1

If you have an actual tourist visa, or perhaps have ESTA clearance and will use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - it doesn't matter a great deal how you enter. You will be checked by US Immigration either just before you board the train, on the train, or at a specific stop at the border.

You may need to meet the entry requirements (normally involving a plan, an onward ticket out of the US/North America would be good, and possibly evidence of sufficient funds to meet your costs while travelling in the US). Sometimes none of these will be checked very much.

There are significant differences of course associated with either a visa, or entry under the VWP, but they are not determined by whether you enter by train or on foot ... so my advice is to take the train, since it will be quicker and more comfortable than walking to Seattle.

2

That is very helpful, thank you.

I am entering under a VISA not the VWP ESTA type. Thankfully I have the exit tickets and other bookings along the way.

I think I will just take your advice and get on the train armed with my documents!

Thanks

Scott

3

I understand that immigration processing is now done at the train station, rather than en route ... carracar

4

Carracar is correct for the most part. They start at the Vancouver station now, if there is an issue they just won't even let you onboard.

So, show up a little early and more than likely everything will be fine if your paperwork is in order. The border guards for both countries have been noticeably nicer the past two years or so. Heck, seriously nice in some cases!

5

US immigration is done before boarding in Vancouver - the train is in a locked (or at least gates across the tracks) compound until it departs

Customs (ie baggage inspection) is done on the move - agents join the train at the border and travel to the first station in the US. They didn't do anything visible when I travelled a few years back.