Border Crossing (2024)

Canada/USA Border Update

Crossing the border to Canada is Easy!

Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

  • submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
  • provide proof of vaccination;
  • undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
  • carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
  • undergo health checks for travel on air and rail;or
  • wear masks on planes and trains.

Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendantor a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in theQuarantine Act.

NEWS RELEASE

When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.

As of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa.

Inadmissibility: You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada (not allowed to enter the country) by the Border Services Officer for a number of reasons. Reasons for inadmissibility include involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, etc.

For further information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency's websiteor call 1-800-461-9999.

Bringing Children into Canada

Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land - a birth certificate will suffice.

If a minor is travelling alone or with an adult that is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/ guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or travelling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.

If you are travelling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children, to avoid any confusion.

Returning to the United States

Depending on the length of stay, American citizens are entitled to take goods back to the U.S. duty free. Be aware that goods purchased in a duty free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the U.S.

You can find a list of duty free items to bring back to the U.S. here, as well as a list of prohibited and restricted items here. For further information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Border Wait Times

About 30 million visitors cross the border every year into Canada and an additional 18 million visitors arrive by boat or airplane. Visit the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission's website for detailed information to make crossing easier, and get hourly updates regarding border wait times or see wait times below for:

Rainbow Bridge Peace Bridge Lewiston-Queenston Bridge

While we try our best to provide accurate and up to date border information, we always recommend that you contact the Canadian Border Services Agency for specific questions or concerns pertaining to crossing our borders.

Border Crossing (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to answer questions when crossing the border? ›

You always have the right to remain silent. But if you stay silent and do not answer questions, for example about your immigration or citizenship status, the law enforcement officers will likely refuse to allow you into the U.S.

Why do border agents ask so many questions? ›

Customs officers have the authority to ask your immigration status in order to determine whether you have the right to enter the country.

How do you answer a question at the U.S. border? ›

Try to remain polite and calm and don't take it personally if the officer seems abrupt; CBP officers are trying to screen a lot of people as quickly as possible. Why are you visiting the United States? Your answer must match your visa (or the legal requirements for admitting you without a visa).

Can you refuse to answer immigration questions? ›

You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents or any other officials. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.

Can border Patrol detain you for not answering questions? ›

Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may deny you entry to the U.S. or detain you for search and/or questioning. Agents may search any person, the inside of any vehicle, and all passenger belongings.

Do US citizens have to answer customs questions? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen and have established your citizenship, you have the right to enter the U.S. This means that you can decline to answer the officer's questions, though doing so may delay your entry to the U.S. If you are a visa-holder or LPR, you have the same right to remain silent, but if you refuse to answer ...

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›

Citizens: You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship (in addition to customs-related questions). Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the U.S. if you have established your identity and citizenship.

What questions do they ask when crossing the border? ›

Be prepared to answer these questions:
  • What are you bringing with you to Canada?
  • Do you have any live animals or plants with you?
  • Do you have any firearms, ammunition or fireworks with you?
  • Do you have any meat or dairy products with you?
  • Do you have any fresh fruits or vegetables with you?
Mar 12, 2019

What do US border guards see on their computer? ›

If an officer believes there is a reason to get even more information about you, they may be able to get:
  • Any criminal history you have.
  • Your citizenship status.
  • Employment information.
  • Your phone numbers.
  • Your property records.
  • Credit card data.
  • Your social media history.
  • Information about your family members.

Can US customs search your phone? ›

All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in, or departing from, the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This search authority includes all electronic devices crossing our nation's borders.

What does Border Patrol look for when crossing? ›

At these checkpoints, every motorist is stopped and asked about their immigration status. Agents do not need any suspicion to stop you and ask you questions at a lawful checkpoint, but their questions should be brief and related to verifying immigration status. They can also visually inspect your vehicle.

What to say when crossing the U.S. border? ›

Crossed borders many times, be courteous but answer just what is being asked, do not expand or add extra information, yes, no, going to chicago, tourism, nothing to declare are acceptable answers. He will address the person he is speaking to. And he can ask absolutely anything he wants.

What not to say at immigration? ›

Do not go off on tangents or tell your life story. Only answer the question that is being asked and do not provide more details than necessary. Remember, the immigration officer is doing many interviews a day, and you do not want to annoy them.

What happens if you refuse to answer questions? ›

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.

Can ice force you to show ID? ›

If you are driving and are pulled over, the officer can require you to show your license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, but you don't have to answer questions about your immigration status. Customs officers can ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the country.

What you need to know when crossing the border? ›

When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada.

When you cross the border, what do they check for? ›

What Information Do Immigration Officers in the U.S. Have?
  • Name.
  • Country of citizenship.
  • Home address.
  • Date of birth.
  • Method of travel.
  • Purpose of travel.

What to say when crossing the US border? ›

Crossed borders many times, be courteous but answer just what is being asked, do not expand or add extra information, yes, no, going to chicago, tourism, nothing to declare are acceptable answers. He will address the person he is speaking to. And he can ask absolutely anything he wants.

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