Border Crossing Tips

The Windsor-Detroit border is one of the busiest commercial border crossings in the world. Beyond trucks and commercial vehicles, thousands of people cross the border every day to visit loved ones, attend school, work, and enjoy recreational and leisure activities. Sisu Legal has compiled a list of FAQs and Hot Tips to help people in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan cross the border as seamlessly as possible.

Is there a benefit to crossing at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel versus the Ambassador Bridge?

The toll for the Detroit-Windsor tunnel is a little less expensive, and it leads the passenger to downtown Detroit (East Jefferson Street) or downtown Windsor (Goyeau Street). The bridge toll is a little more expensive, and it leads the passenger to the I-75 freeway (Detroit) or Huron Church Road (Windsor). The wait time at both the Tunnel and the Bridge vary throughout the day. You may find an estimate of current wait times here.

For visitor travel and work commutes, people generally pick the route that gets them to their destination quickest.

For visa processing purposes, we recommend the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel as it tends to be less busy because there are less commercial vehicles (transport trucks don’t fit in the tunnel).

How much is the border toll?

Here are the current toll rates for the Ambassador Bridge.

Here are the current toll rates for the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

I’m a Canadian. Do I need a passport to cross the border into the U.S.?

You must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry to the U.S.

By Air

You must present either a passport (valid for the duration of the stay) or a valid NEXUS card. This requirement applies to children as well.

By Land or Water

Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents:

A valid passport;
A Trusted Traveller Program card;
An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDl/EIC program has been implemented; or
A Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Canadian citizens aged 15 years and under must present one of the following documents:

A passport;
An original or copy of a birth certificate;
An original Canadian citizenship certificate.

I recently married a Canadian citizen, who lives in Canada, and I am in the process of sponsoring them to move to the U.S. Are they allowed to cross to visit me?

Yes, your Canadian spouse may visit you in the US while their permanent residence application is in process. However, they may need to have stronger evidence of ties to Canada to cross the border. The border officer will want to satisfy themselves that the visit is temporary.

I recently married a U.S. citizen. My U.S. citizen spouse lives in the U.S. and I am in the process of sponsoring them to move to Canada. Are they allowed to cross to visit me?

Yes, your American spouse may visit you in Canada while their permanent residence application is in process. However, they may need to have stronger evidence of ties to the United States to cross the border into Canada. The border officer will want to satisfy themselves that the visit is temporary. Canada has the concept of “dual intent” where a person can have intent to immigrate to Canada and also temporarily visit, at the same time.

What’s a NEXUS card?

The NEXUS program is designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. The NEXUS program is very popular with people who frequently cross the Canada-U.S. border (such as TN visa holders) because it allows them to use a special line when crossing through customs. This line is usually much quicker than the ordinary customs lines. In order to be processed through the NEXUS line, all travellers in the vehicle must have a NEXUS card.

More information on the NEXUS program can be found here.

I attend classes in the U.S., but I live in Canada. Do I need to bring all my F-1 documents when I cross to shop, see a Detroit Tigers game, etc?

Yes, this is recommended.

I am living in Canada on a student visa. Can I go to the U.S. as a visitor?

That depends on your country of citizenship. If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the United States’ Visa Waiver Program, you can cross into the United States as a visitor once you complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.

If your country of citizenship is not one that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you are first required to get a visitor visa from USCIS.

I am living in the U.S. on a student visa. Can I go to Canada as a visitor?

That depends on your country of citizenship. If you are a citizen of a country that is visa-exempt, you will not need a visitor visa to enter Canada. If you are flying from the U.S. into Canada, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board your flight to Canada. If you are entering Canada by land or seat, you will not need an eTA to enter Canada.

If your country of citizenship is not visa-exempt, you will need a valid visitor visa and an eTA (if flying) to enter Canada.

I am a Canadian permanent resident, and my family are visiting from overseas. Can we go over to the U.S. to shop or watch a sports game?

That depends on the country of citizenship of your family members. If they are citizens of a country that participates in the United States’ Visa Waiver Program, they can cross into the United States as a visitor once they complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.

If their country of citizenship is not one that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, they are first required to get a visitor visa from USCIS.

What value of goods can I bring back to Canada after a shopping trip?

The amount of goods you can bring back without paying any duty or taxes depends on whether you qualify for a personal exemption as well as the length of time you were outside of Canada.

