Information for U.S.
& International Travelers
CROSSING THE CANADA-U.S. BORDER
BoATERS - How to report your entry:
In most instances, American travelers have no issues
crossing over the border into Canada. However, there
are some recent changes to travel documentation
requirements for U.S. citizens that visitors to Canada
should be aware of.
Planning to “land” your vessel on Canadian soil or did you
leave Canadian waters and land on U.S. soil? All private
boaters who intend to land on Canadian soil, or who have
departed Canadian waters and landed on U.S. soil, are
required to report to a CBSA designated marine reporting
site. Upon arrival at this designated site, call the Telephone
Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277 from the phone
provided to obtain clearance. Not planning to “land” your
vessel or did you leave Canadian waters but did not land
on U.S. soil? You still need to report to the CBSA. Certain
private boaters may contact the CBSA by calling the TRC
at 1-888-226-7277. For more detailed information visit
www.cbsa.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/096-eng.html
As of June 2009, the U.S. government requires all of
its citizens 16 years or older returning to the USA from
Canada to have a valid passport by air. When crossing
by land or sea, you require either a valid passport, U.S.
Passport Card, an Enhanced Driver’s Licence (if available
in your State) or be enrolled with Trusted Traveler Program
Cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST. While Americans
technically do not require a passport to enter Canada, U.S.
laws require you to present one of the items listed above
to U.S. Customs and Border officers upon your return to
the United States.
For more information on this new American law visit:
www.getyouhome.gov
Important Notice for U.S. residents: If you or anyone in
your party has a felony or misdemeanor conviction, you
may not be allowed into Canada. This includes such
offences as a DUI. Your admissibility to Canada depends
on the nature of the offense, how many offences you
have, as well as how long ago it occurred. If this applies
to you or someone traveling with you, it is imperative
you contact Immigration Canada well in advance of your
arrival. You will likely have to complete some paperwork
and Immigration Canada authorities will then advise
you of the likelihood of being allowed into Canada. Final
determination of your admissibility into Canada is only
made when you cross the border.
Contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at
www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/tourist.asp or the Canadian
Consulate in New York, NY www.can-am.gc.ca/new-york/
regarding any forms you may be required to fill out.
You may also wish to call an Immigration Officer at the
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Port of Entry to discuss your
situation at 1-800-461-9999 or 1-204-983-3500 (calls
outside of Canada). Frequently asked questions for
Americans traveling outside of the U.S. are available on
these two websites:
www.canadawelcomesyou.net or www.travel.state.gov
WHAT CAN & CAN’T COME INTO CANADA
Residents of the United States who visit Canada are
allowed to bring in a “reasonable” amount of personal
goods duty free. The amount you bring should align with
your length of stay. Limits for some of the regulated items:
ALCOHOL: If you are 19 years of age or older and
crossing the border into Ontario, you can bring, free of
duty and taxes, either 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres (40 oz.)
of liquor, or 24 X 355 millilitres (12 oz.) of beer or ale. If you
can bring in more than the amount listed here, you will be
required to pay the duty at the Border on excess amounts.
Make sure you fully declare all alcohol in your possession.
TOBACCO: If you are 19 years of age or older and
crossing the border into Ontario, you are allowed to bring,
free of duty, up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams (7
oz.) of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. You
may bring additional quantities but you will be required to
pay duties and taxes on the excess amounts.
FOOD PRODUCTS: What is and what is not allowed
changes frequently, visit www.inspection.gc.ca for current
information prior to your departure.
PETS: Dogs and cats accompanying their owners from
the U.S. mus ]