Quoddy Loop Homepage

International Border

New Brunswick,
Canada
&
Maine,
United States

Border Crossing Information
for
Non-Commercial Entry

New Border Rules
Beginning on
2008 January 31

— According to information available on 2007 November 23 —


Entering & Returning to the US

For the most up-to-date information from the US Department of State website details on US law:
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

For up-to-date information information from the Canadian Consular Affairs website on Canadians travelling to the US:
New Entry Requirements to the United States — travel documentation


For US Citizens returning to the US

US citizens returning to the US must have either…

OR

  1. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, and…
    1. Proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate.

    US children aged 15 or under returning to the US must have…


    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:
    I Declare: A guide for residents of Canada returning to Canada

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


    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
    Top--Private Boats
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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.
    Top--Private Boats
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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
    Top--Private Aircraft
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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.
    Top--Private Aircraft
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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
    Top--CANPASS
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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
    Top--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
    Top--Customs Office Information
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    Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada
    North Head
    (506)662-3232
    Top--Customs Office Information
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    Lubec, Maine, United States
    Rt-189 & Water Streets, next to F.D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to Campobello
    (207)733-4331
    Top--Customs Office Information
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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
    Top--Customs Office Information
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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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    		 Old Sow Publishing
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