Canada - Clearance

Canada Arrival Procedures for Yachts

The latest reporting requirements for private boaters can be found on the Canada Border Services Agency website (CBSA) at https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html.

General Procedure:

Skippers of private boats entering Canadian waters should report to the Customs and Border Agency (CBSA) either by telephone or directly in-person at one of the marine reporting site locations (ports of entry). See the "Explore Canada" drop down menu and the anchor icon to view the ports of entry in each region of Canada.

See the CBSA website for full details, or contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at 1-800-461-9999.

Customs will want to know:

• Vessel's name
• Registration number
• Last port of call
• List of ports intending to visit
• Crew List
• All personal goods being imported (see Customs for details)

After reporting, you will either be cleared to enter or required to remain for further examination. It's quite possible the CBSA will come to the boat for an interview.

Once Customs have cleared you, you will receive a Cruising License. This is a piece of paper with a number that needs to be displayed in a visible position. Ideally, keep the original safe and write the number on a smaller piece of paper that can be taped onto a window or elsewhere visible.

For frequent cross-border boaters, there is NEXUS program which is available to low risk, pre-screened Canadian and US citizens that simplifies the clearance procedures for them. For details of the NEXUS program, see the Canada Border Services/NEXUS program website.

Domestic Cruising in Canada

Once cleared into Canada, there is no requirement to report domestic movements to CBSA.

Recommendations are that skippers should maintain a continuous listening watch on 2182 kHz for safe navigation, especially during bad weather conditions, and VHF Ch16 (156.800 MHz) when possible.

Fundy Traffic can be contacted on VHF Channels 12, 14, and 71 on the way to St John, and will help when visibility is bad.

Halifax Traffic on VHF Channels 12 and 14 offers similar assistance to yachtsmen.

The Canadian Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16.

Canada Departure Procedures for Yachts

There is no requirement to report your departure from Canada to the CBSA.

Useful links:

• Radio Aids to Marine Navigation 2024
• Full details of arriving by yacht can be found at Reporting Requirements for Private Boaters.

Last updated:  June 2024