Tips for Driving Across the Border into Canada

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Everyone wants their border crossing to go smoothly. The best way to make sure this happens is to know what to expect and be prepared. I drive across the Canada / US border regularly; here are the top tips I would give to people crossing the US border into Canada.

All visitors arriving to Canada need a passport or passport equivalent. These requirements changed under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), with the final phase in effect as of June 1, 2009.

If you are travelling soon, you can get a passport within 24 hrs with Rushmypassport.com.

Find out more about necessary ID to cross the Canada border.

Passengers should pass their passports and other ID to the driver before reaching the border services booth. Don't start searching for it once you've already pulled up to the booth.

Adults traveling over the border into Canada with children who are not their own should have a written note from the parents or guardians giving permission for the children to leave the country. The permission should include the name and contact information of the parent / guardian.

Even if you are with your own child but not the other parent, bringing the other parent's written permission to take the child over the border is a good idea.

More about bringing children over the Canada border

Consult Canada Border Services for details about what travelers can bring across the border into Canada.

Whether you're wondering if you can bring a pet to Canada, how much alcohol and tobacco you're allowed , or what the restrictions are for hunting rifles and motor boats, know the rules for what you can and can't bring into Canada before you show up at the Border Officer's booth.

Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased out of country, so having your car registration on hand is a good idea.

The Border Services Officer at the Canada / US border will ask you a series of questions, such as "How long you will be in the country?" "Why are you traveling to Canada?" and "What is the address of the place where you will you be staying?" Answer these questions directly. This is not a time to seem unsure or crack jokes.

Don't miss the chance to go duty free shopping at the Canada / US border and keep the receipts handy in case the border officer asks for them.

Items that usually carry heavy duties and taxes in Canada, like liquor and tobacco may be half the price. Cuban cigars are also available. Travelers have to consume what they buy at duty free while they're in Canada.

Be sure to know the liquor, tobacco and gift amount limits for visitors crossing the US / Canada border.

Many duty free shops also have food courts and other services.

Upon arriving at the Canada Border Services booth, roll down your front and back windows so that the border officer can not only speak to the driver, but address people seated in the back of the vehicle as well.

9. Check Out Border Wait Times Before Crossing

Before crossing the border into Canada, check out border wait times. Especially if you can choose from two or three different border crossings, such as at Niagara Falls, consult border wait times online to save travel time.