us through.

Anyway, it can't hurt to have proof of your reason for being in the U.S.

 

[canadaman]

I cross there all the time like the others posters, and agree that it is pretty quick and easy. One tip that I would give you is to get there early. I don't know what time you plan to get to Sarnia, but in the summer there can be quite a wait by 9:00a.m. especially since you are going on the saturday.

You may already have this book, but when we drive to Florida we use our "Along the I75" book. It is great. It is a map, but it has MANY features. It shows where all hotels, restaurants, gas stations are, It also tells you the speed limit, and where radar traps are common. It also list historical sites, and interesting areas all the way down the I75 to Florida. It was so helpful and interesting for us! And great for the 'co-pilot' to look at during the drive. It kept our kids interested to when I pointed out different things to them. The map starts and Detroit, and each page is about 25 minutes of driving, so it helps to time yourself. Definatley something to look into if it sounds interesting to you.

Have a great drive! The boarder is a breeze! And have a GREAT trip!!!!!

We plan to get to sarnia around 5am. There shouldn't be much traffic around that time. We also bought the Along i75 book for the trip.

 

[jmann]

We have crossed there many times and never have had a problem. They check many cars so don't panic it's pretty quick. I would suggest making sure your trunk is organized. If you are taking a cooler DO NOT take any meat products or fruits and vegetables. They usually ask. What we do is right past the entry point there is an exit into Port Huron. We get off the bridge there before you get on the highway. There are tons of stores and we stop and pick up some things for the road. Then just get back on the highway and enjoy.

 

[digskat]

We cross at Sarnia, and usually hit the border at 5-5:30 am. There is never a wait at the toll area (Canadian side), and the most we have experienced is about a 15 minute wait at the Port Huron side. We have our passports ready, and hand them over as we pull up. We are commonly asked;
"What is everyone's citizenship?"
"What do you do for a living?"
"What is the purpose of your trip?"
" Do you have any meat, poultry, dairy or fruit?"

We also take a small cooler for snacks, with pop, water, and juice, and have crackers, chips, cookies, and the like. It is a very simple procedure, and nothing to worry about. Within 20 minutes, you will be Florida bound again. As esdras said, have your info available, and your passports in hand, and it will go smoother.

 

[F4disneyfan]

This saturday i will be leaving for disney world. We will be driving and crossing at Sarnia. I have never been across the border period, not as a driver or passenger. I am just nervous about the crossing procedure. Yes we all do have passports.

This is how I figure it goes.

First you pay a toll on the canadian side. Then you cross the bridge and stop at the US border inspection lanes, and answer what ever they need you to answer. Then you are on your way down the i-94.

Does that sound about right?? Anyone have any tips about crossing??

Thanks

Yes that is correct just a forewarning my sister in law lives in Sarnia and the border has been terrible for waits to get into the US upwards of an hour she was saying. I know a few weeks ago when I went across to get a phonecard for our Trac Fone I waited 45 minutes on the US side to get in they inspected each and every car coming in. Mostly in the entrance lane as you pulled up to talk to the border guard they pulled the odd car in for further inspection but they mostly pulled the driver out checked trunks backseats etc. So be prepared for a wait you may be lcy and not hit one but be prepared for a long wait as it is the best possabilty especially on a Saturday.