How long does it take to drive across the us/canada border?

Question

Specifically, US going to Canada at Point Edwards (the I-94 that turns into the 204 on the Canadian side), and also at Rainbow Bridge, going form Canada back into the US.

Including traffic, going through any customs or border security. And how the process kinda works if you know?

Answer 1

How long it takes will depend on the time of day you cross and the traffic.  It is really hard to tell.  Count on it taking about an hour.

You will need either your passport, or your birth certificate AND a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license.  Generally you will be asked your citrizenship, where you are going in Canada, the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay.  If  you are staying longer than usual you may be asked to prove that you have access to sufficient funds for your stay.  You will most likely be asked whether you are carrying any firearms (you are not allowed to bring them into Canada), and about certain food products which you are also not allowed to bring in.  You may be asked about how much tobacco and alcohol you are bringing with you. If you are unlucky you may be one of the people chosen for a "random spot check", and then everything you have with you may be searched.  Here is a link that will give you the information you need about crossing the border.

Answer 2

It is going to depend on when you go.  Obviously, long weekends or holidays are longer.

Here is a link that you can see current wait times.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-...

There is a spot on there to hook it up to a wireless device too.  (nice for when you are on the road, or your hotel **gasp** doesnt have internet access)

Basically, you will drive up to the border crossing.  The border guard will greet you and and ask for your travel documents.  Since you are driving, this can be your passport or proof of citizenship (birth certificate) and government issued photo ID (drivers license).  They will usually check this in the computer to ensure you arent on any kind of list to be stopped from entry.

A tip:  a passport is the best document.  If it is lost it is much easier to be replaced than a birth certificate...and you dont want to be waiting in Canada for that document, as much as we enjoy having you. ;)

If you have any electronic equipment or items you would like on record that you have with you now, let the guard know.  There will be a form to fill out.  This helps for when you come back, and you dont have to "prove" you didnt buy the item in Canada to pay duty on it.

The officer will ask the purpose of your visit.  This is to ensure you arent planning on staying longer than what is legally allowed.  It also gives the guard a "feeling" for if you are hiding something to prompt them for more questions.  (eg if you are figitting, wont look them in the eye etc)  You may also be asked about how much money you are bringing, the address of where you are going in Canada etc.

Sometimes, either a random check or based on your answers will prompt a complete search of your vehicle.  That is a pain.  It can be just taking apart your luggage...or from the wheels down.  I've traveled many times and never had that, but I know people who have.

Here is another good link off the Border Crossing site:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/...