Best Maine-New Brunswick Border Crossings

Maine and New Brunswick share a 611-mile border with 24 land border crossings. The best option for crossing the border depends on several factors, including your mode of transportation, direction of travel, and final destination.

For those travelling by car, the Calais/St. Stephen, Houlton/Woodstock, and Madawaska/Edmundston crossings are among the most popular. The Calais port of entry is one of the busiest between Canada and the US, with over 2000 passenger and commercial vehicles passing through daily. However, some travellers prefer the Houlton/Woodstock route as it has divided highways and faster travel times. The Madawaska/Edmundston crossing is also a major truck portal.

For those entering New Brunswick by air, the Portland International Jetport is Maine's primary commercial resource for air travel, while Bangor International Airport also accommodates commercial air traffic.

Regardless of the chosen crossing, all travellers must carry proof of identity and citizenship, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship card, or government-issued photo ID.

Ferry Point Crossing vs Calais

If you're travelling from Maine to New Brunswick, you may want to consider the benefits of crossing at Ferry Point versus Calais. Both border crossings are located between the towns of St. Stephen in New Brunswick and Calais in Maine, with the former being a popular destination for Americans seeking cheaper fuel. The two towns are so close that visitors can explore both as if they were one.

The Ferry Point Bridge is one of the two older border crossings in the area, along with the Milltown International Bridge. Both suffered from significant congestion due to their status as major commercial crossings until the newer International Avenue crossing opened in 2010 to alleviate the issue. The Ferry Point crossing is now only available to automobiles, with trucks and other commercial vehicles being turned away and redirected to the International Avenue crossing. The port is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and pedestrians are allowed to cross. However, RV travellers should note that the Calais International crossing has more space than this older port.

The International Avenue crossing connects to Maine State Route 9, which in turn links to Interstate 95 in Bangor. On the New Brunswick side, the bridge connects to a four-lane segment of New Brunswick Route 1. All commercial traffic is required to use this newer crossing. On the U.S. side, there are three lanes to process commercial trucks with drive-through cargo-scanning technology, as well as six bays for unloading, examining, and reloading cargo. Private vehicles can choose from six lanes. The port is open 24/7 and has NEXUS lanes for entering the U.S. or Canada.

Houlton vs Woodstock

When travelling between Maine and New Brunswick, there are a number of border crossings to choose from. Two of the most popular options are Houlton in Maine and Woodstock in New Brunswick. Here is some information to help you decide between these two crossings.

Houlton, Maine

Houlton is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, close to the border with Canada. The Houlton Station is the U.S. border station for the Houlton-Woodstock Border Crossing. This crossing is the northern terminus of U.S. Interstate 95, which runs along the east coast from Florida to Maine. It is a major border crossing, with traffic volume in the top 25% of all crossings between the U.S. and Canada. It is also a major truck portal. The U.S. customs office in Houlton is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers commercial services at all times.

Woodstock, New Brunswick

Woodstock is a town in New Brunswick, Canada, located west of the Houlton-Woodstock Border Crossing. The Canadian border station is known as Woodstock Road. This crossing is the western terminus of New Brunswick Route 95. Both the U.S. and Canadian ports of entry are open 24/7, with commercial services always available. The Atlantic Travel Centre in Woodstock provides duty-free shopping 7 days a week.

Houlton vs. Woodstock

Both the Houlton and Woodstock border crossings offer 24-hour service and convenient access to major highways. When deciding between these two crossings, consider factors such as your final destination, the current traffic and road conditions, and your preferred route.

For those travelling to Saint John, some suggest that the Calais-St. Stephen crossing is a more direct route than Houlton-Woodstock, despite the latter's divided highway. However, others recommend Houlton-Woodstock for its faster and safer interstate road conditions. The Houlton-Woodstock crossing may be preferable for those seeking a more scenic drive, as the route offers a divided highway and avoids secondary highways.

It is always a good idea to check for updates on border wait times, road conditions, and any strike actions by border agents before your trip. Additionally, ensure you are familiar with the customs requirements and prohibited items for both countries.

