In an effort to enhance border integrity, the Canada Border Services Agency announced it will introduce telephone reporting in areas that were previously covered by the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program, including Northwest Angle area, Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods, the Canadian shore of Lake Superior, Sault Ste. Marie and Cockburn Island.
Travellers will be required to report to the CBSA from designated sites when they enter Canada, similar to processes already in place across the country, ensuring consistent security and expectations across various regions, and aligning more closely with how travelers report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when entering the U.S.
Existing RABC permits have been extended, and won’t expire until 11:59pm on September 13, 2026, with telephone reporting for these regions going into effect on September 14, 2026. Failure to report to the CBSA can lead to enforcement action, including monetary penalties, seizure of goods or vehicles and possible criminal charges under the Customs Act. Locations for new telephone reporting sites will be decided and shared in the coming months.
To learn more, visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-5-12-eng.html
PHOTO: CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY FACEBOOK
