What do I need to know before crossing the Canadian border?


What do I need to know before crossing the Canadian border? When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada.


What questions do Canadian border guards ask?

Be prepared to answer these questions:
  • What are you bringing with you to Canada?
  • Do you have any live animals or plants with you?
  • Do you have any firearms, ammunition or fireworks with you?
  • Do you have any meat or dairy products with you?
  • Do you have any fresh fruits or vegetables with you?


What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car 2023?

Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.


Is arrive Canada app still required?

If changes are required, you can edit and update your declaration prior to certification. Use of the Advance CBSA Declaration feature of ArriveCAN is entirely optional. This app supports English, French and Spanish (as per your device's language settings).


Can you pack food in suitcase to Canada?

There are no air security restrictions against putting food in your checked luggage. (For carry-on luggage, of course, you'd have to worry about the liquids restrictions.) You'd want to make sure it's well wrapped -- changes in pressure can cause things to leak and make a big mess.


What questions do you have to answer at the border?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you need only answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship, although refusing to answer routine questions about the nature and purpose of your travel could result in delay and/or further inspection.


What happens when you cross the Canadian border by car?

If you're arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.” Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration. Visit U.S. to Canada border wait times for estimated wait times at certain locations.


What questions do they ask when crossing the border?

Prepare for Likely Questions From U.S. CBP Officials
  • Why are you visiting the United States? ...
  • Where will you be staying? ...
  • Who will you be visiting? ...
  • How long will you be staying in the U.S.? If you're coming in with an immigrant visa (have been approved for U.S. permanent residence), you won't likely be asked this.


What is the best time to cross the Canadian border?

Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest, with longer border wait times – pick another day to cross the border if you can.