Tips for Crossing the Canadian Border

Is a Passport Needed?

Tips for crossing the US / Canada Border - Passport Needed
All visitors crossing the Canadian border will need a passport or passport equivalent (NEXUS Card or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)).
These stricter requirements were implemented under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) in 2009.
If you are planning on a Canadian fishing trip, don’t wait! The U.S. application process is already backlogged. So instead, apply online for your American passport.

If you are traveling soon, you can get a passport within 24 hrs with rushmypassport.com.

U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 15 or younger with parental consent can cross the Canadian border at land and sea entry points with certified copies of their birth certificates rather than passports. However, visitors of all ages arriving in Canada by air require a passport or passport equivalent.

Have a Note for Children Traveling without Both Parents?

Adults traveling over the Canadian border with children who are not their own should have a written note from the parents or guardians giving consent for the children to leave the country. The consent should include the name and contact information of the parent/guardian.

Even if you are with your child but not the other parent, bringing the other parent’s written permission to take the child over the Canada border is a good idea.

Know What You Can and Can’t Bring into Canada

You CAN  bring the following items into Canada

  • Food:
    Dried and Packaged Food
    11 Pounds of Fresh Beef per Person
    Processed or Canned Potatoes

  • Alcohol:
    1.5 Litres of Wine OR 24, 12 Ounce Cans OR Bottles of Beer OR 40 Ounces of Liquor

  • Tobacco:
    200 Cigarettes, OR 50 Cigars (including Cuban Cigars, which are Legal in Canada)

You CAN NOT  bring the following items into Canada

  • Food:
    Potatoes
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
    All Raw Poultry, Poultry Products and By-products that are Not Fully Cooked, Including Eggs

  • Firearms/Self Defense:
    Handguns
    Automatic Weapons (Military-style Attack Rifles)
    Large Capacity Cartridge Magazines (Exceeding 5 Rounds of Center Fire Rifles)
    Stun Guns, Mace and Pepper Spray

  • Miscellaneous:
    Firewood
    Live Bait (Live Minnows, Leeches)
    Radar Detectors
    Plants, Soil
    Dog Food

See the Canada Border Services Agency for a complete explanation of what items can and can’t be brought into Canada.

Criminal Records (DUI)

Visitors to Canada with any criminal record may be denied entry. Even if you have entered Canada before, new screening procedures may lead to you being turned back. Impaired driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be a misdemeanor in a visitor’s home state, but it can be an indictable offense in Canada. Three basic procedures can allow you to enter Canada if you have a criminal record legally. They are as follows:

Granted Rehabilitation

You can apply through a Canadian Consulate or certain border crossings to have your record examined by immigration officials. There is a non-refundable administration fee that is usually $200 Canadian. With a successful application, you will receive a letter stating that you have been granted rehabilitation and will now be allowed to enter Canada freely at any time. We suggest that guests who are considering making an application for Granted Rehabilitation contact the NOTO office so that they can explain the process in more detail and direct you to the best point of contact.

Deemed Rehabilitation

If more than ten years have passed since your last indictable offense, and no subsequent violations have occurred. There is no fee, but this is at the discretion of the border official.

Temporary Resident Permit

A permit may be granted for a single visit or more. The fee is $200, and it is recommended to apply ahead of your trip, and as for the cost, you may be better off applying for Granted Rehabilitation.