Generally speaking, if your cross-border shopping trip was less than 24 hours, no personal exemptions apply. The full list of exemptions can be found here.

I am a Canadian citizen commuting to the U.S. on a TN visa. What can I pack in my lunch bag?

If the food is unopened and commercially packed, it will generally be admissible (excluding meat and meat products). Some fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed, but you usually may not bring citrus, bananas, tomatoes, or peppers (even if grown in the U.S.). The full list of what you may and may not bring can be found here.

Alcohol is cheaper in the U.S. Can I buy a case of beer and bring it back to Canada?

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you are allowed to bring one of the following amounts of alcohol (0.5%+ alcohol by volume) free of duty and taxes:

Wine up to 1.5 L (est. two bottles of 750 ml each)
Alcohol beverages up to 1.14 L (est. one large standard bottle of liquor)
Beer or ale up to 8.5 L (est. 24 cans or bottles of beer or ale, 355 ml each)

I am a U.S. citizen with a DUI conviction. Can I come to Canada as a visitor?

You may be inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality, which means you could not enter Canada. If that’s the case, you should contact an immigration lawyer to see what options might exist for you. Sisu Legal offers Criminal Inadmissibility services. Our paid Strategy Sessions can be booked here.

What is “secondary inspection”? Am I in trouble?

Secondary inspection is a normal part of the cross-border travel process, and secondary referrals should not be viewed as an indication of wrongdoing. You may be referred for a variety of reasons, including:

Undergoing a random inspection;
Paying duties and taxes on goods;
Determining your admissibility or the admissibility of goods in your possession;
Visa processing - for example, TN visa processing at the port of entry;
Answering more in-depth questions;
Completing or processing paperwork to support your entry or the entry of goods in your possession;
Reporting currency or monetary instruments of $10,000 or more;
Verifying your declaration and/or documentation.

I lied to a border officer about the value of the goods I was bringing to Canada. Am I going to be able to cross the border again?

Lying to a border officer can have serious consequences. This can include permanent inadmissibility, deportability, and not being granted citizenship (if you are a permanent resident).

If you intentionally misrepresent the nature or value of your goods, you may also be criminally charged or fined. We would recommend you reach out to a criminal law lawyer if you find yourself in this situation.

What are best practices for going through customs?

When you cross through customs, lower all windows on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Remove sunglasses, and turn off the radio. Be prepared to hand over all documentation (e.g. passports, student visas, details related to country of residence) for all passengers to the customs guard. Answer all questions truthfully and respectfully, but do not provide more information than what is requested. Respond to all requests (for example, to open your vehicle trunk) without delay.

Can I take a taxi across the border?

Yes, that is allowed.

I am a Canadian and I just got a job in the U.S. Can I get paid to my Canadian bank account?

Generally speaking, no. You will need to get a bank account in the U.S., or sign up with a Canadian bank for one of their cross-border banking packages.

If I work in the U.S. but live in Canada, do I have to pay taxes to both countries?

Yes, you will be required to file tax returns in both Canada and the United States. We strongly recommend that you work with a tax preparation specialist who is familiar with the taxation regime of both countries. Feel free to contact us if you would like a referral to a cross-border tax specialist.

I am a Canadian who is employed by a Canadian company. Am I allowed to work remotely in the U.S.?

U.S. immigration law is very clear that anyone who works or earns an income in the U.S. must have proper work authorization by the U.S. government. Working while physically present in the U.S., even for an employer located abroad and even if paid to a foreign bank account, is still considered work by the U.S. government.

I’m a Canadian who is employed by a Canadian company. We have U.S. clients, and sometimes we need to cross the border for business. Is that allowed?

Individuals must have proper work authorization from the U.S. government in order to perform work in the United States. However, business visitors are permitted to perform a narrow scope of duties in the United States, including:

Attending business meetings, conferences, or seminars;
Procuring investment opportunities;
Interviewing potential employees or business partners;
Entering into lease agreements;
Presenting product at trade-show or expo;
Unpaid speaking at an event;
Attending meetings to sell products made abroad;
Receive training that will assist with position in foreign company;
Receive technical info/direction from U.S. counterparts;
Represent foreign company in negotiations with U.S. companies; and
Consulting with business associates.

I am a U.S. citizen who is employed by a U.S. company. We have Canadian clients, and sometimes we need to cross the border for business. Is that allowed?

