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Border Crossings

niagara falls border crossings Entering Canada
American citizens entering Canada at any port of entry must present proof of US citizenship. This DOES NOT require a passport. Here is a list of acceptable identification:
  • Birth Certificate and photo ID such as a driver's license
  • Baptismal Certificate and photo ID
  • Voter Registration Card, if you live in a state that issues them, and photo ID
  • Valid Green Card for permanent residents of the United States
  • Certificate of citizenship or naturalization
A birth Certificate must be accompanied by some sort of photo identification such as a driver's license. Citizens of the United States staying in Canada for over 180 days require a visa. Parents traveling with children must have proof of the children's citizenship, in the form of a birth certificate.

U.S. Visitor Information
As of January 31, 2008, if you travel to the U.S. by land or water, a U.S. law will require you to present:
  • a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence; AND
  • a birth certificate or a citizenship card;
  • OR
  • For youth under 16, a birth certificate;
  • OR
  • A valid passport.
Canadian citizens flying to or through the U.S. must present a valid Canadian passport.

border crossings niagara falls Border Wait Time
Monday to Thursday you can expect to wait approximately 10 minutes at the Canadian Customs Inspection Station. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, this wait time can increase from 20 minutes to 1 hour at peak times. Be prepared to show the appropriate documents as listed above, and be prepared for your vehicle to be inspected by customs officials.

Click Here for border crossing wait times.

Special Circumstances
You may be detained by Canadian customs if:
  • you have a criminal record, may be excluded from entering the country. Contact a Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate for information on obtaining a waiver of exclusion.
  • you are traveling with children and both parents are not present. Grandparents or legal guardians traveling with children under the age of 18 must present proof of custody or letters from the child's natural parents authorizing the trip, along with proof of the children's citizenship.
  • you are a naturalized citizen - present valid passport or naturalization certificate.
  • you are an alien permanent resident of the US - present Alien Registration Card, or "Green Card".
falls niagara border crossings Customs Restrictions for Entering Canada
Personal belongings or baggage may be brought with you when entering Canada, such as clothing, camping or sports equipment, cameras, vehicles. You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration card. These items are for your personal use only, and may not be used by any resident of Canada or business based in Canada. No tax or duty will be charged on personal baggage items brought with you upon re-entry to the US, however, Customs may request a security deposit on your goods which will be returned upon leaving Canada.

You may bring gifts into Canada tax and duty free, only if the gifts are valued at less than $60 Canadian. Gifts over $60 will be charged duty of the excess amount.

If you are over the legal drinking age of the province you are entering, you may bring alcoholic beverages and tobacco products with you. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. You may bring:

  • Alcohol
  • 1.5 liters of wine
  • 1.14 liters of liquor
  • or 24 x 355ml cans or bottles (8.5 liters) of beer or ale
  • Tobacco
  • 200 cigarettes
  • 50 cigars
  • 200 grams of manufactured tobacco
  • and 200 tobacco sticks
Obscene or hate materials, weapons, or items generally harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada. If you are bringing weapons, dairy or meat products, plants, animals, vehicles, or anything you are unsure about, please contact Canada Customs beforehand for guidance.