Every year, millions of people cross the Canadian border by car from the US to visit family, shop with a favorable dollar, or go sightseeing. A visit to Canadian Customs and Immigration is simply part of the process—and with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to slow you down.
At Remitly, we know that the border crossing requirements can feel overwhelming, but don’t let that deter you. With this guide, you’ll be driving across the Canadian border in no time. We’ll walk you through the essential documents, current procedures, and applicable regulations, plus some useful tips to help things go smoothly.
Required documents for driving to Canada
When you cross the Canadian border by car, you can expect the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to confirm your identity and inquire about the purpose of your travel before you’re allowed entry. You’ll need to have one or more of the following documents ready for inspection, depending on your situation and citizenship.
Entering Canada as a US citizen
US citizens have several options for entering Canada by car, ranging from a passport to certain alternative IDs approved for land crossings:
Passport
A passport is the single most reliable document that always works as a form of ID, regardless of citizenship. To enter Canada, your passport cannot be expired.
Enhanced ID
The Enhanced ID or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) Program in the US provides a single document that confirms your identity and your citizenship status. Currently, this option is available in five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
Nexus
A joint venture between the CBSA and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Nexus card works a lot like the EDL. It’s available to citizens and permanent residents of either country. It involves a criminal and immigration record check and an interview. Once you obtain the card, it speeds up border processing times.
Note that even when you have Nexus, you’re still asked to carry your passport or PR card to prove your citizenship or status if asked.
Documentation combinations
For visitors without a passport, PR card, or enhanced IDs like EDL and Nexus, there is one additional option for US citizens only. You can confirm your identity with a combination of documents that show your full name, date of birth, and citizenship.
If the document you use to prove citizenship doesn’t have a photo—such as a birth certificate—you’ll likely be asked for another form of photo ID that matches the information on the other documents.
Entering Canada as a US permanent resident
US permanent residents need to carry proof of their status along with a valid passport from their country of citizenship:
Green Card + passport
When you cross the Canadian border by car from the US, you need to carry your PR card and your passport. The PR card confirms your lawful permanent resident status and is the same as a Green Card—the terms are used interchangeably.
Nexus + Green Card + passport
US permanent residents can apply for Nexus cards just like US citizens. This can significantly speed up your border crossing. Even if you have a Nexus card, you will still need to show both your Green Card and your passport.
Entering Canada as a non-US international visitor
Non-US citizens and non-permanent residents will need to get either a visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in advance, whereas US citizens can stay visa-free for up to 180 days.
You do not need both a visa and an eTA to cross the Canadian border by car. You only need one, and which one it is depends on your citizenship.
Visa
A visa is typically required for travellers from many countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. This includes most nations where Canada does not have reciprocal travel arrangements. Citizens of these countries must apply for a visitor visa in advance before crossing into Canada by car. You can apply for a visitor visa online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
eTA
The eTA applies mainly to travelers from Europe, some Asian countries (such as Japan and South Korea), and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). An eTA is simpler than a visa, can usually be obtained online within minutes, and costs $7 CAD.
To find out whether you need a visa or an eTA, check the complete list of countries in Canada’s official entry requirements.
Special options for Indigenous travelers from the United States
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers special temporary measures to reunite families of Indigenous people separated by Canada’s border.
Important reminder
No matter your country of citizenship, and no matter what documents are required of you, keep in mind that photocopies or digital scans are never accepted as identification. Some supporting documentation, like marriage certificates, can often be accepted as copies, but it’s best to have them certified.
Special considerations for all travelers
Traveling with children
There are three ways a child (under 18 years old) can cross the border: with both parents/guardians, one parent/guardian, or with someone who isn’t a parent or legal guardian.
When traveling with both parents, the child is treated like any other person crossing the border. They need identification and a visa if applicable, and must travel in the same vehicle as their parent/guardian.
When only one parent or guardian is driving to Canada with their child, they will also need copies of legal custody agreements and a consent letter from the absent parent or guardian. The consent letter is also required for children crossing the Canadian border by car with a non-parent or guardian. This time, both parents need to sign off.
Recent name changes
When a marriage or other event has resulted in a name change, it’s a good idea to carry your marriage certificate or legal name change document to address any discrepancies. (This will usually be a non-issue if using your passport.)
Your vehicle and insurance
Don’t forget that, since you’re driving to Canada, you need to ensure your vehicle is compliant with Canadian traffic requirements. That starts with having your registration and proof of insurance at hand. For rental vehicles, have a copy of your contract ready. Not all car rental companies allow cross-border travel, so double-check whether you can enter Canada before booking your rental vehicle.
Understanding customs declarations
Most items you need for your stay in Canada are allowed to be taken across the border. Personal clothing, equipment like camping gear, and toiletries do not require a declaration.
Personal prescription medication is permitted in 90-day supplies, and medical devices are not subject to duty. Medications that contain controlled drugs or narcotics can only accompany you when driving to Canada in either a personal 30-day supply or a single course of treatment, whichever is less.
Certain items have strict duty-free limits. Alcohol is one such item. As long as the alcohol you are bringing is for personal use and you’re of legal drinking age for the province you’re entering, you’re allowed:
- 50 oz (1.5L) of wine or
- 40 oz (1.14L) of liquor
- 24 cans/bottles of beer (12 oz/355 mL each).
In the case of tobacco, if you are of legal smoking age, you can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or a maximum of 12 vaping containers for personal use.
For currency, visitors need to declare sums of $10,000 CAD or more to the Canadian Customs border agents. Personal gifts you’re bringing for friends and family up to $60 CAD each are duty-exempt.