Business visitors are permitted to perform a narrow scope of duties in Canada, including:

Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government;
Taking orders for goods or services;
Going to meetings, conferences, conventions, or trade fairs;
Giving after-sales service as part of a warranty or sales agreement;
Being trained by a Canadian parent company that you work for outside of Canada;
Training employees of a Canadian branch of a foreign company;
Being trained by a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services.

Additional Border Crossing FAQs

Travel and Documentation

I'm a U.S. citizen. Do I need a passport to cross the border into Canada?

You must provide proof of your U.S. citizenship upon entry to Canada.

By Air: You must present either a passport (valid for the duration of the stay) or a valid NEXUS card. This requirement applies to children as well.

By Land or Water: U.S. citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents:

A valid passport;
A Trusted Traveller Program card;
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a state where a Canada-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or
A U.S. Military ID with travel orders.

U.S. citizens aged 15 years and under must present one of the following documents:

A passport;
An original or copy of a birth certificate.

How long can I stay in the U.S. as a Canadian visitor?

As a Canadian citizen, you can generally stay in the U.S. for up to six months (180 days) as a visitor without requiring a visa. The actual authorized period is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. Be prepared to show evidence of:

The purpose of your trip
Your intent to depart the U.S. after your temporary stay
Your ties to Canada (employment, residence, family)
Your financial ability to support yourself during your stay

How long can I stay in Canada as an American visitor?

As a U.S. citizen, you can generally stay in Canada for up to six months (180 days) as a visitor. The actual authorized period is determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry. Be prepared to show evidence of:

The purpose of your trip
Your intent to depart Canada after your temporary stay
Your ties to the U.S. (employment, residence, family)
Your financial ability to support yourself during your stay

What items are prohibited from bringing across the border?

There are several categories of prohibited items:

Prohibited from bringing into the U.S.:

Certain fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds
Most meat products
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Counterfeit goods
Firearms and ammunition (without proper permits)
Cuban cigars and products

Prohibited from bringing into Canada:

Certain fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds
Most meat products
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Obscene materials
Firearms and weapons (without proper permits)
Certain cultural property

For a complete and current list, please check the CBP and CBSA official websites.

Practical Considerations

What value of goods can I bring back to the U.S. after a shopping trip to Canada?

U.S. residents returning from Canada receive a personal duty-free exemption on goods valued at:

$800 if you've been outside the U.S. for 48 hours or more
$200 if you've been away for less than 48 hours

Alcohol and tobacco products have specific limits and may be subject to federal taxes regardless of value.

Can I cross the border with my pet?

Yes, but there are specific requirements:

Dogs and cats entering the U.S. from Canada must:

Be at least 6 months old (for rabies vaccination requirements)
Appear healthy
Have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (for dogs)

Dogs and cats entering Canada from the U.S. must:

Appear healthy
Have a current rabies vaccination certificate (for animals 3 months or older)

For other pets or animals, please consult the appropriate country's animal import regulations.

Is there a way to track current wait times at the border crossings?

Yes, you can check current wait times through several resources:

The CBP Border Wait Times website or mobile app
The CBSA's website for wait times at Canadian ports of entry
Local traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps
Local radio traffic reports

Wait times can vary significantly based on time of day, day of week, holidays, and special events.

What medical coverage do I need when crossing the border?

Your domestic health insurance may not fully cover you when visiting the neighboring country:

For Canadians visiting the U.S.:

Canadian provincial health plans typically provide limited coverage for emergency medical services
It's strongly recommended to purchase travel medical insurance for any trip to the U.S.

For Americans visiting Canada:

U.S. health insurance plans may provide limited or no coverage in Canada
Consider purchasing supplemental travel medical insurance for your visit

Can I use my cellphone across the border without incurring roaming charges?

Without a special international plan, you may incur significant roaming charges when crossing the border. To avoid unexpected charges:

Contact your mobile carrier before traveling to inquire about international plans or travel passes
Consider purchasing a temporary SIM card for the country you're visiting
Use Wi-Fi whenever possible and disable mobile data when not needed
Some carriers offer North American plans that include coverage in both countries

Employment and Business

I'm a Canadian who wants to work remotely for my U.S. employer while visiting family in Canada. Is this allowed?

