Quoddy Loop Homepage

International Border

New Brunswick,
Canada
&
Maine,
United States

Border Crossing Information
for
Non-Commercial Entry

New Border Rules
Beginning 2010


Entering & Returning to the US

For the most up-to-date information from the US Department of State website details on US law:

For up-to-date information information from the Government of Canadian website on Canadians travelling to the US:


For US Citizens returning to the US

US citizens returning to the US must have either…


For Canadian Citizens entering the US

Canadian citizens enthering the US must have…

Canadian Children aged 15 or under entering the US must have…


Entering & Returning to Canada

For the most up-to-date Canada Border Services Agency information for Canadians returning to Canada:

For the most up-to-date Canada Border Services Agency information for Americans entering Canada:


For Canadian Citizens returning to Canada

Canadian citizens returning to Canada must have at least one of the following…


For US Citizens entering Canada

US citizens entering Canada must have Proof of US citizenship, such as…

Permanent residents of the U.S. must have…

US children entering Canada must have identification, regardless of age, be accompanied by an adult, and…

General Information

Crossing the International Border between Canada and the United States requires inspection by Immigration & Customs, which will include a vehicle inspection. You will need personal identification documents, which may differ depending on your citizenship. American and Canadian citizens need proof of citizenship, such as: a certified birth certificate PLUS a photo id (such as a driver's license); or a passport. A child without a passport, or who is not included on a parent's passport, must have a birth certificate, and if not the child of the adults accompanying them, a letter from the parents (with telephone and address contact information) is required. Citizens of other countries may be required to have a passport and/or visa.

Different regulations apply to Pedestrians & Motor Vehicles than to Boaters and Aircraft. Also, depending on the mode of transportation, different Ports of Entry are required.

Travelers who frequently enter Canada may want to investigate using CANPASS.

There are restrictions on the dollar value and the types of items that you are permitted to take accross the border. Be prepared by learning in advance what those restrictions are; otherwise, goods may be confiscated or taxed at the border.

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Traveling with Pets

If your pet accompanies you while travelling between Canada and the U.S., additional regulations apply when crossing the border.

Cats & Dogs
Different states have different regulations regarding pets entering the United States; therefore, the requirements for entering into Maine may be different than for other states.
For cats and dogs, you'll need a valid certificate from your pet's veterinarian, showing that the pet has been vaccinated within the past two years for...
Traveling to New Brunswick, Canada -- rabies and distemper.
Traveling to Maine, USA -- rabies and any other immunization required in your place of residence.
Other Kinds of Pets

For other kinds of pets, contact customs in advance to learn what requirements apply.

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Motor Vehicles
&
Pedestrians


Driver's License
Proof of Citizenship
Rental Vehicles & Insurance
Seat Belt Requirements
Speed Limits & Distances

Drivers License & Vehicle Plates
Motor vehicles require a valid vehicle plate from the country of origin, and the driver must have a valid drivers license from the United States or Canada or one which is recognized as valid by the U.S. and Canada. Citizens of other countries are advised to check with Canada and U.S. Customs, to determine if their drivers license is valid in Canada and the U.S.

Proof of Citizenship
All pedestrians and vehicle passengers are required to have a photo identification and proof of citizenship: for U.S. and Canadian citizens, a valid photo drivers license and certified birth certificate; or passport. Non-citizens must have a passport and/or visa.

Rental Vehicles & Insurance
Canadian citizens are prohibited from driving a non-Canadian rental vehicle into Canada, except under hardship circumstances (where a special permit must be obtained, and there are restrictions on where the vehicle may be driven.) There are no similar restrictions on United States citizens renting a Canadian rental vehicle. A valid rental contract is required in all circumstances, so when arriving at Customs, be prepared to show your rental contract.

Your personal vehicle insurance may or may not cover a rental vehicle or travel in another country, but current and valid auto insurance is required in New Brunswick and Maine. You may be able to obtain an insurance rider from your insurance agent to cover these circumstances, but you must do so well in advance of your travel date. Generally, car rental businesses also offer vehicle insurance at the time of the rental. Be sure to ask when renting a vehicle if you'll be covered by their insurance when crossing the border.

Seat Belts
Maine and New Brunswick laws requiring all passengers to use safety belts. Small children are required to use safety seats in the back seat of the vehicle. Be aware that, in the case of an accident, air bags can be fatal to children who ride in the front seat!

