Canada Border Checklist for Driving to Alaska

You cross twice: into Canada (usually in BC or Alberta), and back into the US at the Alaska border. Tick boxes as you go, then print this page.

Documents

• Passport book or passport card for every US citizen, kids included. (A passport card works at land crossings, not for flying.) Or another WHTI-compliant document such as NEXUS or an enhanced driver's license.
• Kids traveling with only one parent: Canada recommends a signed letter of authorization from the parent who is not traveling (with their address and phone number), a photocopy of that parent's signed passport or ID, and a copy of the child's birth certificate. Bring custody papers if parents share or have sole custody. A notarized letter can avoid delays.
• Vehicle registration, and a letter from the owner or rental company if it is not your vehicle.
• Proof of auto insurance valid in Canada (ask your insurer for a Canadian card if they offer one).
• eTA is not needed for US citizens driving in. Non-US citizens: check your own entry rules.

Pets

• Into Canada: dogs and cats 3 months or older coming from the US need a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed vet that identifies the animal. Animals under 3 months need proof of age. Check the CFIA page for current details.
• Back into the US: dogs entering the US (including Alaska) fall under CDC dog import rules. For a dog that has only been in the US and Canada (low-risk countries) in the last 6 months, CDC currently requires the dog to be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and to have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Check the CDC page for current rules before you leave.
• Pet food: bring it in the original package and in small amounts. Rules vary by source country.

Firearms

• Declare every firearm at the Canadian border. Never try to bring one in undeclared.
• Handguns and many other firearms are prohibited in Canada. Non-restricted rifles and shotguns can be allowed for valid reasons with a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form RCMP 5589, formerly CAFC 909), filled out in advance but signed only in front of the border officer, plus a CAN$25 fee. Once confirmed it works as a temporary licence for up to 60 days. More than two firearms need continuation sheet RCMP 5590. Restricted firearms also need an Authorization to Transport arranged in advance.
• Read the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program visitor page and the CBSA firearms page before you plan to bring any firearm.

Food

• Declare all food, plants and animal products.
• Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy can be restricted depending on the current animal and plant disease situation. Check CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) close to your travel date.
• Plan to restock groceries after crossing rather than hauling a full fridge.

Cannabis

• Do not cross with cannabis in any form, including CBD or THC oils, in either direction. It is illegal to take it across the Canada-US border without a Health Canada permit, even though it is legal in Canada and in Alaska, and even with a medical document. If you do have any, you must declare it to CBSA; not declaring can mean arrest, prosecution or penalties up to CAN$2,000.
• Clean out the RV, glovebox and bags before you leave home.

Alcohol and tobacco

• Into Canada, if you meet the age of the province you enter: one of 1.5 L of wine, or 1.14 L of liquor (or wine and liquor combined), or 8.5 L of beer or ale (about 24 cans of 355 ml). More may be allowed with duty, taxes and any provincial or territorial fees paid.
• Tobacco: all of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 g of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks, plus limited vaping products (up to 120 ml or 120 g). Declare all of it. Check CBSA for current amounts.

Money and other

• Declare cash or monetary instruments worth CAN$10,000 or more. Undeclared amounts can be seized.
• Have a card that works in Canada with no foreign fee, and some Canadian cash for small towns.
• Bear spray: check CBSA rules. Only products clearly labeled for use on animals are allowed.

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