Changes in Canada-US Border Crossing Hours Effective January 2025

Starting January 6, 2025, travelers crossing the Canada-US border via land ports will experience updated operational hours. These revised schedules, which impact 35 entry points across various provinces, aim to streamline border operations and enhance security. This development is crucial for frequent border travelers and individuals utilizing immigration services, such as flagpoling, which involves temporary residents exiting and re-entering Canada to access in-person immigration processing.

Affected Provinces and Ports of Entry

The modified hours will apply to land ports of entry in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick. Here’s a summary of the new operational hours by province:

Alberta

• Del Bonita: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, open daily.

British Columbia

• Cascade: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, open daily.
• Nelway: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open daily.

Manitoba

Ports such as Cartwright, Crystal City, and Winkler will operate within shortened daily windows, typically ranging from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Quebec

Key ports like Chartierville and Highwater will maintain 12-hour windows, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while Lacolle Route 221 offers extended service from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

New Brunswick

Some ports, like Bloomfield, will operate six days a week, while others, such as Gillespie Portage, maintain seven-day operations.

Saskatchewan

Ports including Carievale and Estevan Highway will adjust their hours seasonally, aligning with daylight saving time.

Detailed timings for all affected ports are available on the official Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website.

Impact on Travelers and Immigration Services

The revised timings will compress the availability of border services, potentially affecting frequent travelers and newcomers relying on flagpoling. With limited hours, planning ahead becomes crucial for individuals seeking immigration support or routine border crossings.

Why These Changes Are Being Made

The CBSA cites the need to enhance security and optimize resource allocation as key reasons for the adjustments. By aligning operational hours with peak traffic and enforcing more efficient workflows, the agency aims to improve its ability to process goods, travelers, and enforcement actions effectively.

The changes also facilitate collaboration between Canada and the US in managing inadmissible travelers and goods. Coordinated schedules minimize challenges when one side of the border closes while the other remains operational.

Understanding Inadmissibility in Canada

Inadmissibility refers to a person being barred from entering Canada due to various reasons, including:

• Criminal history or convictions.
• Health-related issues that may pose a risk.
• Violations of immigration laws or concerns about national security.

Ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and addressing any potential barriers proactively can help travelers avoid complications at the border.

Key Takeaways

This upcoming change reflects a strategic move by Canada-US border authorities to enhance security and service delivery while addressing modern operational needs. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the new timings and adjust their plans accordingly to ensure a smooth border-crossing experience.

For more information on commercial service timings or specific port schedules, visit the CBSA official website.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data at the time of publication. While we strive to ensure accuracy and completeness, we recommend consulting the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or official government resources for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding border crossing hours and related policies. This article does not constitute legal advice or professional consultation. For specific immigration or legal concerns, please contact a qualified immigration professional or legal advisor.