Tips for traveling between Canada and the USA

Every country has its own, independent rules and regulations when it comes to welcoming travelers. While some countries make the process a lot harder and time-consuming, others have chosen to provide fast solutions to make traveling easier and less demanding. If you want to turn traveling into a seamless journey and enjoy your trip or work-related travels more, it’s best to be well-informed and prepared in advance. 

In this article, we’ll share a few tips for traveling between the US and Canada. We’ll show you how to make border crossing faster, how to save money, and how to enjoy more free time for leisure or work. By the end of the read, you’ll be fully prepared to take on your next adventure with confidence and comfort. 

Check what documents you need in advance 

Lack of information could turn your trip into a real nightmare. For example, imagine finding yourself at the border without the documents that you need to access the country. This could ruin your plans and lead to dramatic time waste. Check what type of documents you’re required to present at the border and prepare them in advance. If you’re traveling by air as a Canadian citizen, you’ll need a valid passport or a NEXUS card program. If you’re traveling by land or sea you may also be able to pass with a driver’s licence. 

Check border wait times

Make sure you’ve checked the border wait times to avoid waiting in long lines. There are certain peak travel times that it’s best to avoid when possible. Usually, weekend evening hours are a lot busier. It’s advisable to plan your travels considering the least busy periods. If high-traffic hours are unavoidable, make sure you’ve packed food, water, and are ready to stay calm and patiently wait. 

Check the least busy port of entry

There are more than one places where you can enter the country. Some of the entry zones will be a lot busier than others due to their strategic location, proximity to central areas or ease of access. However, even if a port of entry may not look very convenient, it may save you hours of waiting if there are no waiting lines. 

Check what you need in order to travel with a pet

Traveling with your furry friends is a whole new experience. It may be exciting and fun but it also adds additional requirements and responsibilities. Your cat or dog needs to be at least three months old to travel between Canada and the USA and must have a valid signed and dated certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. They must also possess all the necessary vaccinations against certain diseases. 

Use a NEXUS Card or FAST Card

Due to the proximity of Canada to the USA, the two countries have designed special trusted traveler programs that aim to provide easy access to safe to travel individuals. Using a NEXUS card or applying for a FAST card if you’re a truck driver can dramatically improve your travel experience, help you avoid waiting in lines, and provide instant access to your destination. For example, the FAST program is part of a trusted developer program that allows commercial carriers access to the USA from Canada or Mexico. Applying for the card is easy as long as you qualify under a few requirements.

Possessing a NEXUS card or FAST card means that you have access to fast lanes, you’re not expected to fill out forms, be subject to questioning, or waste time at border crossings. Instead, you can use your card as a replacement for your passport and be categorized as a priority traveler. 

We hope that this article will make your travels between the USA and Canada enjoyable and less stressful.