POE - Driving over with parents and hubby, so three seperate vehicles

[ljj 0]

I am planning on doing my POE the second week of August at the Rainbow Bridge in Buffalo. My husband is driving up here to help with packing and everything and then for the POE he is driving his car across, I am driving my car, and my parents are driving their car. All three cars are going to be packed with all of my stuff. I know I need to go in and meet with customs agents etc, but I am not sure what my parents and husband should tell the border guard. Should I cross first and have them cross directly behind me so they can pull over and wait as well? Any information you have would be very helpful!

[OBX 51]

I am planning on doing my POE the second week of August at the Rainbow Bridge in Buffalo. My husband is driving up here to help with packing and everything and then for the POE he is driving his car across, I am driving my car, and my parents are driving their car. All three cars are going to be packed with all of my stuff. I know I need to go in and meet with customs agents etc, but I am not sure what my parents and husband should tell the border guard. Should I cross first and have them cross directly behind me so they can pull over and wait as well? Any information you have would be very helpful!

I would think it would be best that you drive through first and let the CBP officer know that the two cars behind you are part of your group. They may let them wait for you but I have read of cases where the family was not allowed to got to secondary so you might want to have a designated waiting point just across the border in case.

Just wondering why you are choosing the Rainbow Bridge(which is Niagara Falls)? I recall reading that is not a recommended entry point (but I can't remember the specifics.) Have you considered the Peace Bridge (Buffalo)? I POEd there and found the staff to be very professional and knowledgable.

I am sure others will chime in with more information, Good luck.

Edited July 19, 2011 by OBX

[Krikit 1,164]

Yep, you drive through first and let them know of the other two vehicles. You'll need this form.... just a general description of the items; no details required. Take a look at the pinned topic called Canada Immigration Guide at the top of the Canada forum. And one more thing.... DON'T GO THROUGH THE RAINBOW BRIDGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Newb. <----- and I mean that in the kindest way possible.

[Inky 1,111]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/271842-poe-rainbow-bridge/

They need to go right behind you, you have to tell them the contents of their cars but not their cars are being imported.

only yours is being imported(if you are) and you have to note to them that your things are in their cars. Originally i planned to go in two separate cars but did not. I was told that the second car had to have a photo copy of my visa page with them because my stuff was in that car and that both cars would be told to pull over and the second car would more than likely be searched because i was not in it nor driving it. Needless to say we gave up that idea and just rented a Uhaul and tow and did it that way to get my car to the USA. Was much easier.

Edited July 19, 2011 by Inky

[ljj 0]

oops! I meant the Peace Bridge...not really sure why I wrote Rainbow since I never cross there! lol

[Canadiandggal 49]

oops! I meant the Peace Bridge...not really sure why I wrote Rainbow since I never cross there! lol

Right on! I was just about to say.. I agree with all the above people No to rainbow bridge.

Good luck

[sdw 10]

I did my POE at Queenston-Lewiston and didn't have any issues.