Borders between the U.S. and Canada recently reopened to travelers more than a year after having closed due to COVID-19. Now, many who are eager to explore our neighbor to the north are left wondering what’s involved in a border crossing and what guidelines they’ll need to adhere to for a successful journey. Show
If you’re anxious to visit Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary, here’s what to know to plan your U.S.-Canada border crossing, whether by land, air or sea. Who can travel from the U.S. to Canada?Currently, Canadian borders are open to all U.S. citizens wishing to enter regardless of vaccination status. However, the requirements for entry will vary based on your vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative COVID test for entry, but must still use the ArriveCAN app to submit mandatory entry information, including proof of vaccination, at least 72 hours prior to arrival and/or before boarding a cruise ship destined for Canada. Not fully vaccinated? You won’t be able to visit Canada if you’re traveling for discretionary or leisure purposes. If you don't qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler but still need to travel to Canada for reasons other than leisure, you’ll be required to quarantine for 14 days, take a molecular COVID test, and register for a COVID test upon your arrival in the country, which you can do in advance to save time. How many border crossings are there between the U.S. and Canada?There are more than 100 land border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, and wait time to cross can vary widely. At most crossings, how long you wait depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Some crossings have little to no delay at off-peak travel times, and others, like Buffalo, New York, can log wait times around 40 minutes. If you want to set appropriate expectations for how long it takes to cross the U.S.-Canada border, check the Government of Canada website, which is updated hourly. Checklist for a U.S.-Canada border crossingIf you're fully vaccinated and traveling to Canada, whether by car, plane or boat, you still have to follow certain protocols. To meet entry requirements, you must:
NOTE: As of April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide a negative test for entry. If you don’t meet all the requirements of a fully vaccinated traveler, you’ll have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. You may also be selected for a random arrival test at some airports and land crossings. These may take place at the airport or a designated testing site, or you may be provided with a do-it-yourself kit that you can send in once you arrive at your final destination. Special cases for Alaska residentsIf you live in Alaska, you may sometimes have to drive through Canada to get to certain regions of the state. Unvaccinated Alaska residents who must pass through Canada for necessary purposes (i.e. not for leisure or recreation) may do so without pre-entry and arrival COVID tests, but they must remain in their vehicle while driving through Canada. They'll also likely be given a specimen collection kit when they cross a land border into Canada. If you're leaving Alaska to travel to the lower forty-eight, or if you're returning to Alaska after being in another state, you may also be granted special permission to pass through Canada. However, if you’re not fully vaccinated you will need a negative COVID molecular test result to enter. You'll also need proof that you live in Alaska if you’re driving north, or proof of residence or employment in the lower forty-eight if driving south. If you want to cross the U.S.-Canada border …The key to a successful U.S.-Canadian border crossing is preparation. Make sure you know what documentation and information you need well in advance of your arrival at the border or the airport. Ensure everything is in order and uploaded to the ArriveCAN app, and be patient. Above all, travel safely. August 2020 Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, border crossing regulations have changed. Because moving is considered essential business, you can still cross the U.S./Canadian border. Depending on the travel restrictions in the city you’re moving to, you may be required to quarantine once you arrive. Check with your local health department for more information, and get COVID-19 updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or check current Canadian border measures and requirements.Planning a long drive can involve a lot of research and coordination — and even more so if you're driving through different countries. Since crossing borders requires certain paperwork and processes, it’s not always possible to plan a last-minute adventure. If you’re planning to drive across the U.S./Canadian border on an upcoming trip, get prepared by learning what to expect at the border and understanding what paperwork you’ll need in order to cross.  What you should know before crossing the Canadian borderThough the U.S. and Canada are friendly neighboring countries, each has a guarded border with its own set of laws. Before your trip, consider these 10 tips to help make the entry process easier: 1. Check your entry eligibilityOne of the most important things you'll need to do is make sure you're eligible to enter the country. While many people won’t have any issues, there are some things you should be aware of that can make you inadmissible (such as criminal convictions, serious health issues, and other similar circumstances). Check your eligibility status for Canada here and read about U.S. policies here. 2. Have correct identificationWhat do you need to get into Canada or the U.S.? Each person in your traveling party needs to have the right travel documents. Here’s what you’ll need to travel depending on which way you're going:
Passports and a visa or green card will be required for your visit to the U.S. For Americans returning home, you’ll just need your passport or any other form that validates your citizenship, like a birth certificate or driver’s license, or a Native American Tribal Photo Identification or an Enhanced Tribal Card for Native Americans.
A valid passport, Canadian visa (if applicable) or confirmation of permanent residence is required for travel into Canada. If you’re a Canadian resident returning home, you’ll just need a valid Canadian passport to re-enter the country. If you don’t have it with you, you can use your temporary passport or any other documentation that verifies your identity and citizenship. 3. Know the guidelines for traveling with minorsAll visitors age 16 and older will need a passport to enter Canada or the United States. Children younger than that will need a copy of their birth certificate or another proof of citizenship in order to gain entry into either country. If you aren’t the parent or guardian of the children you’re traveling with (or if you’re divorced or separated from your partner), you’ll need a letter of permission from the parent or guardian in order to take the child into either country. Divorced or separated parents should carry copies of legal custody agreements. 4. Keep vehicle registration and proof of insurance availableIt is also a requirement on each side of the border to have your vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance. If you’re traveling in a rental car, make sure to have the paperwork you need to drive the car across international borders. 5. Don’t bring restricted itemsBefore attempting to cross the border, you’ll need to be aware of everything you’re bringing with you. There are restrictions on some items, so make sure you are familiar with those guidelines before your trip:
6. Check entry requirements for petsTraveling with pets? If so, be sure to check and see what requirements are in place for the country you’re visiting. 7. Get familiar with entry pointsThere are 10 points of entry for crossing between the United States and Canada. Detailed information about each border crossing (listed from west to east) is listed in the links below:
8. Stay up-to-date on wait times at the borderWait times at the border fluctuate depending on a number of factors including traffic, time of day and the season. Check here for up-to-date border wait times and other information. 9. Be prepared to answer questionsBorder patrol agents on either side of the border may ask you a number of questions in order to determine your citizenship status, the purpose of your visit and what you’re bringing into the country. To make your experience at the border easier, follow these tips:
Border agents also may ask to search you or any person in your vehicle, the inside of your vehicle and all passenger belongings, so you’ll want to be prepared for that scenario as well. 10. Know your visiting limitationsVisitors into either country are allowed to stay for up to six months, depending on the purpose of the visit. If you’re traveling for work or need to extend your visit for any reason, you may apply for an extension, or for a work visa or temporary resident status. Planning a move?If you’re traveling to Canada as part of a move, make it easier with U-Pack! We’ll handle the transportation of your household goods, so you don’t have to worry about crossing the border with all your belongings or making the drive in a rental truck. Learn more about the process in this ultimate guide to moving to Canada or moving to the U.S. Just passing through on your way to Alaska? Check out this Alaska moving guide for other tips. Questions?Have more questions about crossing the border or need more information? Leave us a comment below! If you need help with moving to Canada, get a free moving quote or give us a call at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to see how easy and affordable it is to move with U-Pack. Categories Auto Shipping College Comparisons Home DIY Job Long Distance Military Moving Cost News Packing and Loading Places Planning Your Move Senior Hide Comments Show Comments View the discussion thread. More articles you might like...
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