Border Crossing Information

If you plan to visit Canada for a few hours, the day, or an extended period of time, below are travel tips and important details regarding required documents.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or WHTI, requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a valid passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

U.S. citizens visiting Canada will be required to present one of the travel documents listed here:

  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Passport Card
  • Enhanced Driver’s License (Issued by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington only. Please note, REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada.)
  • Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards
  • Special Audiences (Special documents for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, U.S. Military, Native Americans, and boaters; birth certificates for children under the age of 16.)

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. will be required to present one of the travel documents listed here:

  • Canadian Passport
  • Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS or FAST/Express enrollment cards
  • Enhanced Driver’s License
  • Special Audiences (Special documents for Native Americans and boaters; birth certificates for children under the age of 16.)

Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passport and VISA information. For specific and accurate information, please refer to the government’s website to visit Canada or visit the USA.

International Bridges to Cross in Niagara Falls USA

  • Rainbow Bridge: Connects Niagara Falls, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Open 24/7. Pedestrians permitted on pedestrian walkway.
  • Lewiston-Queenston Bridge: Connects Lewiston, New York to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Open 24/7. No pedestrians permitted; vehicle traffic only.
  • Whirlpool Bridge: Reserved for subscribers to NEXUS only, a program for pre-approved clearance.

View up-to-date bridge traffic information and wait times online here, or call 1-800-715-6722.

Canadian Shoppers

Traveling from Canada and enjoying our many shopping destinations in Niagara Falls USA? Plan your day and see how much you can spend without paying duty at the border.

TIME OUT OF THE COUNTRYEXEMPTION LIMITS
Absence of less than 24 hours (same-day cross-border shopping)

CA $0

Absence of 24 hours or moreCA $200
Absence of 48 hours or moreCA $800
Absence of 7 days or moreCA $800