Speed Limits & Distances
Speed Limits and Distances are denoted differently in Canada and the United States. Canada uses the metric system, so speed limits are given in kilometres per hour (k/h); distances are in kilometres. The United States uses the English system, which specifies speed limits in miles per hour (mph); distances are in miles. Here's an easy conversion between the two systems:

60 mph = 100 k/h 60 miles = 100 kilometres

Kilometres to Miles 
1 0 0 kilometres 
x  .6 miles/k
6 0.0 miles (60 miles)
 
  2 0 kilometres 
 x .6 miles/k
1 2.0 miles (12 miles)

Miles to Kilometres 
     2 0 miles 
x  1.6 6 k/mile
   1 2 0 
 1 2 0 
 2 0   
 3 3.2 0 kilometres (33.2 kilometres)
OR -->
 
  1.6 6 k/mile
x   2 0 miles 
3 3.2 0 kilometres (33.2 kilometres)

Maximum speed on regular highways in New Brunswick is 100 k/h. In Maine, the maximum speed on regular highways is 55 mph; on Interstate Highways it is 65 mph. Obey speed limit signs! A speeding ticket in a foreign country may ruin your vacation!

Top--Motor Vehicles & Pedestrians
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Private Boats

Entering Canada without CANPASS


 
Entering the United States

Private Boats
Entering Canada

(Without CANPASS)

Crossing the International Border between Canada and the United States requires inspection by Immigration & Customs. You will need personal identification document(s), which differ depending on your citizenship. American and Canadian citizens do not need a passport, but do need proof of citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate) and a positive photo identification (such as a driver's license). A passport is the other alternative. Others' requirements may include passport and/or visa.

There are restrictions on the dollar value and the types of items that you can take accross the border. Be prepared, by learning in advance what those restrictions are; otherwise, goods may be confiscated or taxed at the border.

In all cases, you are required to report immediately upon arrival. If no customs officer is at the location, call customs, return directly to your vessel, and await the customs officer. Do not visit or contact anyone else until customs arrives. (Severe penalties apply.)

Reporting Procedure for
Private Boats Entering Canada
(without CANPASS)

  1. When you arrive at a designated marina or dock in Canada, proceed immediately to a designated telephone and call 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277).

  2. Provide the customs officer with the full name, birthdate, and citizenship for each person on board. If not a returning Canadian resident, provide the purpose and length of stay in Canada, and passport and visa details, if applicable.

  3. Declare all personal goods being imported, including firearms and weapons. If duties and taxes are payable, provide your VISA or MasterCard number and expiration date.

  4. Customs will advise that you may now enter Canada, or if you must wait for customs and immigration to complete documents or for an inspection.

  5. Finally, customs will provide you with a report number, as proof of your reporting, for your records.

Top--Private Boats Entering Canada
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Private Boats
Entering the United States

A customs and immigration inspection upon entry into the United States is required. You will need personal identification document(s), which differ depending on your citizenship. American and Canadian citizens do not need a passport, but do need proof of citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate) and a positive photo identification (such as a driver's license). Others' requirements may include passport and/or visa.

Upon arrival at an approved port of entry, walk directly to the U.S. Customs office and report. Do not visit or contact anyone until after your inspection. (Severe penalties apply.)

There are restrictions on the dollar value and the types of items that you can take accross the border. Be prepared, by learning in advance what those restrictions are; otherwise, goods may be confiscated or taxed at the border.

Top--Private Boats Entering the U.S.
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Private Aircraft

Entering Canada
Entering the United States

Private Aircraft Entering Canada

(without CANPASS)

Entering Canada via aircraft requires clearing Customs and Immigration only at designated airports. You must make the appropriate notification to Customs prior to arrival, as well as upon arrival. Also, you will need personal identification documents and aircraft registration.

There are restrictions on the dollar value and the types of items that you can take accross the border. Be prepared, by learning in advance what those restrictions are; otherwise, goods may be confiscated or taxed at the border.

Call 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277) to report by telephone at least one hour, but no more than 72 hours before flying into Canada, giving your intended arrival time.

Arrive during regular customs office hours at a designated port of entry.

Call once more 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277) upon arrival to inform an officer of your arrival, and to get approval to continue into Canada.

Reporting Procedure for
Private Aircraft Entering Canada
(without CANPASS)

  1. At least one hour, but no more than 72 hours before flying into Canada, call Revenue Canada at 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-7277), giving your intended arrival time. You must arrive during usual customs office hours and at a designated port of entry.
  2. Provide the officer with the full name, birthdate, and citizenship for each person on board. If not a returning Canadian resident, provide the purpose and length of stay in Canada, and passport and visa details, if applicable.
  3. Declare all personal goods being imported, including firearms and weapons. If duties and taxes are payable, provide your VISA or MasterCard number and expiration date.
  4. Upon arrival at the port of entry, call 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-7277) again, to inform an officer of your arrival. The officer will advise you whether you are free to leave the customs area and continue into Canada, or must wait for customs or immigration officers to complete documents or for and inspection.
  5. Finally, you will receive a report number, as proof of your reporting, for your records.

Top--Private Aircraft Entering Canada
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Private Aircraft
Entering the United States

You must enter into the U.S. only at designated ports of entry airports. Well in advance of your planned entry, call U.S. Customs at that port of entry to arrange for an inspection upon your arrival. You will need personal identification documents and aircraft registration.

There are restrictions on the dollar value and the types of items that you can take accross the border. Be prepared, by learning in advance what those restrictions are; otherwise, goods may be confiscated or taxed at the border.

