Even though Canada and the United States share a border, traveling from Canada into the United States is not as simple as it used to be. Here are three things you will need to remember when crossing the border.
Travel Insurance
First, some kind of vehicle would need special coverage. If you use a mobile home, you may need mobile home insurance. Besides, unlike Canada, the U.S. healthcare system does not offer free medical care for its own citizens let alone visitors from other countries. If you do not have travel insurance and you get sick, you will have to pay the entire bill out of your own pocket.
Since your Canadian insurance is not valid outside of the country, you will want to make sure you acquire travel insurance from a reliable company, such as Citizens Insurance. When getting travel insurance, make sure it covers health, life and disability.
In most cases travel insurance also covers the following:
- Flight cancellations
- Lost luggage
- Missed flight connections
- Document replacement
- If you need to get evacuated travel insurance will cover this cost as well.
Documentation
It was true at one time that travel between the United States and Canada was relatively simple. However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) put in place by the United States as a way to increase border security, it has become more crucial citizens understand which types of documentation are needed.
While it is best practice to have a passport, there are some exceptions. Canadians who are flying can use a NEXUS card. This type of documentation proves you are a low-risk traveler. Canadian citizens under the age of 16 do not need a passport, but they must have their birth certificate (or a copy of it). Native American Indians born in Canada who are not traveling by air are also exempt from needing a passport. They must have at least 50 percent American Indian blood and have a tribal identity card to qualify.
Border Restrictions
There are some items travelers will not be allowed to take across the border when traveling to the United States. Failure to report certain items can result in large fines. Some items not allowed across the border include:
- Certain fruits, vegetables, and plants
- Eggs of any kind
- Fresh, dried or canned meats
- Products made of dog or cat fur
- Firewood
Some items, such as firearms, soil, camping gear and certain types of fish and wildlife, will have restrictions or will need an import permit.
By keeping these guidelines and suggestions in mind, your trip from Canada to the United States will go more smoothly.