6 Crimes That Could Keep You Stuck at the Idaho-Canada Border

O Canada. Until recently, we considered Canadians the friendliest in the world, but hockey has shown everyone's true colors! Maybe you want to help American relations with Canada, or you want to attend WWE Elimination Chamber, visit friends, or go to a place where you can drink and smoke weed at 19 (in British Columbia). There are some things you need to know before you cross the Idaho-Canada border.

Your past will catch up with you at the Idaho-Canada border.

The Idaho-Canada border isn't very big. It's just 45 miles, and there are just two points of entry: Eastport and Porthill. If you are taking a vacation with your new boyfriend or girlfriend and you haven't been honest about your past, you'll want to come clean before you cross the border. If you don't, there's a really good chance that all of your skeletons will come falling out of the closet like a ton of bricks.

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What documents do you need to cross the Canadian border from Idaho?

You'll need to make sure your paperwork is up to date. A valid passport is typically the easiest option and guarantees a smooth process. If you are traveling with a minor who isn't your child, you'll need a consent letter from their parents.

What items are not allowed to cross the Idaho-Canada border?

Some items are restricted or even prohibited from crossing the border. Firearms and other weapons will require permits, and if you don't declare them and they find them, you will be denied entry. This does not include your biceps, which some people like to say are lethal weapons. Just so you know, Canadian border officials don't find that joke funny, and while that alone might not get you denied, they might try to find more reasons to keep you and your jokes out of the Great White North.

If you are bringing food, you could be asking for trouble. Any poultry will raise questions, so dump the KFC before you get to the border. Uncooked poultry, any lab materials containing poultry, pet food with poultry, feathers, and even eggs are not allowed to be transported into Canada. If you need those things, stop at a Sobeys once you get into Creston or wherever you're headed.

Who isn't allowed to cross the Idaho-Canada border?

Canada isn't just careful about what enters the country. They're also very cautious about who enters it. If you've been accused of a crime, even if you weren't convicted, you may not be allowed to go to Canada. You might think you'll be welcomed into Canada with open arms because you haven't committed any major crimes. Think again. That minor crime you committed as a teenager might prevent you from getting a fresh Hero Certified Burger.

The list is actually a whole lot longer than this. The previous six are just the most common.

Why is Canada so strict?

Border officials in Canada interpret criminal records strictly, even for something that might seem minor in the US. They assess each crime and how they are dealt with when they are committed in Canada. Many crimes involve what is called "moral turpitude," which doesn't give them a lot of flexibility. It's nearly impossible to hide your record from Canada because the US shares criminal records.