What to Expect When Crossing the US/Canada Border

By Michael Niren April 15, 2014 (Updated February 24, 2025) 3 min. read

Between the United States and Canada there is a thin, imaginary line marked in various places by customs agents who are there to enforce rules. These regulations are set up to protect citizens on either side of the border, but the rules frequently change. The following is a list of crossing border issues that you should be aware of.

How to Cross the US/Canada Border With Pets

Generally, crossing with common pets like dogs and cats is relatively easy. However, certain situations can cause complications:

Pet Foods

Bringing pet food is usually acceptable, especially for longer trips. However, customs officials are strict due to concerns about animal diseases. If you are worried about bringing a specific pet food, make sure to follow the steps in the list below:

Vehicles

Vehicles should be shipped into the U.S using professional automobile shipping companies. They are aware of customs rules, taxes, and any other factors that could influence your ability to transfer a vehicle into either country. The two main issues here are environmental safety and personal safety. If the vehicle is not safe, then the custom officials won’t allow you to drive it across the border.

Duty-Free Items

Duty-free purchases must be for use in the country of purchase. Keep receipts readily available. Avoid purchasing goods and immediately returning home; there are measures in place to prevent this. Declare all duty-free items, even within allowances, when flying to avoid fines.

When flying, stewardesses hand out cards for passengers to declare duty free goods. If they do not declare these items, even if they are within their limits, fines will be levied against them.

Jewelry and Other Valuable Items

Many people cross the border to attend special events, to work, or to study. In most cases, people will bring along their jewelry and other valuables. Valuables are items that are obviously expensive to own, possibly unique, and maybe designer products.

When traveling with jewelry or other valuables, document them before your trip. Pre-registering items with customs, including serial numbers or identifying marks, can simplify your return. Photos and appraisals can also be helpful.

Restricted Items for Border Crossings

Commonly restricted or prohibited items include:

Regulations vary depending on the specific item and direction of travel. All permitted food items must be labeled and packaged appropriately, with legible labels in a language understood by customs officials. Be aware that even seemingly minor items might be restricted due to agricultural or other concerns.

What Identification Do I Need?

Past Offenses

Even old offenses, such as a DUI, can cause issues at the border. If you have a criminal record, consult with an attorney to explore options for record expungement or other legal solutions before attempting to cross the border. Addressing these issues proactively is crucial.

Are You Unsure If You’ll Be Able to Cross the Border?

What if something goes wrong at the border but you did plan ahead? You brought all necessary documents, but something went wrong?

Contact VisaPlace today. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Book a consultation with an immigration professional or FREE assessment and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

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