Crossing the border into Canada can be easy for U.S. citizens. However you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S. you should bring your permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you. Make sure you bring birth certificates for all the kids. For more detailed information about entering Canada click here.

For information on customs regulations including what you can bring back into the United States please check out the links below: 

USNEI

Border Information Services Online

U.S. PASSPORT RULE DELAYED

Adult travelers re-entering the USA by land or via ferry or small boat must carry either a government-issued photo ID plus proof of citizenship such as a birth or naturalization certificate or a passport. Children 18 and younger need only proof of citizenship. Cruise passengers are officially exempt, though cruise lines encourage passport use and already require photo ID and proof of citizenship. The latest changes are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, launched after 9/11. All U.S. travelers returning from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean by air have had to carry passports since January 2007. However, car or boat ferry travel does not necessitate a passport as long as you have the two pieces of I.D. mentioned above – a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license) plus proof of citizenship (birth certificate).

Final approval of a massive $555 billion budget bill in the United States means those traveling by land or sea won’t need a passport to enter the U.S. until at least June 1, 2009. The 18-month delay of the passport requirement was contained in the budgetary spending bill passed last week by both houses of Congress and signed into law on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007 by U.S. President George W. Bush. The requirement is part of a U.S. law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The initiative will eventually require all those who travel to the U.S. to have a passport or other secure identity document. So far, it applies only to those who travel by air.

For more information please visit these websites:

http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Border Wait Times

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 to 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.

For more information on border wait times please visit:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html