Canada US border crossing; what are the formalities to pass by?

If your trip involves Canada US border crossing, be sure to do so quickly and safely by reviewing the following requirements and guidelines.

The Canada US border crossing all depends on the means of transportation.

1.Canada U S border crossing by train

1.1 Requirements; reservation/departure

Since you will be moving from one country to another, you will need to provide certain information when making your reservation. This is classic information, such as gender, date of birth, citizenship, ID, etc. They will constitute your reservation file, which will be provided to customs and immigration officials to facilitate your passage. Watch out for typos; read it again. If you provide incorrect or incomplete information, you run the risk of extensive questioning at the border.

You must also purchase your tickets before 8:30 am on the day you plan to travel so that they can pass your name to the US authorities if you are leaving Canada. After this hour, you may not be able to cross.

When departing and crossing the border, bring the same identification documents you used to reserve your tickets. The easiest way is by using your passport, so you don't have to forget it.

1.2 Required documents

The passport remains the major part. No need to stack them up, and anyway, since you're overseas, we'll only be looking at that one. If applicable, your passport will contain a visa. An entry permit is also valid. You must complete the Form I-94W, direction bar car when it has not been given to you before.

If you are a permanent US resident heading north, all you need is your passport; heading south for your PR card and Form I-551; if you are a Canadian permanent resident, head north for your PR card; to the south, your passport.

The documents deceive the eye because they no longer work: driver's license, certificate of naturalization; certificate of Canadian citizenship; birth certificate only.

2. Canada US border crossing by car

If you are arriving by car, follow the signs to the first checkpoint - called the primary inspection post - where an officer will examine your ID and other travel documents, and take your verbal statement. Choose Border wait times to access the estimated wait time at certain customs offices at the Canada-United States border.

When you arrive by car at the gatehouses, an American customs officer asks for passports and asks a few questions.

If there is no problem, you can go to the border post where you have to wait for your turn.

In the meantime, they will send your passport directly upstairs.

Then, during the interview, you are asked a few fairly simple questions:

When did you arrive in Canada?

For how long?

From which airport?

Why do you want to cross the American border?

Where do you plan to go and for how long?

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ESTA

You will have to fill out the I-94 W form (name, first name, date, and place of birth, address, passport number) and answer a questionnaire that may seem a little strange. For example, if you have committed a crime, if you have already participated in an attack, genocide or if you intend to do so.

As long as you answer questions honestly and are relaxed and polite, everything is going well.

After that, the customs officer takes a photo and the fingerprints.

Before collecting your passport, you must pay $ 6 tax.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ESTA

There is no need to complete the I-94 W form. However, you must pay the $ 6 tax.

In both cases, it is possible to stay legally for a maximum of 90 days in the United States.

3. Canada US border crossing by bus

If you are coming by bus (such as an organized tour or Greyhound), it usually takes longer to go through customs than if you come by car. Indeed, all passengers must get off the bus to go through customs and fill out their I-94W form. It is not uncommon to detain a person for longer, and all passengers have to wait for them. Usually, buses go through a different terminal than individual cars. They will ask you to take all your belongings with you when you get off the bus so that customs officers can check the empty bus and possibly your personal belongings.

4. Canada US border crossing; the CBSA Declaration Card

The CBSA declaration card provides the necessary information about you, your travels, and the goods you import into the country. This card is issued to travelers arriving by air and is also useful at some locations for travelers arriving by train, boat, or coach. Be sure to bring a pen in your carry-on to fill it before arrival as directed.

Each card includes instructions to help you complete it. You can register up to four people on a card if they live in the same home. After completing the declaration card, tear off and discard the instructions. Make sure you don't bend the card; this will allow to serve you faster.

Also, be sure to keep the completed card, along with your ID and any other travel documents, handy. You will need to present this declaration card several times to agents.

If you have any questions regarding the card or Canadian regulations, speak to the border services officer upon arrival.

Originally published on Live Positively.