LAPTOP AND OTHER GADGET INSPECTION UPON ARRIVAL TO CANADA

[Vitomanolo16]

Good day,

I would just like to ask those who have already landed if it is true that Immigration thoroughly inspects laptops and gadgets for pirated programs upon arrival. We attended a seminer wherein we were advised to delete all MP3s, Movies and games downloaded from servers such as limewire and frostwire to avoid immigration problems. In fact, we were told to wipe out all gadgets including laptops, psps and ps3s since there is a special immigration lane for those who will bring in such items.

Thanks!

[Vitomanolo16]

Qorax,Kanamen,Seniors,anyone,

Need your inputs. It took me 10 years to gather all my favorite downloaded movies from the net..... I don't want to wipeout my laptop just because Canada Immigration will or will not allow me to have these files on my laptop.

Thanks!

[explorer101]

Good day,
I would just like to ask those who have already landed if it is true that Immigration thoroughly inspects laptops and gadgets for pirated programs upon arrival. We attended a seminer wherein we were advised to delete all MP3s, Movies and games downloaded from servers such as limewire and frostwire to avoid immigration problems. In fact, we were told to wipe out all gadgets including laptops, psps and ps3s since there is a special immigration lane for those who will bring in such items.
Thanks!

There is no special line for travellers coming with electronics. Although it is not recommended to carry pirated softwares but who has the time to go into it and who cares for downloaded movies and music.
 

[sttn]

If you conceal drugs inside your laptop, you may have problems.. other than that if CBSA officers are going to check each and every MP3 files Games or other software in computers.. You may need to look at 5-7 days to clear your customs from the air port.

[Baloo]

Qorax,Kanamen,Seniors,anyone,

Need your inputs. It took me 10 years to gather all my favorite downloaded movies from the net..... I don't want to wipeout my laptop just because Canada Immigration will or will not allow me to have these files on my laptop.

Thanks!

You are not meant to bring pirated software into Canada (and many other things).
Your laptop can be checked and if you have pirated software you will not enjoy the process.

Look at it this way, I assume that you took the trouble to follow the rules to get this far, ask yourself this:
What do you want to seen as when you first arrive in Canada?
It won't look good if you break the rules before you gain entry to Canada

It is rare for the check to happen, but if you are the one being checked, percentages don't really matter.

FYI Be aware if you are entering the USA with your laptop, they can take it from you and keep it for a very long time  (even without probable cause).

[prestige]

What will happen if found downloaded pirated stuffs? Denied entry?

[Baloo]

What will happen if found downloaded pirated stuffs? Denied entry?

Unlikely.

In Canada, the Customs Act permits the CBSA to detain goods that are prohibited, controlled, or regulated by any Act of Parliament.

So confiscation would be the first option, of course the fact that the movies were on a laptop may mean that the laptop is seized.
Also be aware it is not just pirated movies, any other fake items can be seized.
Of course getting caught with this sort of stuff would mean that you will be subjected to a lot more scrutiny.

[giogenre]

Qorax,Kanamen,Seniors,anyone,

Need your inputs. It took me 10 years to gather all my favorite downloaded movies from the net..... I don't want to wipeout my laptop just because Canada Immigration will or will not allow me to have these files on my laptop.

Thanks!

Just say goodbye to those movies and MP3s of yours if it's not legal... "mabuting mag-ingat kaysa magsisi..."

It's a new country now... a new life... a new torrent server... ha ha ha! Congrats for your scheduled Landing!

[Baloo]

An example of what can happen if you don't declare something at the border...

An Ottawa woman has had to pay $80,000 in fines and penalties for undeclared jewelry she brought back to Canada more than a year ago.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/01/12/ottawa-undeclared-goods.html

[Baloo]

Just say goodbye to those movies and MP3s of yours if it's not legal... "mabuting mag-ingat kaysa magsisi..."

It's a new country now... a new life... a new torrent server... ha ha ha! Congrats for your scheduled Landing!

LOL, it has to be easier than trying to connect to the Internet from a prison cell