Canada–United States Border Warning Issued Ahead of Record Memorial Day Travel Weekend

Have Your Documents Ready

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is not going to let you wing it at the border. U.S. citizens crossing by land need a valid passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or a Trusted Traveler card like NEXUS. Non-U.S. travelers should apply for their I-94 ahead of time online or through the CBP Link app. Doing it before you arrive can significantly speed up processing at the port of entry.

Visa Waiver Program travelers, including most Europeans, Australians, and citizens of several Asian countries, must also have an approved ESTA before attempting to enter the U.S. by air or land. The application fee is currently $40, up from $21 last September, and you should only apply through the official government site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Fake ESTA websites are a well-documented scam, so this is not the place to take shortcuts.

Declare Everything

This one catches people off guard more than it should. CBP requires you to declare all goods you're bringing into the country, and the list is longer than most people expect:

• Purchases and alcohol

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Packaged and prepared food, including homemade meals

• Raw meat and eggs

• Live plants, animals, and seeds

• Agricultural products

• Firewood

Certain agricultural items are restricted or prohibited because of pest and disease concerns. Failing to disclose any of the above could cost you up to $1,000 in fines, which is a rough way to end a holiday weekend.

Report Cash Over $10,000

Anyone carrying more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments must report it to CBP. That covers physical currency, traveler's checks, money orders, and certain negotiable instruments.

There's an online reporting portal available, and CBP issued a separate reminder about this earlier in May after officers confiscated $44,000 from a traveler who hadn't declared it at Philadelphia International Airport.

Leave the Cannabis at Home

Even if you're crossing from a Canadian province or entering a U.S. state where marijuana is legal, it remains illegal under federal law. That applies to all cannabis products. NEXUS card holders, take note: carrying prohibited goods in the wrong lane or at all can get your card revoked.

Time Your Crossing Wisely

Transportation analytics company INRIX predicts the worst traffic congestion will hit on Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday afternoon is also expected to be especially busy. Travelers with flexible schedules may want to aim for Sunday instead, which is currently forecast to be the lightest travel day of the weekend.

Before you even leave the driveway, AAA recommends checking tire pressure, battery health, and fluid levels. Last Memorial Day weekend, the organization responded to more than 350,000 roadside assistance calls related to flat tires, dead batteries, and empty gas tanks. That’s the kind of delay that has nothing to do with border traffic and everything to do with skipping a quick five-minute pre-trip check.

If you're crossing this weekend, plan ahead, declare honestly, and pad your timeline. Real-time border wait times and full travel requirements are available at CBP.gov/travel.

FAQ: Crossing the U.S.-Canada Border on Memorial Day

Which border crossings are affected by CBP's Memorial Day warning?

CBP's warning specifically calls out the Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie land border crossings in Michigan. All three connect to Canadian provinces and are expected to see heavy traffic over the holiday weekend.

What documents do U.S. citizens need to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land?

Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License, or a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS.

What is an I-94, and do I need one?

An I-94 is an arrival and departure record issued by CBP to most non-U.S. international visitors, tracking their legal entry and length of stay. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and some Canadian and visa-exempt visitors are generally exempt. If you need one, applying online or through the CBP Link app before you reach the border can speed things up at the crossing.

What is an ESTA, and who needs one?

An ESTA is an electronic travel authorization required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including most of Europe, Australia, and several Asian nations. It must be obtained before traveling to the U.S. by air or land. The current application fee is $40, and you should only apply at the official government site, esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

What happens if I forget to declare food or agricultural items at the border?

Failing to declare agricultural goods can result in fines of up to $1,000. CBP takes this seriously because of the risk of pests and diseases entering the country via food, plants, and seeds.

Can I bring marijuana across the U.S.-Canada border?

No. Marijuana and all cannabis products remain illegal under U.S. federal law, regardless of whether they're legal in the state you're entering or the Canadian province you're leaving.

Do I have to report cash when crossing the border?

Yes, if you're carrying more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments, including traveler's checks and money orders, you're required to report it to CBP.

When is the best time to cross the border over Memorial Day weekend?

Sunday is forecast to be the lightest travel day. The worst congestion is expected on Thursday and Friday between 3 and 6 p.m., and Monday afternoon is also predicted to be busy. If you have flexibility, plan around those windows.