Border Crossing
| Content provided by: Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority |
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or WHTI, requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. For additional information, including document options and requirements for special audiences, please visit GetYouHome.gov.
U.S. citizens returning home from Canada are required to present one of the travel documents listed here:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver's License
- Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS, SENTRIU or FAST enrollment cards
- Special Audiences (Special documents for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, U.S. Military, Native Americans, and Boaters; birth certificates for children under the age of 16).
Canadian citizens entering the U.S. are required to present one of the travel documents listed here:
- Canadian Passport
- Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS or FAST/Express enrollment cards
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- Special Audiences (Special documents for Native Americans and Boaters; birth certificates for children under the age of 16).
Suggestions for Crossing the Border
- Have proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport) readily available.
- Have birth certificate for each child in your vehicle. If traveling with children who are not a part of your family, have a note or proof that the child has permission to cross the border with you.
- Turn off radios and car phones when talking to border agents.
- Declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, animals, birds, eggs, meat and meat products.
- Declare all items acquired for personal use.
- Resident aliens must carry residency cards at all times.
- Dogs and cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans. Dogs older than three months must have proof of a rabies vaccination.
- Don't fool around. Customs and Immigration Agents on both sides of the border are law enforcement officials who take their duties very seriously.
- Don't drive under the influence of alcohol.
- Be patient. Additional security has been instituted for safety on both sides of the border.
- For import dollar limits, contact U.S. Customs or click HERE