Documents required for US citizens

When crossing the border from Maine to New Brunswick, US citizens are required to present specific documents to gain entry into Canada. Here is a detailed guide on the necessary documents:

Firstly, it's important to understand that entry into Canada is determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). All travellers must carry proof of identity and citizenship, which is typically a valid passport. This requirement applies to all travellers, including US citizens, both adults and children.

For US citizens, there are several acceptable forms of identification and citizenship documentation that can be presented at the border. These include:

• A US birth certificate: This serves as proof of citizenship and identity for US citizens.
• A certificate of citizenship: This document is specifically issued to confer citizenship.
• A naturalization certificate: This is for individuals who have acquired US citizenship through naturalization. It should be accompanied by a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license.
• A valid US passport: A passport is widely accepted as proof of both identity and citizenship.

In addition to the above documents, other forms of identification may also be accepted. These include government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver's license, or a Trusted Traveller Program Card, such as a NEXUS card. These programs are designed for pre-approved, low-risk travellers and can expedite the border clearance process.

It is worth noting that different regulations may apply based on the mode of transportation. For example, separate entry ports may be designated for pedestrians, motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft. Additionally, certain requirements may apply for minors who are travelling without their parents or legal guardians, so be sure to review those guidelines if applicable.

Furthermore, US citizens should be prepared to answer standard questions asked by border officers, such as the purpose of their trip, the duration of their stay, and whether they are carrying any restricted items, such as alcohol, tobacco, or firearms.

In summary, US citizens crossing the border from Maine to New Brunswick should carry valid identification and citizenship documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or other accepted forms of identification. It is also essential to be aware of any specific requirements that may apply based on the traveller's unique circumstances.

Documents required for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens entering the US from New Brunswick via Maine must carry proof of identity and citizenship. This is usually a valid Canadian passport. However, in some cases, other documents can be used as proof of Canadian citizenship, as outlined on the website of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• A birth certificate
• A naturalization certificate
• A citizenship certificate
• A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license
• An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
• A Lawful Permanent Resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status
• A Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
• A Canadian citizenship card
• A certificate of Indian Status
• A combination of a birth certificate with either a driver's license or a government-issued photo identification.

Please note that while a passport is not always required, it is strongly recommended by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). Using alternative forms of documentation may cause significant delays and trigger secondary screening as border officers try to verify your information.

In addition to proof of identity and citizenship, Canadian citizens must also have the necessary travel documentation and be in good health. They must also be prepared to answer standard questions to the satisfaction of the border officer, 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?"

Border crossing inspection

When crossing the border between Maine and New Brunswick, you will need to go through an inspection. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Before you arrive at the border:

• Ensure you have the correct documentation ready to present. U.S. citizens entering Canada must have proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate. Canadian citizens returning to Canada must have at least one of the following: a Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent residence card, citizenship card, or certificate of Indian Status.
• If you have any kind of criminal record, including a minor conviction, you must check the current border regulations before you travel.
• If you are travelling with children who are not your own, you must have their proof of citizenship and, if they are not your own children, a letter of permission from their parent or legal guardian.
• If you have recently undergone any medical tests involving radiation, consider delaying your trip or obtaining a note from your doctor explaining the radiation source, as you may be sent for a secondary inspection otherwise.
• Leave any suspicious items at home and only bring things that are consistent with the purpose of your travel.
• Empty your trunk of anything you do not need for the trip.
• If you are travelling with a pet, check the relevant guidelines.

When you arrive at the border:

• Remove your sunglasses so that border agents can see your eyes.
• Be courteous and avoid making any political or sarcastic comments, as this may extend your conversation with port officials.
• Only answer the questions you are asked and avoid trying to be witty.
• Ensure your seatbelt is buckled.
• Make sure your passengers have handed their passports and other ID to you before you reach the booth to avoid having to search for them.
• If you are a U.S. citizen, you may be asked to provide further proof of your citizenship, such as a driver's license.
• If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may be asked about the purpose of your trip, how long you will be staying, and whether you have the necessary visa.
• You may be asked to undergo a vehicle inspection.
• You may be searched.
• If you are denied entry, you will be given instructions on what you need to do to enter the country.

Frequently asked questions