What to do before entering Canada by car?

What you should know before crossing the Canadian border
  1. Check your entry eligibility. ...
  2. Have correct identification. ...
  3. Know the guidelines for traveling with minors. ...
  4. Keep vehicle registration and proof of insurance available. ...
  5. Don't bring restricted items. ...
  6. Check entry requirements for pets. ...
  7. Get familiar with entry points.




Before entering Canada by car in 2026, the most critical step is ensuring you have the correct documentation. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is the gold standard, though an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or a NEXUS card is also acceptable. U.S. Permanent Residents must carry their Green Card. You should also gather your vehicle’s registration and proof of valid auto insurance, as border agents may ask for these. If you are traveling with children who are not your own, or if you share custody, you must have a notarized consent letter from the other parent(s) to prevent delays related to child safety protocols. Additionally, be prepared to declare all goods; items like firearms, cannabis (even if legal in your state), and certain food or plant products are strictly regulated or prohibited. While the ArriveCAN app is no longer mandatory for land crossings, checking the CBSA website for the latest "wait times" and duty-free allowances (currently up to 800 CAD for stays over 48 hours) will ensure a smooth transition through the port of entry.

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Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.

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Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate.

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If changes are required, you can edit and update your declaration prior to certification. Use of the Advance CBSA Declaration feature of ArriveCAN is entirely optional. This app supports English, French and Spanish (as per your device's language settings).

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By Land. When it comes to entering Canada by land, whether it's through a border crossing or driving through a tunnel, passport stamping is not a common practice. Unlike some countries that stamp passports as a formality, Canada generally relies on electronic systems to record entry and exit information.

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Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest, with longer border wait times – pick another day to cross the border if you can.

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Mobile phone service, or cellular, or cell phone service in Canada is the same as the U.S.A., but different from that in the rest of the world. If using your phone from home, roaming charges can be expensive. Check with you service provider if they offer any roaming packages.

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Anytime you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have valued at Can$10,000 or more. This amount includes Canadian or foreign currency or a combination of both. Monetary instruments include, but are not limited to, stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cheques and traveller's cheques.

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Be prepared to answer these questions:
  • What are you bringing with you to Canada?
  • Do you have any live animals or plants with you?
  • Do you have any firearms, ammunition or fireworks with you?
  • Do you have any meat or dairy products with you?
  • Do you have any fresh fruits or vegetables with you?


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