New Brunswick's Border Policies Explained

New Brunswick's borders have been subject to various restrictions and reopenings in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, the province of Nova Scotia opened its border to travellers from New Brunswick without restrictions, no longer requiring self-isolation or a check-in form. In July 2021, it was announced that fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents would be allowed to enter Canada without isolating from August 9, although a pre-entry test was still required. New Brunswick communities welcomed this news, anticipating a boost in tourism and family reunions. The province shares borders with Quebec, Nova Scotia, and the US state of Maine, with entry requirements determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) respectively. Border crossings have also been improved, with a new St. Croix River crossing between Maine and New Brunswick opening in 2016, providing a more direct route for travellers.

New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border restrictions lifted

Overview

The New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border is a busy crossing, with many people travelling between the two provinces for work and leisure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, border restrictions were implemented to control the spread of the virus. These restrictions included self-isolation requirements and the completion of the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form for entry into Nova Scotia. However, as of June 30, 2021, at 8 a.m., Nova Scotia lifted all border restrictions for travellers coming from New Brunswick, allowing unrestricted travel between the two provinces. This decision was made as part of Nova Scotia's plan to reopen the entire Atlantic bubble, with declining COVID-19 case numbers making this a safe possibility.

Details of the Border Opening

The opening of the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border was announced by Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, on March 19, 2021. The changes took effect the following day, at 8 a.m. on March 20. With the lifting of restrictions, residents of New Brunswick no longer needed to self-isolate upon arrival in Nova Scotia or complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form. This was a significant change, as previously even fully vaccinated travellers from New Brunswick had to self-isolate and get tested, unless they had received their second dose at least 14 days before arriving in Nova Scotia.

The border opening was welcomed by many, especially those with family and business connections in both provinces. It was also good news for the tourism industry, which was expected to benefit from the increased travel between the provinces.

Other Border Crossings

In addition to the Nova Scotia border, New Brunswick also shares a border with Québec and an international border with the State of Maine in the United States. Crossings at the St. Croix River between Calais, Maine, and the St. Stephen area of New Brunswick have been improved with the construction of a new freeway and bridge, providing a faster route for travellers.

The lifting of border restrictions between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia was a positive step towards a return to normal travel routines and a boost for the local economy. With COVID-19 cases declining, the reopening of the Atlantic bubble was a cautious but necessary step, allowing families and businesses to reconnect and facilitating tourism in the region.

New Brunswick's international border with Maine

New Brunswick shares a 611-mile (983-kilometre) international border with the U.S. state of Maine, with 24 land border crossings. These include Calais/St. Stephen, Madawaska/Edmundston, and Houlton/Woodstock Road, which are major truck portals. The St. Croix River also acts as a natural border in some areas.

The entry requirements into Canada are determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), while entry into the U.S. is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Crossing the international border requires a passport and an inspection, which can include a vehicle inspection. A visa may also be required, depending on the situation.

Different regulations apply to pedestrians and motor vehicles than to boats and aircraft. Depending on the mode of transportation, different ports of entry may be required. For example, the ferry from Eastport, Maine, to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, is the only border crossing by sea. All other border crossings are by land.

U.S. citizens entering Canada must have proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a naturalization certificate and valid photo identification, such as a driver's license. Canadian citizens entering the U.S. must have proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a valid Canadian passport or other acceptable proof of Canadian citizenship as outlined on the CBP website.

Persons crossing the border must carry proof of identity and citizenship. In most cases, this is a passport. Examples of additional documentation can include a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license). All travellers are required to have a valid passport on their person until the end of their stay.

Other reasons that entry may be denied include criminality, health, or financial reasons, misrepresentation of identity, or having an inadmissible family member.

Requirements for US citizens to enter Canada

As of October 1, 2022, Canada is open to visitors without COVID-related restrictions. However, there are still some requirements that US citizens must meet to enter Canada. Here are the key requirements for US citizens entering Canada:

Proof of Citizenship and Identity

US citizens need to provide proof of citizenship and identity to enter Canada. This can include a valid US passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. It's important to note that a visa is not required as long as your stay in Canada is under 180 days.

