Border Crossing Waterton
Crossing the U.S.-Canada border is a straightforward process that includesgoing through immigration customs. The agent may ask standard questions
about where you are from, where you are going, how long you will be
there, where your car is, and if you are carrying any prohibited items. If
you are prepared to answer these questions you should have no problem
crossing the border.
There are six ports of entry into Canada from the United States:
1. Aden, Alberta/Whitlash, Montana
2. Carway, Alberta/Peigan, Montana
3. Del Bonita, Alberta/Del Bonita, Montana
4. Wild Horse, Alberta/Wild Horse, Montana
5. Coutts, Alberta/Sweetgrass, Montana (open all year, daily 24 hour
service)
6. Chief Mountain, Alberta/Chief Mountain, Montana
Some of these ports of entry feature significant inspection plazas and
secondary inspection areas, while others consist of a renovated house with
only part-time hours. Immigration regulations require that each person
be inspected when crossing the border between the United States and
Canada.
Specific forms of identification are required at all land border crossings:
- Recommended forms of ID are: a driver’s license, passport and either an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
- Travelers should have identification and proof of age for all passengers in the vehicle.
- A birth certificate may be needed for children.Special restrictions exist on crossing the border with pets, firearms, defensive and bear sprays, alcohol, firewood, and other purchases.
From Waterton, head east on Highway 5 towards Cardston and the border
crossing. Or in the summer months, take the scenic shortcut to the Chief
Mountain border crossing, which is open only from late May through
September. The fall colors are phenomenal if you catch the aspen turning in
the fall.
Basic Requirements to cross the Border:
• The driver must have a valid driver’s license.
• You must also have your vehicle registration. Border officials are always
on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on
vehicles purchased out of country.
• Having your proof of insurance showing coverage is recommended.
• Warning: alarm bells will go off anytime you try to cross the border in
a car that is not yours. This is especially true if you fly across the border,
and then come back in someone else’s personal vehicle. U.S. Customs
advise that you might want to have a notarized copy of a permission letter
addressed to the “Officer In Charge of Customs and Border Protection” to
drive another person’s car across the border.
• Rental Cars: generally speaking, an American citizen can cross the
border in a rental car without much problem. It is a bit more complicated
for Canadian citizens. There is a separate page with much more detail on
taking a rental car across the border.
Arriving by land or water you may present:
• Passport
• Trusted Traveler Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST
• State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced
Identification Card – EDL / EIC
