Blaine Border Crossing Information
The City of Blaine sits on the international border to British Columbia, Canada. Blaine has two border crossings, the Peace Arch crossing (Douglas Crossing) and the Pacific Highway crossing also know as the Truck Crossing (SR-543). There is also a border crossing from British Columbia in to Point Roberts known as the Boundary Bay Crossing.

Here are some helpful tips on crossing the border between Blaine, WA and British Columbia, Canada. (The following information is subject to change).

PLEASE NOTE: As of June 2009 - New Document Requirement for Land and Sea - The documents that will be allowed after this date are Passports, NEXUS Cards and Enhanced Drivers License.  Birth Certificates will no longer be accepted after this date, nor will Drivers' Licenses that have not been upgraded to the new Enhanced Drivers License.

Entering Canada: What is needed:
As of June 1, 2009, everyone from every country that comes to Canada by air, land and sea needs a passport or equivalent travel document. Currently, U.S. citizens do not necessarily need a passport entering Canada by land or sea, but need valid ID that proves identity and citizenship. You will be asked for government issued ID such as birth certificate. Make sure that you bring an original birth certificate with you; it should have the city's/State seal impressed into the paper, and possibly a watermark. Also carry your drivers license with you as proof of ID regardless if you are driving or not. Visitors from any country other than the U.S. need a passport to enter Canada.

US aliens are required to bring an Alien Registration Receipt Card as proof of residence. Naturalized citizens should bring their naturalization paperwork. A rule of thumb is bring as much identification as possible, the last thing you want is to get stuck at a border crossing because you didn't bring enough ID.

You will be denied entry into Canada if you have any felony convictions, DUI charges, and other major crimes. Minor traffic violations such as speeding, parking, tailgating, etc., don't count. Also, have your car registration ready if asked.

Entering the United States: What is needed:
As of June 1, 2009, everyone from every country that comes to Canada by air, land and sea needs a passport or equivalent travel document. Effective June 1, 2009, U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials will begin to require that all travelers, including citizens of both Canada and the United States, present a valid passport, passport card, or WHTI compliant document when entering the U.S. through a land or sea border. Currently two forms of photo ID are required to enter the United States. Passports are the ideal form of identification followed by a drivers license. If you do not have a passport, you must show two other forms of photo ID as well as your original birth certificate. Make sure that you bring an original birth certificate with you; it should have the state seal impressed into the paper, and possibly a watermark.

Expect car searches as they have become the norm since 9/11.

Children traveling into Canada/USA
Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.). The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's Ready, Set.. Go! for more information on the changing travel requirements.
If you are traveling with children and crossing the border into Canada or the USA, you should:
1. Carry identification for each child.
2. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents.
3. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children.

For more information, visit the web page for Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

U.S. Consulates General are located at:
Vancouver, British Columbia, at 1095 West Pender Street, telephone (604) 685-4311; fax (604) 685-7175. The consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

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.

Pets
Dogs and cats from the U.S. that are at least three months old need signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. The certificate must clearly identify the animal. If your dogs or cats are less than three months old, you do not need a certificate of rabies vaccination to enter Canada. However, the animals must be in good health when they arrive. Most pet foods are not allowed to cross the border.

NEXUS for frequent travelers
The NEXUS - Highway program is a joint Canada-United States initiative that allows low-risk, frequent travelers to cross the border through dedicated lanes. NEXUS is currently offered at:

• Douglas, British Columbia/Peace Arch, Washington
• Pacific Highway, British Columbia/Blaine, Washington
• Boundary Bay, British Columbia/Point Roberts, Washington

You can obtain more information on applying for NEXUS by visiting www.getnexus.com

NEXUS hours of operation
The following are hours that NEXUS lanes are open for:

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 call 1-800-731-4000, go to
www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/Default-en.html,
or contact Canadian Customs.
It is recommended that the form be completed in advance.

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QUICK LINKS
Interesting British Columbia Links:
Tourism Whistler
2010 things to do in Whistler
Tourism Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Info
Vancouver 2010
Vancouver 2010 Timeline
Tourism Vancouver Offical Web Site
Whistler Chamber of Commerce
West Vancouver Visitor Information
Vancouver Vital Information: Crossing The Border
Vancouver BC Restaurants
Fraser Valley BC Restaurants
White Rock BC Restaurants

Interesting Whatcom County/Blaine Links:
City of Blaine
Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism
Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibit
Mt. Baker Ski Area