Biometrics

In most cases, travellers need to provide their fingerprints and photo (biometrics) when entering Canada. This requirement depends on factors such as the traveller's country of origin, method of travel, and the documents they are carrying.

Inspection and Additional Documentation

Crossing the international border typically requires an inspection, which may include a vehicle inspection. In some situations, a visa may be necessary. The requirements differ for pedestrians and motor vehicles compared to boats and aircraft. Different ports of entry may be required depending on the mode of transportation.

Travel Documentation and Health

Visitors to Canada must have the necessary travel documentation and be in good health. They should be prepared to answer standard questions from border officers, such as the purpose of their trip, the duration of their stay, and whether they are carrying any goods that need to be declared. All travellers must have a valid passport throughout their stay. Additionally, providing 24-hour contact details of the host and proof of sufficient funds for the stay and return trip is recommended.

It is important to note that persons can be denied entry at the border based on suspicion alone. Other reasons for denial of entry include criminality, health risks, financial instability, misrepresentation of identity, or having an inadmissible family member.

Canadian requirements to enter the US

To enter the US, Canadian citizens must provide proof of their citizenship. This can include:

• A valid Canadian passport
• A NEXUS card, which can be used at self-service kiosks at designated airports, or when returning to Canada by air
• An enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a US-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented
• A Secure Certificate of Indian Status
• A Canadian birth certificate
• A permanent residence card
• A valid Canadian driver's licence

Canadian citizens under 19 must travel with written consent from their parent/guardian if they are travelling with a school or other organised group under adult supervision.

US-bound Canadian citizens must also be able to answer standard questions from border officers, such as:

• Where are you from?
• Where are you going?
• Where will you be staying?
• How long will you be in the country?
• What is the purpose of your trip?
• Do you have any alcohol, tobacco products or firearms?
• Will you be leaving any goods behind?
• Will you be selling any goods or services while in the country?

Canadian permanent residents may need a non-immigrant visa to enter the US and must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship.

It is recommended that all travellers to the US purchase emergency medical travel insurance before leaving Canada.

The St. Croix River border crossing

The St. Croix River is a river in northeastern North America that forms part of the Canada–United States border between Maine and New Brunswick. The river rises in the Chiputneticook Lakes and flows south and southeast, between Calais and St. Stephen. It discharges into Passamaquoddy Bay, in the Bay of Fundy. The river forms from the Chiputneticook Lakes (North Lake, East Grand Lake, Mud Lake, and Spednic Lake) along the Canadian–US border. The river is an estuary between Calais and St. Stephen and the river's mouth at Robbinston and St. Andrews. This tidal area extends for approximately 16 miles (26 km) along this section and exhibits a tidal bore.

Crossing from New Brunswick, travellers will arrive west of Calais. If travellers' plans are taking them to Bangor, they are already headed in the right direction. If travellers need to go into downtown Calais, they must double back or exit the freeway in New Brunswick and take an older crossing. There are nearby gas stations in either direction, towards Bangor or back into downtown Calais.

Anyone taking US-1 south toward Eastport will probably steer through downtown Calais. If travellers are coming through New Brunswick in the direction of Machias or Acadia National Park, they may want to look carefully at their map of Maine for a shortcut, now made even more convenient thanks to the new bridge. ME-191 is a more direct route from Calais than US-1 for Machias and points west along the Maine coast. It's 57 miles from Calais to Machias along US-1, but just 41 miles if travellers take ME-191. Route 191 is an excellent paved road, in at least as good condition as US-1.

The St. Croix River is a popular recreational river. Common uses include boating, fishing, camping, and canoeing. Highways along both sides of the river offer scenic drives punctuated by small towns offering restaurants, shopping, bed and breakfasts, historical tours, and other common tourist activities.

Frequently asked questions