Crossing the Canadian Border

Towering mountains, crystal clear waters, the Canadian Rockies have it all!

By Michele Kadison

Staff Writer

Rockies.com

CANADIAN ROCKIES (Rockies.com) – Crossing the Canadian border is usually a very simple process.  Still, in these days of travel uncertainty, it is best to be sure about what is expected, including appropriate documentation.

Documentation

Although many customs officers will accept just your driver’s license, it is best to carry as much documentation as possible when traveling from one country to the other.

If you are a United States citizen, here are the basic rules:

• Flying between the United States and Canada: valid passport.
• Driving or sailing between the United States and Canada: either a valid passport or a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship.  (Birth certificate or certificate of naturalization.  Social Security or Voter Registration cards are not valid.  For children under 18, a passport, birth certificate, citizenship card, permanent resident card, or Certificate of Indian Status.

If you arriving from other countries you need a valid passport whether you are flying or sailing to Canada.

If you are a Canadian citizen, here are the basic rules:

• Flying between Canada and the United States: valid passport
• Driving or sailing between Canada and the United States: either a valid passport or a government issued photo ID (such as driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (Canadian birth certificate or citizenship card).

If you are traveling to or from other countries you need a valid passport, except for Mexico.

If you are a citizen of Greenland, St. Pierre, Miquelon you may enter Canada by land or sea with proof of citizenship and identity other than a passport, unless you are entering from a third country in which case you need a passport.

Citizens of Other Countries require a valid passport to enter Canada.

Note:  Visitors from some countries may also require a Temporary Resident Visa, which can be applied for at a visa office in your country.  Other documentation may be required, such as a letter of invitation from a Canadian resident.

For more information go to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website or consult the website of the Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your own country.

General Information

Interviews with Border Officers

Don't miss a Canadian sunrise.

Carrying the correct documentation does not always guarantee admission into Canada.  At times visitors will be interviewed by a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer to determine admissibility into the country.  The interviews are normally short.  It is best if you have your documentation close at hand as you approach the border.

Some questions to expect:

• What country are you a citizen of?
• Where do you live?
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• How long will you be staying?
• Are you bringing anything to leave, such as gifts?
• Are you bringing in any firearms, tobacco or alcohol?
• Do you have any criminal convictions?

If you are bringing children, they will be asked for their proof of identity.

To avoid delay, make sure your answers are simple and straightforward.  Remove sunglasses and look the agent in the eye when responding.  If there is any suspicion, you will be asked to report to the main customs building where you will need to show identity papers.  Your vehicle will also be searched, all of which can be time consuming.

Traveling with Children

If you are traveling alone with a child, border service officials may require a letter of permission from the second parent or require documentation that you are the sole guardian of the child.  If a child is traveling with someone other than a guardian, border authorities will need to see a letter of permission from both parents or guardians of the child.  The letter should be notarized if possible.

Travelers with Criminal Convictions

If you have a criminal conviction, including an impaired driving conviction, entrance permission will be at the discretion of the border officer.  You may be pulled in for an inspection, in which case officials will look into the matter to determine your eligibility to enter Canada.  The more documentation and information you provide, the better your chances of entering the country.  Court documents are ideal.  DUI or DWI crimes are considered serious crimes in Canada, but the officers will let you in if all of your information is verifiable.

Contact a Canadian embassy or Immigration Canada for more information.

Regarding Firearms

Canadian law regarding firearms is very different than in the United States.  If you are thinking of bringing a firearm into Canada, be sure to familiarize yourself with the law.  Possession of certain firearms in Canada is illegal.  These prohibited weapons will be seized at the border.  Other firearms are legal, but will be subject to specific regulations regarding their transportation and storage.

Check with the Canadian Firearms Centre’s fact sheet:  Firearm Users Visiting Canada.

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