Crossing the border

Ontario offers multiple travel options for crossing its border, including by air, road, rail and boat. Get up-to-date information about border crossing locations, border wait times and the proper documentation you’ll need.

Once over the border, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) provides information on traffic conditions, road closures, weather issues, emergency information and more. 

Arriving by air

International travellers flying into Ontario must have a valid passport.

Before boarding your flight, you will be required to present your travel and identification documents. For non-Canadian citizens, this may include a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in addition to a passport. Once you arrive, a border services officer will confirm your identity and documentation to determine if you are eligible to enter the country.

Save time at the border by submitting your customs and immigration declaration online up to 72 hours before your arrival. You will also need to visit the Canada Border Services Agency checkpoint to have your documents and luggage inspected.

Arriving by road

There are 14 road border crossings into Ontario from the United States. Check border wait times and, if possible, choose a less busy port of entry for a smoother crossing.

All non-Canadian travellers entering Ontario by road must meet Canada’s general entry requirements, which include a valid passport and an eTA (depending on your country of origin). U.S. citizens can present a NEXUS card or an enhanced driver’s licence.

Personal vehicles must meet Canadian safety standards. If you’re driving a rented vehicle, the rental agreement must allow the vehicle’s entry into the country.

Arriving by rail

In conjunction with Amtrak, VIA Rail provides rail transportation between Toronto and New York City. When booking your reservation, you’ll need to provide information about your citizenship and the identification you'll be carrying. This can be a valid passport, a NEXUS card or an enhanced driver’s licence. Make sure your identification matches the details of your train reservation.

Allow sufficient time before your departure to complete any other border-crossing procedures at the train station.

Arriving by boat

Travellers may also cross into Ontario over water-based borders via one of four passenger ferries or by private vessel.

If you’re sailing in a private boat, you must report your arrival to the Canada Border Services Agency, even if you are not planning to dock, anchor or enter a canal or river.

Report your arrival by calling the Telephone Reporting Centre (toll-free: 1-888-226-7277) or report in person at a designated marine reporting site location. Only the captain who holds the master licence and certification may leave the vessel to do the reporting. No other passengers or goods may disembark until clearance is received.

When reporting your arrival, you’ll need to answer questions about the purpose of your trip and any goods being declared, and provide acceptable identification. The CBSA will decide if further inspection is required before granting clearance.

Prepare your documentation

Canadian citizens to Ontario

By air: Canadians travelling from another province to Ontario by air will need to provide a Canadian identification document. Children will also be required to present one piece of government-issued identification.

By road, rail or water: There are no requirements for Canadian citizens to cross provincial borders by road, rail or water. However, carrying valid government-issued photo identification is recommended.

U.S. visitors to Ontario

All visitors travelling by air, road, rail or water between the United States and Canada are required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card.

All other visitors to Ontario

Citizens from other countries must have a valid passport, and in some cases, a visitor visa to enter Canada. The entry documents required depend on where you are from, how you are travelling and what documents you are travelling with. View travel requirements by country or territory.

Customs

Locate the nearest Ontario customs office at Border Information Service.

Learn more about what visitors can bring into Canada while travelling to Ontario, including personal goods, gifts, food, plants, animals, alcohol and tobacco.

To avoid penalties, including fines, seizure or prosecution, review information on what goods are restricted or prohibited when entering Canada.

Travel checklist and staying informed

Use the Border Reminder Checklist to ensure you have all the necessary items.

For the most up-to-date information about what you need to cross the border into Canada, including services, legislation and restrictions at the border, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website. Always check in advance before you travel.