Neighbors to the South

Passports

On June 1st, 2009, US Customs began requiring travelers from Canada to carry a passport or enhanced license  in order to gain entry into the United States.  You do not need these documents for entry into Canada, however you cannot get back into the states without them.
If you do not have a passport or an enhanced license, we can help you find the fastest and easiest way to acquirer one.  We have provided all the information you will need to obtain proper documentation for travel to Canada.  You can click the links below to see about having your passports expedited.

U.S. citizens will be required to present one of the following documents for entry:

• U.S. Passport Card
• Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. Passport

Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards
 NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.
Special Groups
 Information for Parents and Children, Native Americans and Boaters. Knowing what documents are required and having them ready when you return home will help streamline the entry process and ensure your return to the U.S. is as smooth as possible.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website: GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.
Border Wait Time
Monday to Thursday you can expect to wait approximately 10 minutes at the Canadian Customs Inspection Station. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, this wait time can increase from 20 minutes to 1 hour at peak times. Be prepared to show the appropriate documents as listed above, and be prepared for your vehicle to be inspected by customs officials.

You may be detained by Canadian customs if:

• you have a criminal record, may be excluded from entering the country. Contact a Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate for information on obtaining a waiver of exclusion
• you are traveling with children and both parents are not present. Grandparents or legal guardians traveling with children under the age of 18 must present proof of custody or letters from the child’s natural parents authorizing the trip, along with proof of the children’s citizenship
• you are a naturalized citizen – present valid passport or naturalization certificate
• you are an alien permanent resident of the US – present Alien Registration Card, or “Green Card”

Customs Restrictions for Entering Canada:
 Personal belongings or baggage may be brought with you when entering Canada, such as clothing, camping or sports equipment, cameras, vehicles. You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration card. These items are for your personal use only, and may not be used by any resident of Canada or business based in Canada. No tax or duty will be charged on personal baggage items brought with you upon re-entry to the US, however, Customs may request a security deposit on your goods which will be returned upon leaving Canada.You may bring gifts into Canada tax and duty free, only if the gifts are valued at less than $60 Canadian. Gifts over $60 will be charged duty of the excess amount.If you are over the legal drinking age of the province you are entering, you may bring alcoholic beverages and tobacco products with you.

You may bring:

• Alcohol
• 1.5 liters of wine
• 1.14 liters of liquor
• or 24 x 355ml cans or bottles (8.5 liters) of beer or ale
• Tobacco
• 200 cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 200 grams of manufactured tobacco
• and 200 tobacco sticks

Obscene or hate materials, weapons, or items generally harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada. If you are bringing weapons, dairy or meat products, plants, animals, vehicles, or anything you are unsure about, please contact Canada Customs beforehand for guidance.