Crossing the Border – Overview

New Brunswick shares a border with Québec and Nova Scotia and an international border with the State of Maine. New Brunswick has an ocean border on the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Fundy.

Entry into Canada is determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and entry into the U.S. is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Crossing the international border requires a passport and an inspection, which can include a vehicle inspection. Depending on the situation, a visa may also be required. Different regulations apply to pedestrians and motor vehicles than to boats and aircraft. Depending on the mode of transportation, different ports of entry may be required.

Travelers who frequently travel to and from Canada may want to investigate the CANPASS  and the NEXUS cards which provide an expedited border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into the United States (or into Canada).

Persons crossing the border must carry proof of identity and citizenship. In most cases this is a passport. Examples of additional documentation can include a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license). If you are not sure about the acceptability of your identification, you can contact the border service agency of the country you are entering. See links below.

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. must have proof of Canadian citizenship. This can include:

• A valid Canadian passport; or
• (in some cases only) Other acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship as outlined on CBP’s website.

Visitors are required to have the necessary travel documentation and to be in good general health. If asked, they must answer questions to the satisfaction of the border officer. Standard questions might include:

• "Where are you from?"
• "Where are you going?"
• "Where will you be staying?"
• "How long will you be in the country?"
• "What is the purpose of your trip?"
• "Do you have any alcohol, tobacco products or fire arms?"
• "Will you be leaving any goods behind?"
• "Will you be selling any goods or services while in the country?"

All travelers are required to have a valid passport on their person until the end of their stay. You should also be able to provide 24-hour contact details of the host (presenter, conference, hotel, etc., and proof of enough money for the stay and the return home.) Persons can be denied entry at a border crossing on the basis of suspicion alone.

Other reasons that entry may be denied include:

• Security reasons;
• Criminality related reasons;
• Health reasons (if a condition is likely to endanger public health or safety);
• Financial reasons (if a traveler is unable or unwilling to support themselves);
• Misrepresentation about who you are;
• Having an inadmissible family member.