Customs & Allowances

Canadian and U.S. residents can shop as much as they like when they cross the border. Duty free refers to the fact that there are set amounts regarding what can be brought across free of taxes and duties. The portion that is tax and duty free is called a customs allowance personal exemption- Customs Allowance details

Know Before You go

For detailed information on traveling into Canada, visit CBSA's Know Before You Go.

Border ID Requirements

What I.D. is required when traveling across a land border to the U.S. or Canada?

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative:

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

Click here for a list of WHTI compliant documents and additional information.

Land & Water Ports of Entry

Travelling to the United States by Land & Water:

All travellers are required to present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:

  • a passport
  • a NEXUS card;
  • a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
  • an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)

Not all provinces or states issue EDLs yet. Check here to see if your province offers EDLs.

NEXUS Cards

Information on applying for a NEXUS card, a WHTI compliant document can be found Here

Border Crossing FAQ

Get Your Passports

Canadian passport information, including passport renewals and ID requirements for minors


Border Wait Times

Canadian Border Wait Times

US Border Wait Times

For more information on border travel, please refer to the Canadian Border Services Agency Website