If you exceed any of these limits, make sure to verbally declare the items to Canadian Customs. Failure to do so can result in extra duty, fines, or even denied entry.
If you have many items to declare, consider preparing an itemized list ahead of time of all gifts and other goods you are transporting.
Preparing for your Canadian border crossing
With the right prep work, crossing the Canadian border by car can be hassle-free. Here are some tips on what to get ready beforehand and what to do once you’ve reached the border to make sure things go smoothly.
Before you leave
- Consult the CBSA’s website on current border wait times to see what border traffic is like on the day of your arrival.
- Use our checklist to ensure you have all the border crossing requirements covered.
- Do a quick search to see if there have been any changes since you last crossed the border. This may include policy changes or newly restricted items.
- Plan your route. Look out for traffic delays, and if possible, choose a backup border crossing. For example, if the Niagara Falls, NY, border is busy, head to the Buffalo, NY, crossing instead. The distance between them is only around 25 miles.
At the border
- Get ready for inspection. Drive up to the booth, present your travel documents, and follow the officer’s instructions. Keep windows down, remove sunglasses, and turn off the radio.
- Be clear about your declaration. Know exactly what you’re carrying and be prepared to itemize it for Canadian customs.
- Don’t lose your cool. Even if you’re frustrated after waiting in the border lineup for hours, don’t let it show.
- Don’t panic if you’re selected for additional screening. If the border staff want to search the vehicle or check additional documentation, just follow their instructions. Stay calm and polite.
Tips for a smooth border crossing experience
Best times to cross
Avoiding weekends will usually save you time. The border tends to be less busy on weekdays. The time of day can also influence how long you may have to wait. As cross-border workers and tourists create a steady stream of daytime traffic, your best bet for a speedy crossing is very early mornings or later at night.
Sign up for Nexus
For only $50 and a little bit of time, both kids and adults can obtain Nexus status. This expedites the border arrival process. It’s valid for five years, so it’s worth considering if you cross the Canadian border by car often. You can use it at airports as well. Nexus is available to US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as certain Mexican citizens who are enrolled in the Viajero Confiable program.
There are dedicated Nexus lanes at the major borders, like the Peace Arch crossing between Blaine, WA, and Surrey, BC. If you’re going from Niagara Falls, NY, to Niagara Falls, ON, you’ll even find a dedicated Nexus-only crossing, called the Whirlpool-Rapids Bridge.
What not to do
Be sure to take the border crossing requirements and process seriously. Don’t joke about illegal activity or fail to declare food, gifts, or medications. Always be respectful and polite, and don’t provide long and drawn-out answers.
What if there’s a problem?
Problems could range from secondary screening to denied entry or even to detention. Secondary screening will add time to your trip, but if you’re truthful and are not hiding anything, you’ll likely be allowed into the country without too much hassle.
If you’re denied entry, there’s no point in trying to fight the decision on the spot. Politely ask for clarification and plan to reapply when you resolve the issue. And if you’re formally detained, which is exceedingly rare, know that you have the right to contact a lawyer.
Documents to carry
Make sure you have all the possible documents with you when you’re driving to Canada, including:
- Passport, EDL, PR card, or Nexus card; or
- Combination documents (an option for US citizens only), like a birth certificate and a regular driver’s license
- Marriage license or name-change documents
- Custody agreements and consent letters if traveling with children
- Vehicle insurance and registration
- An itemized list of all gifts and other goods being transported (optional, but recommended if you have a lot to declare)
Plan your Canadian border crossing with confidence
A journey across the Canadian border by car can be a fun and rewarding experience—it just needs a bit of preparation to be sure everything goes smoothly. You can learn about the most recent updates and current border crossing requirements on the official CBSA website.
Take the time to prepare for the trip, treat Canadian Customs personnel with respect, and report all the goods accompanying you. Most of all, stay patient because a new adventure is waiting for you on the other side!
FAQs
Do I need a passport to drive into Canada?
No, a passport is not required to cross the Canadian border by car, although it’s preferred. US citizens need a single document or a combination of documents that shows their full name, citizenship (with a photo), and date of birth.
How long can I stay in Canada as a tourist?
Most travelers can visit Canada for tourism purposes for up to six months. If the time frame differs, Canadian Customs and Border Control will indicate that in your passport.
Can I bring my prescription medications across the border?
Yes, when traveling by car from the US to Canada, you can bring up to a 90-day personal supply of medications. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, veterinary, and natural health products. When prescription meds contain controlled substances, like morphine or oxycodone, you can bring a 30-day supply or a single course of treatment (the lesser of the two), and you must declare these substances to Canadian Customs on arrival.
What happens if I’m denied entry at the Canadian border?
Most of the time, people who are denied entry when attempting to cross the Canadian border by car are simply turned around and sent home. In rare cases where the denial is due to a criminal offense, it’s possible to be detained.
Do I need to declare gifts I’m bringing to friends or family?
Yes, all gifts must be declared at the border. Visitors are entitled to bring individual unwrapped gifts up to $60 CAN each duty-free. Above that, the duty is on the full purchase amount less the first $60. Gifts of tobacco products, alcohol, vaping products, or advertising material are not permitted.
Can I bring food items from the US into Canada?
Yes, but there are restrictions. All food, animal, and plant products need to be declared at the border. Most personal-use items that are made or grown in the USA (and are labeled as such) are permitted in certain quantities. Commonly prohibited items include eggs and meat products during times of disease, and certain seafood items such as Chinese mitten crab or pufferfish.