Although international border crossings are often just simple formalities, unnecessary complications can seriously upset travel plans. Be prepared! Make certain that you have all necessary entry documents in hand before leaving home. This page is provided for general information purposes only. For information specific to yourself and individuals travelling with you, you are advised to contact the office of the Canadian Consulate nearest you. For additional information, you may wish to click on Citizenship and Immigration Canada. VIA Rail Canada cannot be held liable for travellers detained or refused entry at a border crossing, for whatever reason invoked by customs officials.
If you reserve a ticket on a train that crosses the Canada-US border, either a VIA Rail train or an Amtrak train, you will normally be asked your date of birth and citizenship. Make certain you have all necessary travel and entry documents in hand.
Important information: It is very important that your ticket be purchased before 8:30 on the morning of your departure so that your name will be entered on the passenger list transmitted to the customs. Passengers whose names do not appear on the list will not be allowed to cross the border.
At the border, the train will be inspected by customs officers. Your baggage, including hand baggage, will be checked. In the event that you experience problems at the border, the train may depart without you. VIA Rail Canada can assume no liability in this regard and your ticket will not be refunded or exchanged.
Passport and visa
Conditions for entry into Canada and the United States differ depending upon your country of origin. The majority of Canadian and US citizens may cross the Canada-US border provided that they are carrying proof of citizenship with them: birth certificate or certificate of naturalization. Please note that a driver's licence does not quality as proof of citizenship. We also strongly recommend that all our clients bring their passport.
Non-Canadian and non-American citizens fall under the US-VISIT enhanced border inspection program effective since December 2005. This program requires all non-Canadian and non-American travellers entering the US to have their current passport, and in many cases, a valid visa, which must be shown prior to boarding the train. For more information on US-VISIT procedures, click here.
Baggage policy on Amtrak trains
Aboard all Amtrak trains (in the U.S. and between Canada and the U.S.), you must limit yourself to two items of carry-on baggage. In other words, you can only bring two articles of baggage in the passenger car. However, you might be able to check excess luggage in the baggage car. For Amtrak's general baggage policy, select this link.
Don't forget to check both the services and policies of the VIA Rail trains and Amtrak trains you will be taking (to/from U.S.).
Entry restrictions
Cigarettes, spirits, wine, plants and pets are subject to restrictions. For details, check out the FAQ section on the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website.
"All-inclusive" vacations
Choose one of our "all-inclusive" packages for an ideal, worry-free vacation with everything included! Let a Canadian-travel professional take care of organizing your vacation: hotel reservations, choice of route, and so on. We offer packages designed for you to discover Canada's different regions:
