Planning a trip to Canada? We've provide a number of resources below to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
LIVE CAMERA VIEWS OF BORDER CROSSINGS
Whatcom County BLAINE BORDER CAMS
Pacific Highway
(Truck Crossing)
SR-543
Crossing Lynden (Aldergrove) Crossing
Other Web Cams
Wait Times
BORDER CROSSING REGULATIONS
U.S. and Canadian citizen requirements for entering the United States
New as of June 1, 2009
Air Travel
Passport or Nexus Card (at airports with a Nexus kiosk)
Land and Sea Travel
Adults (16 and older) are expected to have one of the following:
- Passport or Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- NEXUS or other Trusted Traveler Card
- Tribal ID Card
Children traveling into Canada/USA
- Children (15 and younger) are expected to have one of the following:
- Proof of citizenship (Original or copy of Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate)
- Enhanced Government-issued photo I.D. Passport or Passport Card
If children are not traveling with both parents, a written statement is required from the parent/guardian stating travel is authorized.
Currency and Monetary Information
All physical importations and exportations of currency and monetary instruments equal to or greater than CAN$10,000 or US$10,000 must be reported to Customs.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Food & Plant Items into Canada:
There are many restrictions on what food & plant items you can bring into Canada.
Allowed - Condiments; Dry goods; Coffee/tea; Canned, frozen & dried fruits & vegetables; Most seafood; Fresh meat depending on origin (22lb limit/person); Dairy products depending on origin ($20 limit/person).
Prohibited - Most pet food; Most poultry & fresh eggs; Most plants; Many fresh fruits & vegetables.
*Call for specific information, or don’t bring what you’re not willing to give up at the border.
Food & Plant Items into US:
Prohibited - Most pet food (US made in original package OK), citrus fruit, tropical fruit, out of season produce, garlic, potatoes from Van. Island, corn-on-cob not from BC; All beef, lamb, goat, bison, uncooked poultry, raw eggs; produce & meats from countries other than US & Canada; Hawaiian origin plants & produce; Canadian plants & seeds without Phytosanitary certificates.
Allowed - Most commercially grown fruits & vegetables from the US and Canada with proof of origin; Pork and seafood; Canadian & US plants & seeds with Phytosanitary certificate; Most Canadian cut flowers (will require inspection).
Firearms:
Handguns are not allowed entry into Canada. Firearms with no legitimate sporting or recreational use, mace, capstan, stun guns and switchblades are not permitted. Sporting rifles or shotguns are usually permitted for sport or hunting. As of January 1, 2001, one must complete a “Firearms Declaration Form,” and there is a $50 fee.
For more information or forms
1-800-731-4000 or contact Canadian Customs.
It is recommended that the form be completed in advance.
Passports
To Apply for a Passport
- Applications must be made in person by appointment.
- Need proof of citizenship and two identical 2×2 color photos.
- $100 for adults, $85 for children 15 and younger.
- Wait time: 6 weeks.
- Expediated two-week service available for $60 more.
Where to Apply Locally
- U.S. Post Office, 315 Prospect St., Bellingham, (360) 752-9822
- Whatcom County Treasurer, Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave., (360) 676-6774
- Ferndale City Hall, 2095 Main Street, (360) 384-4302
Passport Info Online
Learn how to apply for a passport, renew one, or check the status of your passport application at U.S. Department of State.