Top--Private Aircraft Entering the U.S.
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CANPASS

Special Program
for
Private Aircraft & Private Boats
Which Frequently
Enter Canada
(Note: This program can not be used for entering the United States.)

GENERAL INFORMATION

(Most of the information provided here is excerpted from official Government of Canada literature.)

CANPASS is an initiative to promote trade, tourism, and travel between Canada and the United States. It streamlines--via a one-time advance permit and a toll-free telephone call--customs and immigration clearance for low-risk travellers on private aircraft and boats which frequently enter Canada. Duties and taxes for merchandise entering Canada can be paid via credit card directly over the phone.

To register, obtain a CANPASS--Private Aircraft or CANPASS--Private Boats application from any Customs Canada office, via mail or fax by calling 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277), or from any one of the regional offices below:

Top--CANPASS
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CANPASS
for
PRIVATE AIRCRAFT

Registration for CANPASS-Private Aircraft costs CAN$25.00.
CANPASS is available for Canadian or U.S. registered private, company-owned, or small charter aircraft carrying no more than 15 passengers.

CANPASS-Private Aircraft permit holder customs & immigration reporting procedure:

  1. Report by telephone at least one hour, but no more than 72 hours, before arriving in Canada by calling 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277). (The telephone number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)

  2. Pilot or a crew member must inform customs officer of intended arrival time and destination in Canada. (You may arrive at any time that the approved airport is open for landing.)

  3. For each person on board, provide a CANPASS-Private Aircraft permit number, full name, birthdate, citizenship, and purpose and length of stay in Canada for travellers who are not returning residents.

  4. If your estimated time of arrival changes, you must advise customs.

  5. For all travellers on board, declare all personal goods being imported, including firearms and weapons. If duties and taxes are required, you will be required to provide VISA or MasterCard numbers and expiration dates.

  6. As proof of reporting, the customs officer will give you a report number for your records.

  7. Arrive at any approved municipal or private airport in Canada (providing it is located within 100 km of a customs office). Certain restrictions may apply in various geographic locations.

Top--CANPASS for Private Aircraft
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CANPASS
for
PRIVATE BOATS

CANPASS-Private Boats registration costs CAN$25.00.
A separate CAN$5.00 registration is required for each additional vessel.

CANPASS permit holder customs & immigration reporting procedure:

  1. Report by telephone up to four hours before arriving in Canada by calling 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277)

  2. Inform customs officer of your intended arrival time and destination in Canada.

  3. For each person on board, provide a CANPASS-Private Boats permit number, personal identification, and citizenship.

  4. If your estimated time of arrival changes, you must advise customs.

  5. For all travellers on board, declare all personal goods being imported, including firearms and weapons. If duties and taxes are required, you will be required to provide VISA or MasterCard numbers and expiration dates.

  6. As proof of reporting, the customs officer will give you a report number for your records.

  7. Arrive at any approved public marina or dock in Canada (providing it is located within 100 km of a customs office). Certain restrictions may apply in various geographic locations.

Top--CANPASS for Private Boats
Top--CANPASS
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Quoddy Loop Ports of Entry

You must enter only at designated ports of entry.

Canadian Ports of Entry
U.S. Ports of Entry

Quoddy Loop
Canadian Ports of Entry

Top--Canadian Ports of Entry
Top--Ports of Entry
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Quoddy Loop
American Ports of Entry

Top--American Ports of Entry
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Quoddy Loop
Customs Office Information

Calais, Maine, United States
Next to the Ferry Point International Bridge to St. Stephen
(207)454-3690
Top--Customs Office Information
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Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada
Welshpool
Southern end of Hwy 774, next to the F.D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to Lubec.
(506)752-1130
Top--Customs Office Information
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Deer Island, New Brunswick, Canada
Southern end of Hwy 772 on road to Deer Island Point Campground and the ferry landing
(506)747-2190
Top--Customs Office Information
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Eastport, Maine, United States
Moose Island, Corner of Washington & Water Streets
(207)853-4313
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Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada
North Head
(506)662-3232
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Lubec, Maine, United States
Rt-189 & Water Streets, next to F.D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to Campobello
(207)733-4331
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St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada
St. Andrews no longer has a separate Custom Office;
Check in with the Custom Office in St. Stephen
(506)465-2100
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St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada
Next to the Ferry Point International Bridge to Calais, Maine
(506)465-2100
Top--Customs Office Information
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A Word About Smuggling

Smuggling of any items which are specified by the country of entry as illegal, prohibited, dutiable, taxable, or requiring registration can result in Severe Consequences! You may...

...Forfeit the item(s);
...Lose your vehicle, boat, or aircraft;
...Be fined;
...Be Imprisoned;
...Or, any Combination of the Above!

It is your duty to know your legal responsibilities when crossing a country's border. If uncertain, ask by calling ahead to Customs!

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 2017 Old Sow Publishing
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