Crossing The Border

For adults age 16 and older acceptable documents include:
Enhanced Driver's License
Enhanced Non-Driver Identification
FAST Card
NEXUS Card
Permanent Resident Card
Passport
U.S. Passport Card

For children age 15 and younger acceptable documents include their original (or copy) of birth certificate or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or Canadian citizenship card.


Border Crossing Basics  - an overview of reporting procedures including information on the  User Fee Decal and Boater Registration Number information.  Please be aware that this document is one person's intpretation of the rules and regulations as presented to her.  We are not responsible for any inaccuracies or false information.   


Related Links:
Detailed WHTI Requirement Info
NEXUS Program Information
US Passport Info
Canadian Passport Info
NYS Enhanced Drivers License & Non-Driver ID Info
Ontario Enhanced Drivers License Info

**Simplified Cell Phone Reporting

US Customs and Border Protection:  
Reporting Requirements for Private Operators in the Great Lakes Region

Boat US Magazine Article:
Boating to Canada? Take a Cellphone

Canada Border Service Agency:
Reporting Requirements for Private Boats Fact Sheet

Canada Border Service Agency:
Reporting Requirements Questions and Answers

As of June 1, 2009 both American & Canadian citizens will be required to present a WHTI-compliant document for entry into the United States:

Canadian Pleasure Craft Operators Card Requirement:
Attention Boaters -Transport Canada has introduced new mandatory training and certification requirements for boating in Canada.  The Safe Boater Training Program was established in 1999 in response to federal legislation requiring all persons operating a boat in Canada, to have certification. All boat operators in Canada are required to carry proof of competency by September 15, 2009.  Boaters have the option of writing the exam in person, at a certified testing site or writing the exam on-line.  

Small Boat Reporting in Canada:
If you are transporting persons to Canada that are not NEXUS members: you must arrive at a marine telephone reporting site (Bertie Boating Club or Buffalo Canoe Club) and immediately call the Canadian Telephone Reporting Centre at 1‑888‑226‑7277. Only the captain may leave the boat until authorization is given by the CBSA.

Entering Canada (When all passengers are enrolled in the NEXUS program)
The captain must call the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at: 1-866-99-NEXUS (1-866-996-3987); Provide advance notice to the CBSA at least 30 minutes (minimum) and up to four hours (maximum) before arriving in Canada. The captain must provide to the TRC:
an estimated time of arrival (ETA); the name and location of the approved landing site of arrival (Bertie Boating Club and the Buffalo Canoe Club are “designated sites”); the registration number and/or the name of the boat; the full name, date of birth and country of citizenship and/or permanent residence status for all NEXUS members on board; the destination, purpose of trip and length of stay in Canada for each passenger; and passport and visa details of passengers when applicable or required; Ensure all passengers have photo identification and proof of citizenship, permanent residence status and/or other immigration status documents when applicable or required; and Declare all goods being imported, including currency information. If any information changes before your arrival, contact the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre. As proof of presentation, you will receive a report number for your records. You must produce this number when asked to do so by border officials.  If a border official is not at the specified landing site to meet the boat at the reported ETA or actual time of arrival, the individuals who have reported may proceed to their intended final destination.

Declaring Goods
If you are a Canadian resident and you are importing goods for your own personal use, you must report these items to a CBSA officer by contacting the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-99-NEXUS (1-866-996-3987).
If you are a U.S. resident and you are importing goods for your own personal use, you must report these items to a CBSA officer by contacting the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-99-NEXUS (1-866-996-3987).
If you have goods that exceed your personal entitlement, you will be advised of the necessary procedures by a border services officer from the Telephone Reporting Centre.

Small Boat Reporting in the United States:
Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. & Canadian citizens will need to present the following to enter or depart the United States by land or sea:

Ages 19 and older:  a goverment-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
Children ages 18 and younger:  proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate

Although it is not official, participation in the NEXUS program may be accepted as valid documentation for travel into the United States by land or sea in lieu of a passport.  Be prepared and apply now.
NEXUS Program Information
US Passport Info
Canadian Passport Info

Small Boat Reporting Requirements (United States)
If you are transporting persons to the United States that are not NEXUS members:   The boat must arrive at a “physical report site” (video phone at Erie Basin Marina) and the captain must call the local CBP reporting telephone number.

Entering the United States (When all passengers are enrolled in the NEXUS program)
When entering the United States the captain must call the local CBP marine reporting number (1-800-827-2851); Provide advance notice to the CBP at least 30 minutes (minimum) and up to four hours (maximum) before arriving in the United States. The captain must provide:
an estimated time of arrival (ETA); the name and location of the landing site of arrival; the registration number and/or the name of the boat; the full name, date of birth and country of citizenship and/or permanent residence status for all NEXUS members on board; the destination, purpose of trip and length of stay in the United States for each passenger; and passport and visa details of passengers when applicable or required; Ensure all passengers have photo identification and proof of citizenship, permanent residence status and/or other immigration status documents when applicable or required; and Declare all goods being imported, including currency information. As proof of presentation, you will receive a report number for your records. You must produce this number when asked to do so by border officials.If a border official is not at the specified landing site to meet the boat at the reported ETA or actual time of arrival, the individuals who have reported may proceed to their intended final destination.

Declaring Goods
If you are a Canadian or U.S. resident and you are importing goods for your own personal use, you must report these items by using the marine reporting procedures and make an oral declaration to a border official by contacting the local CBP office.