Generally, yes. As a U.S. work visa holder or U.S. permanent resident working for a U.S. company, you can typically work remotely while visiting Canada temporarily. However:

You must comply with the authorized period of stay granted by Canadian immigration
You should continue to be paid into your U.S. bank account
You should continue to pay U.S. taxes according to your employment status
For extended stays, tax implications may arise, so consult with a cross-border tax specialist

I'm an American who wants to work remotely for my Canadian employer while visiting family in the U.S. Is this allowed?

Generally, yes. As a Canadian work permit holder or Canadian permanent resident working for a Canadian company, you can typically work remotely while visiting the U.S. temporarily. However:

You must comply with the authorized period of stay granted by U.S. immigration
You should continue to be paid into your Canadian bank account
You should continue to pay Canadian taxes according to your employment status
For extended stays, tax implications may arise, so consult with a cross-border tax specialist

Can I attend a job interview across the border?

Yes, both U.S. and Canadian citizens may cross the border to attend job interviews. This falls under permissible activities for business visitors. When crossing, be prepared to:

State the purpose of your visit truthfully
Provide details about the company where you're interviewing (address, contact person)
Show evidence of ties to your home country
Demonstrate that you plan to return home after the interview

How do I handle healthcare coverage if I work in one country but live in another?

Cross-border workers face unique healthcare considerations:

For Canadians working in the U.S. but living in Canada:

You may remain eligible for provincial healthcare in Canada if you maintain sufficient residential ties
You'll likely have U.S. employer-provided health insurance for coverage while at work
You may need supplemental insurance to cover gaps

For Americans working in Canada but living in the U.S.:

You'll maintain your U.S. healthcare options for coverage at home
Your Canadian employer may provide health coverage for while you're at work in Canada
Consider supplemental insurance for comprehensive coverage

Consult with a cross-border benefits specialist for your specific situation.

Special Situations

I have received a pardon/record suspension for a criminal offense in my home country. Can I cross the border?

A Canadian pardon or record suspension is not automatically recognized by U.S. authorities, and vice versa:

For Canadians with pardoned offenses seeking to enter the U.S.:

You may still be deemed inadmissible to the U.S.
You may need to apply for a U.S. entry waiver (I-192 form)

For Americans with expunged records seeking to enter Canada:

You may still be deemed inadmissible to Canada
You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation

Consult with an immigration attorney specializing in cross-border criminal inadmissibility.

Can I cross the border for medical treatment or to fill a prescription?

Yes, seeking medical treatment or filling prescriptions across the border is permitted:

When crossing for medical appointments:

Bring documentation of your appointment
Be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit
You may bring back prescription medication for personal use, subject to restrictions

When crossing to fill prescriptions:

Be aware that not all U.S. prescriptions can be filled in Canada and vice versa
Certain medications that are legal in one country may be controlled or prohibited in the other
Declare all medications when crossing the border

I'm attending college/university across the border. What are my border crossing considerations?

As a student commuting across the border:

Always carry your student visa/permit documents and student ID
Maintain a consistent explanation of your study program when crossing
Be prepared to show your class schedule if requested
Consider applying for a NEXUS card to expedite frequent crossings
Be aware of any restrictions on working while on a student visa/permit

What should I know about crossing the border with children who aren't my own?

When traveling with children who aren't your own biological or legally adopted children:

Carry a consent letter from the parents/legal guardians authorizing the trip
The letter should include contact information for the parents/guardians
Bring copies of relevant legal documents (custody agreements, death certificates if a parent is deceased)
Have the child's birth certificate or passport

This applies to children traveling with grandparents, teachers, friends' parents, or one parent when parents are separated.

Technology and Privacy

What should I know about border searches of electronic devices?

Both U.S. and Canadian border officers have broad authority to search electronic devices:

Officers may ask to examine your phone, tablet, laptop, or other digital devices
They may request passwords to access these devices
You have the right to refuse, but refusal could lead to denied entry or seized devices
Consider removing sensitive data from devices before crossing
Business travelers should be particularly aware of confidential information
Use cloud storage and securely erase sensitive files from devices when crossing

Can I use recreational marijuana legally if it's legal in both Michigan and Ontario?

No. Despite marijuana being legal at the state level in Michigan and at the federal level in Canada:

It remains illegal under U.S. federal law
It is illegal to cross the international border with any amount of marijuana
Admitting to past marijuana use to a U.S. border officer could potentially result in being denied entry
Being involved in the legal marijuana industry could potentially affect admissibility
It's best to avoid any marijuana use or possession when planning to cross the border.

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