More than 14 million Americans drive each year across the border between the U.S. and Canada, the longest in the world at over 4,000 miles. For all the cooperation and close bonds between the two countries, driving across is serious stuff and everyone in the car should have his paperwork in order.
In total, 119 border crossings in 10 U.S. states provide entry to Canada, ranging from remote ports of entry to major roads choked with cars and trucks. The Canada Border Services Agency website publishes a rolling update of border wait times, covering 29 locations from St. Stephen in New Brunswick to Boundary Bay in British Columbia. The busiest crossings on the West Coast are between Seattle and Vancouver, where transit can take up to four hours, but nearly all of the heaviest crossing areas are to the east, particularly between Michigan and Ontario. The Detroit-Windsor tunnel, for example, is the second busiest on the border, second only to the Ambassador Bridge crossing between the same two cities. Likewise, the Peace Bridge crossing between Buffalo and Fort Erie can entail serious delays. If traveling in summer or at the weekend, expect traffic to be even busier.
American visitors to Canada require proof of citizenship, such as valid passport or birth certificate with photo ID, while international visitors must have a passport. Since 2009, Americans returning to the U.S. from Canada also require a passport or approved travel document. Naturalized citizens should also carry a naturalization certificate. Expect to be questioned by border agents if travelling with children under the age of 18. Children traveling with adults other than their parents or legal guardians need a permission letter from their parents. Likewise divorced parents traveling with children will need a copy of the custody agreement. Drivers of private vehicles must produce a valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle ownership and proof of insurance. If driving a rental vehicle, make sure to check all paperwork and obtain a yellow card from the rental agency to confirm insurance coverage extends to Canada.
Although the volume of traffic crossing the border is overwhelming in places, checks are thorough and information is shared freely between U.S. and Canadian authorities. So-called Snowbird RVers, in particular, can expect border authorities to have an accurate picture of how many days have been spent in the U.S. In order to limit time spent crossing the border, passengers should gather all passports and necessary documentation in advance and hand it to the driver. All passengers should remove any sunglasses and roll down all the windows so the border agent can identify everyone in the vehicle. Expect a brief interview which establishes the reasons for travel and any possible areas for further investigation, particularly if traveling with children.
Drivers with previous convictions for driving while intoxicated will be refused entry to Canada unless they obtain specific clearance, which must be processed at least six weeks before crossing. This even applies if entering as a passenger with no intention to drive. Generally, entrants will need to provide documentary evidence of discharge or rehabilitation, with offences older than five years viewed more leniently than recent ones. If renting a car, check with the rental agency that you are cleared to take the car across the border. Those who cross frequently can apply for a Nexus card to save time and enter through a special lane. The card allows fast-track passenger expediting for pre-approved travelers and can be applied for from the Government of Canada website. Drivers in some states can also apply for an Enhanced Drivers License, an approved form of identification with microchip, which greatly speeds up transit times.
