Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
U.S. citizens crossing the border into Canada must have a passport, passport card, Nexus
card, or Enhanced Drivers License (issued by a select number of U.S. border states). Tech-
nically, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, U.S. regulations
require that you have the proper documentation to re-enter the United States. The typical
border inspection lasts less than three minutes, especially if you are prepared.
Have your documentation ready to present to the inspector. Remove your sunglasses,
mute your radio, and pay attention (ask everyone in the car to put away electronic devices).
Inspectors are concerned if there is inconsistent information among people within the
vehicle.Makecertainthateverybodyknowswhereyou'regoingandhowlongyouarestay-
ing. You may not bring mace, pepper spray, or stun guns across the border. If one parent is
traveling with a child, it is recommended that the absent parent create and sign an informal
letter of permission.
Travelers with criminal records are likely to receive extra scrutiny when crossing into
Canada.InfractionsincludingDUImaypreventyourentryintoCanada.Borderagentshave
somediscretion inthesematters, soitpaystoberespectful, sincere,andhonest.Ifsomeone
in your vehicle has a criminal conviction, the entire group may be asked to remain in the
car while that person is questioned further inside the immigration offices.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and you're entering Canada, find out if you need a visa or
otherdocumentationbyusinganinteractiveformonCanada'sImmigrationandCitizenship
website (
www.cic.gc.ca
).
For the current wait times at border crossings, call (800/715-6722) or go online
(
www.niagarafallsbridges.com
)
forupdatesonwhichbordercrossingtousebasedontraffic
volume.
Banks on both sides of the border are usually open 9am-3pm Monday-Friday, with some
branchesopen9am-1pmSaturday.Manybanksoffer24-hourATMs.Checkwithyourbank
to see if your debit card will work at Canadian ATMs. Most larger banks participate in in-
ternational networks that permit cash withdrawals in other countries. There may be fees as-
sociated with these transactions.
