
The US-Canada border is one of the busiest international borders in the world, with millions of people crossing it every year.
To ensure a smooth journey, it's essential to have the right information and resources. For travel and immigration assistance, you can contact the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
These agencies offer a range of services, including answering questions about travel requirements, providing information on immigration procedures, and assisting with border crossing issues.
Entering Canada
Entering Canada can be a straightforward process, especially if you know what to expect. To enter Canada, you'll need to show a valid passport, a Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver's Licence, unless you're a U.S. citizen over 16.
If you're a U.S. citizen over 16, you can enter Canada with just a valid passport, a Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver's Licence. However, if you're under 16, a birth certificate will suffice for land travel.
You'll also need to be prepared to answer questions from a Canada Border Services Agency officer, who may ask about your travel plans, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. Be honest and transparent about your intentions.
If you're planning to fly, you'll need to have a passport, regardless of age. And as of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization, unless they're U.S. citizens or have a valid visa.
You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada for a number of reasons, including involvement in criminal activity, human rights violations, or organized crime. If you're unsure about your eligibility, it's best to check with the Canada Border Services Agency.
If you're traveling with minors, make sure they have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, or citizenship card. And if a minor is traveling alone or with an adult who's not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents or guardians authorizing the adult to take responsibility for them.
Canadian Border Regulations
If you're planning a trip to Canada, it's essential to know the Canadian border regulations. A Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if necessary.
As a US citizen over 16, you'll need a Passport, a Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver's Licence to enter Canada by land or sea. If you're flying, a passport is required, regardless of age.
You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada for various reasons, including involvement in criminal activity or human rights violations. If you're travelling with minors, they must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate or passport.
Minors under 16 must have a letter from their parents or guardians if they're travelling alone or with an adult who's not their parent or guardian. This letter should include addresses and phone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
Canadian Border Regulatory Agencies
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the main border regulatory agency in Canada, responsible for enforcing customs, immigration, and agriculture regulations.
The CBSA has a significant presence at all major land border crossings, airports, and seaports, with over 1,500 locations across the country.
The CBSA uses various tools and technologies to screen travelers and cargo, including automated kiosks and inspection systems.
The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for ensuring that imported food products meet Canadian safety and labeling standards.
The CFIA conducts regular inspections of food shipments and may detain products that do not meet regulatory requirements.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) often work together to ensure compliance with regulations.
The CBSA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the CFIA to facilitate the sharing of information and coordination of inspections.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) also works with other government agencies, such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), to enforce regulations and prevent smuggling.
Canada Border Agency
The Canada Border Agency is responsible for handling all border-related matters. You can contact them through the Border Information Service (BIS) at 800-461-9999 from within Canada, or 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 from outside the country.
The BIS is open from 8am to 4pm, and you can access recorded general information or press 0 to speak to a live agent. Be prepared to wait on hold, as they receive a high volume of calls.
To enter Canada, you'll need to show a valid passport and visa, if necessary. US citizens over 16 can use a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license to enter Canada.
If you're a US citizen flying to Canada, you're required to have a passport, regardless of age. However, if you're a visa-exempt foreign national flying to or transiting through Canada, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), unless you have a valid visa.
You can find more information on required documentation and border procedures by visiting the Canada Border Services Agency's website or calling 1-800-461-9999.
Border Wait Times and Crossings
About 30 million visitors cross the border into Canada every year, with an additional 18 million arriving by boat or airplane. If you're planning to visit Niagara Falls, be sure to check the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission's website for detailed information on crossing.
You can find hourly updates on border wait times for the Rainbow Bridge, Peace Bridge, and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge on the commission's website. Some border stations operate 24/7, and busier ports of entry often post wait times on reader boards along the highway approach.
For specific questions or concerns about crossing the border, it's always best to contact the Canadian Border Services Agency. If you're looking for wait times, you can check online at various websites or at reader boards along the highway approach.
The MILEPOST website provides access routes through Canada, with border crossings at Sumas, WA–Abbotsford/Huntingdon, BC, and Blaine, WA–Surrey, BC, among others. You can find wait times posted at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/ATIS/index.htm and http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/border/default.aspx.
For information on border controls and firearms regulations, visit the Canada Border Services Agency online or phone 1-800-731-4000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number is 1 877 227 5511?
The U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint information hotline number is 1-877-227-5511. Call this number for 24/7 assistance with checkpoint information and more.
How do I contact customs and border control?
To contact Customs and Border Protection, call 1-877-227-5511 within the US or 00+1+202-325-8000 from outside the US, or visit the CBP Information Center for assistance.
What is the border number for Canada?
The border number for Canada is 1-800-438-7020. Contact us for assistance with your border crossing needs.
Sources
- https://www.peacebridge.com/index.php/contact-us2
- https://www.ezbordercrossing.com/travel-resources/government-websites/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan/contact-us.html
- https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/plan/border-crossing
- https://themilepost.com/getting-started/crossing-the-border/
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