May 27, 2025

Entering Canada by Boat

Posted by Durr-e Adan - Bellissimo Law Group PC

With the arrival of May, Canada’s boating season is in full swing. Marinas across Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces are preparing to welcome foreign vessels, especially from the United States.

But crossing into Canadian waters is not just a matter of navigation. Maritime entries are treated with the same seriousness as land or air travel. Boaters must comply with customs and immigration rules or risk fines, vessel seizure, or criminal charges. Two federal agencies are involved:

  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): Handles customs enforcement and border screening, including at marine ports.
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): Sets the legal rules under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) for anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or Indigenous person.

Understanding and following the rules will help ensure a safe and lawful entry.

Reporting Requirements and CBSA Processing

If you are entering Canadian waters by boat, the need to report depends on what you do once inside Canada’s territory. You are not required to report if:

  • You pass through Canadian waters without stopping, anchoring, or making contact.
  • You are a Canadian citizen re-entering Canada/Indigenous person without having landed abroad.

You must report if you:

  • Dock, anchor, or moor in Canadian waters
  • Engage with another vessel or any person in Canada
  • Pick up or drop off passengers even if you do not disembark

When you report, use a designated CBSA Marine Telephone Reporting Site or Marine Port of Entry and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277. These sites are listed online and marked with signage at marinas or ports.  For vessels carrying thirty or more passengers, you must notify CBSA in writing at least 72 hours before arrival. The vessel operator is responsible for reporting and must provide:

  • Names, birthdates, and citizenship of everyone onboard
  • Purpose and destination of the trip
  • Complete list of goods onboard
  • Proof of immigration status or admissibility, if required

After reporting, CBSA will issue a report number. Keep this on hand in case an officer requests proof. If instructed, all passengers and goods must remain onboard for a possible secondary inspection.

You may not dock or go ashore for fuel, groceries, rest, or leisure before receiving CBSA clearance. This applies even in remote areas or at private cottages. The only exception is for emergencies, such as a medical issue or mechanical failure, but even then, you must notify CBSA as soon as possible and wait for authorization to disembark.

Before entering Canadian waters, your boat must be clean, drained, and dry to comply with Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations. Be sure to check local rules regarding fishing bait, as certain types are prohibited.

Required Documents and Admissibility

Everyone onboard must carry valid travel and identification documents:

  • Passport or proof of citizenship or permanent residence
  • Visa or eTA, if required based on nationality
  • Supporting documents (e.g., study/work permits, immigration approvals)
  • Proof of vessel ownership or registration
  • List of all goods, especially regulated items. Note that U.S. goods exceeding your personal exemption limit may be subject to a 25% surtax

All visitors must meet Canadian immigration requirements, including demonstrating intent to leave Canada at the end of the stay and having no inadmissibility issues (e.g., criminal history, health risks, prior immigration violations etc.).

Additionally, if you are organizing a cross-border or international boating event, you must coordinate with the Special Events Unit at CBSA Headquarters and the local CBSA office. Event organizers must submit full itineraries and participant lists in advance. In general, U.S. Citizens and/or Green Card holders must keep in mind the following guidelines:

  • U.S. citizens do not need a visa or eTA for marine entry but must still report to CBSA.
  • Must carry valid ID and meet admissibility standards.
  • U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) do not require an eTA when arriving by boat, but must carry proper documents and be admissible under Canadian law.

NEXUS members may be eligible for streamlined processing if all passengers onboard are NEXUS members. The boat operator must:

  • Call 1-866-99-NEXUS between 30 minutes and 4 hours before arrival
  • Provide full vessel and passenger details
  • Declare all goods

If no officer is present at your landing time, you may proceed but keep your NEXUS report number in case you’re asked to show proof.

Declaring Goods and Special Rules

Travellers must declare all regulated or restricted goods, including:

  • Firearms, ammunition, pepper spray, or weapons
  • Alcohol, tobacco, and food products
  • Cannabis in any form (legal in Canada, but not legal to cross borders without Health Canada authorization)
  • Currency over CAN$10,000
  • Food, plants, animals, and related products
  • Explosives or fireworks

Canadian residents must also declare any boat repairs or modifications done while abroad.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to follow reporting and entry rules can result in:

  • Fines beginning at CAN$1,000 per person
  • Seizure or detention of the vessel
  • Criminal charges under the Customs Act or the IRPA
  • Admissibility findings that bar future entry to Canada

CBSA and RCMP conduct regular marine patrols and use radar, drones, and satellite systems to detect unauthorized landings. You can appeal a penalty or seizure by submitting a written request to the CBSA Recourse Directorate within 90 days.

Compliance with reporting, documentation, and admissibility requirements is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or enforcement action whilst entering Canada by boat.

If you have questions about your status or obligations, contact our office for legal guidance before you travel.

This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.