Required Documents
Vehicle and Driver -
Required Documents
A valid driver's license and vehicle registration are
required.
Proof of insurance showing Canadian coverage is
recommended, and is available from insurance
carriers.
If your vehicle is a rental, carry your vehicle's
registration forms with your rental contract, which
must show that use in Canada and the U.S. is
authorized by the rental agency.
Required Identification for Individuals
It is now highly recommended that U.S.
citizens carry either a passport (even an
expired one) or birth certificate, because without
one of these, U.S. citizens may be refused entry into
Canada or back into the U.S.
It is up to the discretion of border agents to allow
entry with other forms of ID, such as a driver's
license with a photo or a voter's registration card.
For children, carry copies of birth
certificates or other ID. This is especially
important if a child is unaccompanied by both
parents.
If the children with you are not your own,
carry a statement from the parents or guardian that
states travel in Canada is authorized.
Naturalized U.S. citizens should
carry evidence of citizenship.
Non-Americans must carry a passport,
and may require a visa.
Legal permanent residents who are
not U.S. citizens must carry their Green Card, and do
not need to carry a passport.
Pet Requirements - the Same
for Canada and the United States
Dogs and cats must have certificates
issued by a licensed vet identifying each animal and
certifying that each pet has been vaccinated against
rabies during the preceding 36 months.
Puppies and kittens under three
months do not need certification, but there is a
limit of up to two pets in this category which may be
brought across the border.
Pet birds are allowed, if in
compliance with regulations.
Alaska Bound Travelers
Must show proof of sufficient funds for travel in
Canada.
Must have no major criminal records. A discretionary
pass may be granted if the record is minor, or in the
distant past, for a fee.
If you are transporting household effects or tools of
your trade, it's best to check with U.S. and Canada
Customs and Immigration offices.
Where and When to Cross the
Border from Whatcom County, Washington
Blaine, Washington - between
Peace Arch Park and Douglas, British Columbia - open
24 hours a day.
Blaine Truck Crossing - Blaine,
Washington - open 24 hours a day.
Lynden, Washington, to Aldergrove,
British Columbia - open 8 a.m. to midnight.
Sumas, Washington, to
Abbotsford-Huntington, British Columbia - open 24
hours a day.
Border Wait Times
Border crossing can be quick or smooth, but long
delays are also possible. Having all of your
paperwork in order can help move things along.
Most of the time crossing the U.S.-Canada border
takes from 5 to 30 minutes, although it can take
longer during high-volume traffic times, especially
during U.S. or Canadian holidays.
Occasionally vehicles are fully searched.
Border Wait Links:
North into Canada
South
into the U.S.
Carrying Food
and Plants Between the U.S. and Canada
Bringing Food and Plant Items from the U.S.
into Canada
Be aware that there are many restrictions on food and
plant items that can be brought from the U.S. into
Canada.
Prohibited items are confiscated, so don't bring any
food or plant items with you that you would not be
willing to give up at the border.
Allowed are:
Condiments
Dry goods
Coffee and tea
Canned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables
Most seafood
Fresh meat, depending on its origin. This is limited
to 22 pounds per person.
Dairy products, depending on origin. There is a $20
limit per person.
Prohibited are:
Most poultry and fresh eggs
Most plants
Many fresh fruits and vegetables
Bringing Food and Plant Items from Canada
into the U.S.
Allowed:
Most commercially grown fruits and vegetables from
the U.S. and Canada with proof of origin.
Pork and seafood
Canadian and U.S. plants and seeds with Phytosanitary
certificates.
Most Canadian cut flowers. Flowers require
inspection.
Prohibited:
Citrus fruits
Tropical fruit
Out-of-season produce
Garlic
Potatoes from Vancouver Island, B.C.
Corn on the cob not from British Columbia
All beef, lamb, goat, bison, uncooked poultry and raw
eggs.
Produce and meats from countries other than the U.S.
and Canada.
Hawaiian origin plants and produce.
Canadian plants and seets without Phytosanitary
certificates.
Firearms (or Can I Bring My
Gun?)
Handguns are NOT
allowed entry into Canada.
Firearms with no legitimate sporting or
recreational use, mace, capstan, stun guns
and switchblades are NOT permitted.
Sporting rifles or shotguns are usually
permitted for sport or hunting. As of Jan.
1, 2001, you must complete a Firearms Declaration
Form and there is a $50 fee. It is recommended that
the form be completed in advance.
For information or forms go to
www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/Default-en.html, call
1-800-731-4000, or contact Canadian Customs.
Guns may be stored in the U.S. near the
border at the following locations:
Coast to Coast, 862 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine,
Washington.
Coast to Coast (Ace Hardware) Fairway Center, Front
Street, Lynden, Washington.
Exxon Station at Exit 275, Blaine, Washington
(lockers for which you supply your own lock).
Yeagers Sporting Goods, 3101 Northwest Ave.,
Bellingham, Washington.
