What you should know before crossing the Canadian border
- Check your entry eligibility.
- Have correct identification.
- Know the guidelines for traveling with minors.
- Keep vehicle registration and proof of insurance available.
- Don’t bring restricted items.
- Check entry requirements for pets.
- Get familiar with entry points.
What do I need to do before driving into Canada?
Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver’s licence.
What does a US citizen need to enter Canada by car?
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.
What is needed to cross the border into Canada?
All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.
Can I cross to Canada with my car?
You must have an official United States passport to enter any other county and return back to the U.S.. When entering Canada and Mexico by automobile you are required to present proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card can work for U.S. citizens in this case.
Do you need to be tested for Covid before driving into Canada?
Travel Clearance Testing
Unvaccinated or those not completely vaccinated will still require a COVID test pre-entry.
What do they check at the border?
The US does not deny entry to its own citizens for having a criminal record. For individuals not selected for additional screenings, outstanding and active warrants are typically the only things that Border Patrol agents will find and consider.
Can I drive through Canada as a US citizen?
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.
Is a US driver’s license enough to enter Canada?
A valid U.S. passport or passport card is preferred, although a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or another document proving U.S. nationality, together with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) are acceptable to establish identity and nationality.
What are the Covid requirements to cross the US border from Canada?
TRAVEL ALERT: Beginning on January 22, 2022, DHS will require non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise
What can’t you bring to Canada?
Some things are just not supposed to cross the border.
- Food: Fresh fruits and vegetables and animal and fish products.
- Live bait: Don’t bring minnows, leeches, smelts, or leeches on your fishing trips.
- Weapons: Guns and firearms, ammunition, fireworks, and mace and pepper spray are not allowed.
Do I need proof of insurance to drive in Canada?
In addition to a valid passport or other government-approved travel document, you’ll need to carry a valid U.S. driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of car insurance in order to drive legally in Canada.
Can I bring my US car to Canada?
You can bring your vehicle into Canada temporarily as a visitor or temporary resident. Your vehicle doesn’t have to meet Canadian standards and must be only for your own use. You can also bring your vehicle for personal use while you’re in Canada on a work permit or student visa.
Does your car get searched at Canadian border?
Whether visiting or returning to Canada, you may be subject to an examination by a CBSA officer to determine your admissibility. This includes any goods or vehicle you bring across the border.
Do you need a COVID rapid test to enter Canada?
Currently, all travelers to Canada must show a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test result, taken no more than one day before their departure.
Is it mandatory to test negative for COVID-19 when entering Canada?
Effective January 7, 2021, all international passengers over the age of five who are flying to Canada from another country are required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test to the air carrier before boarding their flight to Canada.
Can you cross Canadian border without vaccine?
U.S. travellers can cross Canada’s border without having to make sure they have the right documents about their COVID-19 vaccine status.
What questions does Canadian border ask?
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?
What questions do they ask you at the border?
Prepare for Likely Questions From U.S. CBP Officials
- Why are you visiting the United States?
- Where will you be staying?
- Who will you be visiting?
- How long will you be staying in the U.S.? If you’re coming in with an immigrant visa (have been approved for U.S. permanent residence), you won’t likely be asked this.
What happens if you get turned away at the Canadian border?
If denied, you will not be allowed to enter Canada until you have received an approval from a Canadian consulate. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for a temporary resident permit based on the guidelines set out by your specific country, as the application form may be different.
Can I drive back to the US from Canada without a passport?
If travelling to the USA by land or sea, in addition to a passport, other proof of citizenship is allowed, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate or a Canadian Citizenship Card.