For some Canadians, driving over the Canada/US border is like scratching your elbow; you don’t even realize you’re doing it.
I live close to the 49th parallel and I drive across the border so often, I don’t even think about it anymore. It came as a surprise when I read in recent news that the Canadian and American governments will be sharing information on all exits and entries.
Starting this summer, whether you drive across with your Nexus pass for groceries or fly to an American destination, the Canadian and US governments will both be keeping tabs on you. The Beyond the Border Action Plan is designed to essentially “check in” all returning Canadians, kind of like a library book. This in turn signals that you’ve “checked out” of the US.
Canadians can only visit the US for up to 183 days (6 months) a year, but beware! All those short trips can add up fast. Frequent travellers to the US will have to be careful not to overstay their welcome─it won’t be a secret anymore now that both countries have this information. Busy border points like Peace Arch Crossing will definitely feel the impact. For more info, read how the US and Canada will share information.
How do you feel about Canada and the US sharing information on travellers’ entries and exits? Leave a comment and join the conversation!
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We are frequent border crossers and always use Nexus. Is there a way we can track our crossings?
Hi Kristie,
Thanks for your question! Border crossings to the U.S. via land and air are tracked by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You can access your travel history for the last 5 years online by visiting CBP’s I-94 website (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home#section).
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) tracks your entries into Canada too, but to access that information, you’ll have to place a formal request for your Travel History Report with the CBSA, which can take up to 30 days. For more details, visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/pia-efvp/atip-aiprp/thr-rav-eng.html.
Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions related to cross-border travel records or regulations!
Happy travels,
Linnea
Hi Kristie,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Yes, you’re correct in requesting information from CBSA – they are your best bet in terms of helping you find this info. Sorry we’re not of more help!
Cheers,
Linnea