Visiting and Entry Procedures

Entry to Canada

It is your responsibility as the "master" (skipper/owner) of a recreational vessel to obtain the latest information regarding entry or re-entry in Canada with a pleasure craft.

Consult the Canada Border Services Agency Web site for the latest entry procedures by Recreational Boat or Small Aircraft at:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html

For boaters frequently crossing the Canada US Border, you can also use a NEXUS, CANPASS to simplify the entry procedure.

NEXUS

NEXUS Entry Procedure: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/marine-maritime-eng.html

Obtaining and Information on NEXUS: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

CANPASS

CANPASS Entry Procedure and Information : http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/menu-eng.html

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/canpassprivateboat-eng.html

US Border Crossing

It is your responsibility as the skipper/owner of a recreational vessel to obtain the latest information regarding entry in the US with a pleasure craft.

The latest information can presently be found on the US Homeland Security Web site at:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/svrs

If your vessel is 30ft or more, ensure that you have your US issued "Decal":

https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/

Please note that all recreational boaters are required to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada as per the Customs Act (CA) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). This includes all foreign boaters entering Canada, as well as private boaters who depart Canada and enter foreign waters, and subsequently return to Canada.

Security requirements when visiting US waters

Using current information

Anyone intending to operate a boat in US waters should, before leaving Canada, obtain the latest update of the US homeland security requirements. They should also obtain full information regarding other matters such as: US immigration and customs requirements, US boat licensing requirements and US maritime VHF radio licensing requirements.The US Coast Guard, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement are part of the US Department of Homeland Security.

Visit website for US Department of Homeland Security.