[guylhem]

OTOH, this summer while crossing the canadian border in Madawaska (ME) to enter the US, I was "stopped".

For some reason the US immigration officier in Puerto Rico had forgotten to add a date to my entry stamp. I was stopped for this technicality, and while getting some paperwork for me in my car the custom officers found I had prescription drugs.

I was worried, but for no reason at all - they figured out the mistake that happened in PR, and checked the drugs official prescriptions matched (antibiotics and some pretty stong painkillers), and then I was cleared to go with a smile.

TL;DR : the US custom officer were friendly and efficient, and fixed a mistake.

I wouldn't dream of that happening in Europe, or (god help me) the UK.

[pyre]

These customs anecdotes are a dime a dozen. I've had a customs official arguing with another official because he wanted to 'nail me to the wall' for no particular reason AND I'M A GOD DAMN US CITIZEN.

Customs officials are given a wide amount of powers, and little to no oversight. At this point, I feel like a US customs official could rape an entire squad of 13 year old cheerleaders live on air over the public airwaves and receive a tax break for the trouble. </bitter>

[trickaduu]

The fact they act on a whim is beyond dodge.

[grimlck]

I'm sure there are just as many occasions where European custom officers are friendly and efficient and fix mistakes.

But I can assure you that this story happens with US customs as well - if they think you are there to work in the country without a work VISA, you will get detained and it is not pleasant.

[trickaduu]

I know US passport control is strict but never heard of the UK being so strict. Unlucky to get a grumpy woman with a chip on her shoulder.