Crossing the border

[jester911]

Hello everyone. Just a question for those of you who have done the drive to Disney from our side of the border. Alot of people mention that they bring snacks and packed lunches with them when the set out on the drive.
Has anyone encounted a problem at the border with what you are bringing accross. IE: Sandwhiches and fruit in a cooler for your family to eat on the way down to Disney. Things like that.
According to the official website for the border you cannot take fruits vegtables and such accross.

Any advice?

 

[jerenaud]

I've never had a problem, and in fact, until yesterday I didn't realize that you weren't supposed to bring fruit across the border. I knew that there were tighter restrictions when going into Hawaii, but I thought that it was because it was Hawaii, not because it was the US.

However, my neighbour just returned from a trip and said that (yet again - apparently they have trouble every year) they were pulled over at Sarnia and had to throw away two apples because she had washed them and removed the 'washington' labels so the border guard didn't know for sure that they weren't from South Africa or Fiji.

So, if you can leave the labels on, showing the food was from Canada or the US, you should be fine. Otherwise, apparently they can make you dispose of it.

Erica

 

[momtolots]

Since we cross the border often, I recommend NOT bringing any fresh fruit or veggies. Fruit in the can, like for lunches but fresh is not. Normally, they don't stop you, but....if you get a keener, he has every right to pull you over and search. So leave the fresh at home, and eat lots of the fresh fruit and veggies when you get down there.

 

[rjan67]

I agree. You can bring fruit if it has a Canadian or U.S. label, but to save any hassle, just bring packaged snacks. If you really want fruit, pull over to your nearest grocery store (Target superstore, Walmart etc)once you cross and buy whatever you need.

 

[deanie]

We have always eaten or thrown our fruit away before we get to the border. In BC, they pretty well always ask.

 

[jester911]

Thanks everyone. I think that covers the fruit issue. How bout anything else. Meat sandwhich's, or if my boys have the choice PB and honey all the way.
Only an hour from the border so I will not have any stuff eaten before we get to the border.

Looking forward to the drive down.

Thanks

 

[striker3636]

For the past 4 years or so of cross border travel, I have always gone by this site from the US Border Protection and Control. It is usually updated regularly, and in the past it always reflected any current concerns (e.g. beef or chicken restrictions). It doesn't appear to be updated in the last year, but that is perhaps because nothing has changed. There is an 800# at the bottom of the link you can call if you have any questiosn. If you check through the site, you will be able to find information about pet food as well, for anyone that might have to worry about that.

I have taken over fruits and veggies only if they are clearly marked with the country of origin. I make sure everything is labelled and in original packaging from the store (a pain because I like to pre-wash and do some chopping of stuff before we go away). I also keep receipts for the food. I don't always get asked about specific foods, but when I do I am prepared with the details and info in hand, and luckily, I have never been inspected. My parents used to be "winter Texans" and were inspected a few times when restrictions were tighter on meat, so I tend to play it safe and disclose everything upfront .

https://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/custom...3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

Enjoy your trip!

 

[dancin Disney style]

We have done the drive for the last 2 years and have had a cooler sitting in plain sight behind the front seat of our van. They have not even looked at it. The previous advice is all correct about fresh fruits. When it comes to sandwiches they are not interested in processed meats. We usually take turkey or chicken anyway. They are more concerned with beef and raw beef specifically.

As with any question reagrding border crossing it all depends on who you get.