Crossing The US/Canadian Border

Some Important Things To Know Before You Cross The Border

When traveling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary to pass through Customs at the border. The professionals who work at Customs are highly trained and this process is generally very simple. They'll ask to see your ID, ask about your citizenship and ask you to produce proof of citizenship. Millions of people cross the border every year with ease, but some are refused due to lack of sufficient documentation. If you want to have a successful border crossing, it is important to know everything you'll need before you get there. Remember, these steps are in place to protect you so be sure to learn about crossing the border and avoid disappointment!

Identification Is A Requirement

American visitors to Canada DO NOT need a passport to cross in either direction unless traveling by airplane. Identification is necessary for Customs and Immigration. Due to heightened security at the United States/Canadian border crossing, it is strongly recommended that all travelers travel with a passport. However, if you are a United States born or Canadian born citizen, a valid drivers license is often sufficient. Without a passport, it is recommended that you also bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and photo ID. Remember, it is the traveler's responsibility to prove his/her citizenship. If you are not a United States or Canadian born citizen, you will be required to have a passport and possibly a Visa.

top

Children And Infants Require More Proof

Parents traveling with children and infants are required to provide identification and proof of citizenship for each child. If both parents are not present, the traveling parent must provide a signed statement from the other parent allowing the child to travel out of the country. Failure to provide such evidence may make you unable to cross the border with your children. Divorced parents, who share custody, should carry copies of the legal custody documents. Travelers under the age of 18 and unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission from a parent or guardian.

top

If You've Ever Had A Felony

Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving While Intoxicated conviction (D.W.I.) is considered a felony in Canada.

top

More Information

For further information on crossing the US/Canadian Border, please visit the US Customs and Immigration website where you'll find information on crossing the border and duties you may have to pay on goods you bring back to the US. You can also check out the Canada Border Services Agency website for more Canadian border-crossing information.

top

Travelers from Europe

European passport holders do not require a visa to visit Niagara Falls Canada. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Niagara Falls Canada.European visitors to Niagara Falls Canada who wish to also visit Niagara Falls United States must possess valid passports to be admitted; residents of Portugal are further required to have a visa.

top

Travelers from Other Countries

International travelers may require a visa to enter or transit Niagara Falls Canada.

To see whether you require a visa, contact a Canada Visa Office for more information on visa requirements.

International travelers who wish to find out about Canadian customs regulations should visit Canada Customs.

top

Entry into Niagara Falls Canada for Foreign Nationals with Criminal Convictions or Equivalent

As of June 28, 2002, the implementation of the new Canada Immigration and Refugee Protection Act changed the rules affecting the admissibility into Niagara Falls Canada of foreign nationals who have criminal convictions in Canada or abroad or who have committed criminal acts outside Canada.

These include offences that are considered criminal in Canada, such as driving while under the influence of a substance such as alcohol, even if the offence was not considered a felony or criminal offence in the country where it was committed.

top

New Air Travel Passport Regulation - Air Travel from US to Canada or Canda to US Only

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable. More info at the Department of State Web Site

top

Anything to declare?

Returning to the United States
Every 30 days, returning U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $400 (retail value) in merchandise duty-free, provided they have been out of the U.S. for 48 hours. This amount can include:

• one carton of cigarettes
• 100 cigars (not Cuban)
• two kilograms of smoking tobacco
• one litre of liquor, provided the buyer is 21 years of age

If the length of the stay is less than 48 hours, $200 in merchandise may be taken back to the U.S. duty-free (including up to five ounces of alcohol and 50 cigarettes). The following items are not permitted into the U.S.:

• Cuban or Iranian products
• fruits and vegetables
• uncooked grains

Goods bought in Canada but manufactured in the U.S. are duty-free and not included in the basic exemption. Original handmade crafts and works of art are also exempt; however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

For further information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit www.customs.ustreas.gov

top

Canadian Border Wait Times Estiated Wait Times

top