NAF World Headquarters
General - Border Crossing
Spazzfist - Oct 13, 2010 - 07:31 AM
Post subject: Border Crossing
I am planning on corssing a border for the first time to attend a BB tournament and am wondering what people say to the border guards to avoid a million questions, or worse a cavity search. 
Should I just tell them I am visiting a friend and leave it at that? What do you say when you cross the border?
Grumbledook - Oct 13, 2010 - 09:39 AM
Post subject: RE: Border Crossing
just say you are on holiday, not sure what you are getting so worked up about ;]
Eric.R. - Oct 13, 2010 - 10:08 AM
Post subject: RE: Border Crossing
Simple answer: going on a road trip with friends. And to make it even easier when you cross: have all you papers ready and let the driver do all the talking unless the Guard addresses anyone else directly.
Spazzfist - Oct 13, 2010 - 12:31 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Border Crossing
Grumbledook wrote:
just say you are on holiday, not sure what you are getting so worked up about ;]
Just heard some horror stories of people who have offered too much information. Just want to avoid that is all!
Khail - Oct 13, 2010 - 02:53 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
I cross the Canadian border every other weekend. Just answer their questions directly and honestly. If they ask what the miniatures are/are for, tell them they're used in a complex board game. It helps to have a rulebook handy if they get really curious.
Be prepared to answer where you're from, where you're going, and if you're bringing anything with you into the States. If your answers are to the point (don't be vague or hesitate), you'll be fine. They'll throw an oddball question in here and there to see how you react (how do you guys know each other, when was the last time you were in the states, etc.).
The Canadian border guards are (amusingly) more hardcore than the Americans, but only to Canadians returning from the States (they're really relaxed if you're a foreigner coming to visit Canada). They want to know all about where you went, what you did, and what you bought. If there's a cent they can charge you duty on, they'll want to know about it.
Willi - Oct 14, 2010 - 03:04 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
When I read this I come to think that I really do love Schengen! I cross the border from Germany to France, to Belgium, to Austria, to Spain etc. and don´t even have controls at the border.
You only realize through the signs that you crossed the border.
floleblanc - Oct 14, 2010 - 05:46 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
I wonder what a horrible paranoia must have been induced to people if you can't go on a trip to the states to play blood bowl 
+1 to Schengen 
Grumbledook - Oct 14, 2010 - 10:54 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
not heard anything like that, though just saying you are going on holiday (which is true) doesn't really give away much
Daggers - Oct 14, 2010 - 11:48 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
I find it's pointless to be overly friendly or chatty. Just give them short concise answers and don't elaborate unless they ask. I actually find the border guards are pretty equal going both ways, maybe I am just not threatening enough looking.
Spazzfist - Oct 14, 2010 - 02:10 PM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
Dwarfrunner wrote:
blah blah blah....maybe I am just not threatening enough looking.
Probably right. Hobbits tend not to be the most fearsome looking of creatures! 
Lizardcore - Oct 14, 2010 - 03:53 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
The main issue here will be the stinky fog coming from inside Spazz's car 
I'm not sure it's legal in US 
Actually, the border guards might think you're trying to kill them, and arrest you !
Have Fun
PS: first border cross ever or first border cross since you need a passport to go to US ?
Spazzfist - Oct 16, 2010 - 10:19 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Border Crossing
ts eems my worrying was for naught, as the border crossing was very easy. The only thing was when I was crossing over to America I had drawn a face on my hand,. and they thought it was a gand tattoo (good eyes for noticing that!) When I showed him what it was he laughed and told me to head on my way.