Traveling outside of the US

[banjoboy]

My band has a gig in Calgary later this summer. I'm a little worried about taking my instrument across the border. We've all heard horror stories about instruments being confiscated, and have read instructions about how to take precautions to prevent that from happening. Has anybody on the Cafe actually had their instrument confiscated or experienced hassles at the border?

[Pittsburgh Bill]

I have been across many borders with no hassles. I do carry a copy of regulations regarding exotic woods in the event of experiencing a hassle. Generally US custom is the worst in many ways and definitely the most unfriendly. I would not travel with my most expensive instruments. I think the airlines are more worrisome than border patrols.

[tonydxn]

As far as I'm aware, there should be no problem taking your instrument across borders in order to play it. The restrictions are on selling it across borders. I do get the impression though that US can be a bit over-zealous in application of the rules.

[Jeff Mando]

I will add that it might depend if you are flying or driving across the border. At some busy border gates, they are mostly just flagging random cars and most will get through quickly with just a couple questions. OTOH, if you are musicians you might be a target and get a 3-4 hour search like I have experienced -- more than once! In that case, they are not looking for endangered wood species, but rather, drugs, guns, alcohol, pornography, etc. That is when going from the USA into Canada. Usually, when returning by car back into the USA there is no search or problems. I will say once we came back into the USA from Canada entering into some tiny border crossing in Vermont and we got hassled mostly because they weren't busy and had nothing better to do. I was like a 2-man crossing gate like you would see on Hogan's Heroes, to give you an idea.

A MUCH BIGGER ISSUE if you are not aware of it is the need for a temporary work permit which they try to sell you at the border if you mention you are playing a gig for money in Canada. 30 years ago the permit was $150 and we just paid it. 20 years ago it went up to $500, which ate into most bands profits, especially if you are just doing a single show. I am not sure what the current fee is. We ran into similar permit issues when crossing into England on the ferry from France. The border agent was kind enough to explain if we were playing and getting paid we would have to purchase a permit, OTOH, if we were just playing a birthday party and not getting paid that was OK and no permit was required. Or, if you are going into the country to record and spend money, then no permit is required. I would suspect under these conditions that a lot of musicians are recording and playing birthday parties.............

Keep in mind the border agents use the internet and will look up your band and see if you appear to be well established, FWIW. Also, if you mention that you are recording in Canada, make sure you know the name of the studio, the address, who runs it, etc., because they will follow up on that.

[colorado_al]

I have never had an issue, driving or flying. Just make sure you're prepared to open the case and show it, if asked. Also helps to play a quick jig or fiddle tune.

[Ivan Kelsall]

A good post there Jeff !. All border control staff & Customs & Excise folk use the I/net. They're all too aware of the scams that folks use to try to outwit them & to avoid paying 'whatever' ,& they'll back track instruments to their origins if neccessary -just in case. Even if folk smuggle an instrument into a country successfully,it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that taking it out again,might get you caught.

When i took my Stelling banjo to the US back in 1992,i had the receipt for it in my wallet - good move !. It was inspected here in the UK by the airport security staff,also by US security staff,& on return to the UK by a customs agent.

Underestimate these folks at your peril !,
Ivan

[Ranald]

I have never had an issue, driving or flying. Just make sure you're prepared to open the case and show it, if asked. Also helps to play a quick jig or fiddle tune.

But don't play it too well, i.e., not up to professional standards.