CBSA Reminds Boaters of Border Crossing Rules with U.S. As Regulations Set to Tighten

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding recreational boaters of the requirements for entering Canadian waters as boat traffic between Canada and the U.S. is set to ramp up for the summer.

With border control strengthening on both sides and more regulations for cross-border travelers, CBSA is asking boaters to be aware of their requirements and obligations for entering both Canadian and U.S. waters. Penalties for failing to declare a border crossing with a vessel in Canada begin at $1000 and can raise significantly, along with detention and criminal charges, depending on the nature of the infraction.

Reporting Requirements Upon Entry

Under CBSA reporting requirements, all travelers entering Canada by private boat must report their arrival “without delay” to border officials. The vessel operator is responsible for making the report and must provide details including passenger information, trip purpose, and any goods being brought into the country. Requirements vary depending on your itinerary, your nationality and number of passengers onboard.

If you enter Canadian waters for a day and make no stops before leaving Canadian waters, you are not required to present yourself to CBSA. However, you must report to the CBSA if you:

• land on Canadian soil

• anchor, moor or come alongside another boat while in Canadian waters

• disembark or embark people or goods in Canada

This means that if a boater crosses over simply to refuel, drops anchor at any point, or makes contact with other vessels, they must report to the CBSA.

For Canadians, if a boat leaves and re-enters Canadian waters, but did not anchor, disembark, make contact with another boat, or go onshore, they are not required to report to the CBSA.

Boaters can report in one of two ways:

• By calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre from a designated reporting site

• By reporting in person at a staffed marine port of entry

Only the operator is permitted to leave the vessel to report, while all passengers must remain onboard until clearance is granted.

Identification and Admissibility

All passengers onboard must carry acceptable identification, such as a passport, NEXUS card, or other approved documents.

Foreign nationals must also meet admissibility requirements under Canadian immigration law, including visa requirements where applicable. Foreign nationals must be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enter Canada.

During the reporting process, travelers must provide personal details such as name, date of birth, citizenship, and travel purpose.

Advance Notification and Special Cases

In some cases, boaters are required to submit advance notice prior to arrival. CBSA guidance states that written notification may be required up to 72 hours in advance, including details of the vessel and voyage.

Additionally, changes are coming to remote border crossings. The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program is scheduled to end in September 2026, after which all travelers entering through remote areas must report to a CBSA port of entry or designated reporting site. The RABC program covers:

• Northwest Angle Area

• Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods

• Canadian shore of Lake Superior

• Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock system)

• Cockburn Island

If you’re bringing your own boat into Canada, it must be cleaned, drained, and dry otherwise it can be considered contaminated and denied entry. Be sure to know the import prohibitions and requirements for travelers under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations.

Declarations, Onboard Requirements, & Penalties

Boaters must declare all goods being brought into Canada, including currency and restricted items. Failure to declare goods or provide accurate information can result in enforcement action. Be sure to know what is on the list of restricted and prohibited goods.

The CBSA warns that failing to report when required can lead to significant penalties. These may include:

• Monetary fines, with a minimum penalty reported at $1,000

• Seizure or forfeiture of the vessel

• Detention of individuals involved

Where and How to Declare

Recreational boaters can report to the CBSA through one of the following:

• Call the CBSA’s Telephone Reporting Centre to request clearance at 1-888-226-7277

• Report directly in-person to a designated marine reporting site

• NEXUS members can call the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-99-NEXUS.

Seasonal Reminder

As the boating season gets started, busy recreational hubs in border regions like the Great Lakes and its inland waterways will draw increased enforcement. Officials continue to stress that compliance depends on understanding when reporting is required and ensuring all documentation is in order before departure. #news