For people living in Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, or the GTA, Detroit can be part of a real travel plan: airport access, concerts, sports, museums, food, or a bigger U.S. road trip. The border is usually manageable when documents are ready and your answers are simple.

Before You Cross

  • Bring proper passports, visas, permits, and vehicle documents.
  • Consider NEXUS if you cross often and qualify.
  • Do not bring fresh produce or uncertain food items unless you have checked current rules.
  • Know your destination, how long you will stay, and what you are bringing back.
Local note: The U.S. side can feel more formal and intimidating, with armed officers and working dogs visible. Canadian officers can also be strict. Stay calm, answer directly, and do not joke at the booth.

What Changed Since COVID

COVID-era vaccine and testing rules caused a lot of stress for cross-border trips. Those specific requirements have changed, but border rules can always shift. Check official U.S. and Canadian government pages before travel, especially if you have a non-Canadian passport, temporary status, or food/goods in the car.

Best Trip Style

If it is your first time, keep the plan simple: one destination, one meal stop, and enough buffer time. A rushed border crossing before a paid event or flight is where stress gets expensive.