🛂 Documents
Carry these for every trip
- A valid passport (or other accepted travel document) for every traveller — check each country’s current requirements.
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance that is valid in the country you are entering.
- If you’re in a rental RV, a rental agreement that allows cross-border travel.
- A consent letter if you are travelling with children and you are not their only parent or guardian.
- Pet records, including current vaccination and rabies certificates where required.
🧾 Declaring Goods
When in doubt, declare
You must declare what you are bringing across the border. Declaring is free; failing to declare can mean fines or seizure.
- Food, plants and firewood. Both countries restrict items that can carry pests and diseases. Don’t move firewood, and check the rules before you stock the fridge.
- Firearms. Strict rules apply in both directions. Check with CBSA and CBP before bringing any firearm or ammunition.
- Cannabis. It is illegal to carry cannabis across the border in either direction, even if it is legal where you live.
- Alcohol and tobacco. Personal allowances apply; check the current limits on the CBSA and CBP sites.
- Purchases abroad. Returning residents must declare what they bought; exemptions depend on how long you were away.
🚐 RV-Specific Items
🔥 Propane
Make sure cylinders are in date and not overfilled. Ferries, bridges and tunnels often have propane rules — be ready to shut off and be inspected.
⛽ Fuel & distances
Fuel is sold by the litre in Canada and by the U.S. gallon in the United States. Speed limits are in km/h in Canada and mph in the U.S.
🔌 Shore power
Canada and the U.S. both use 120 V, 60 Hz, so your RV’s power cord and appliances work in both.
🚦 Provincial rules
Trailer lighting, brake and licensing rules differ between provinces and states; check where you will drive.
💳 Money, Phone & Health
Before you cross
- Insurance. Ask your insurer whether your RV is covered in the other country, and for how many days a year.
- Health coverage. Provincial health plans offer limited coverage outside Canada, and many U.S. plans don’t cover Canada — buy travel medical insurance.
- Phone roaming. Check your plan’s roaming charges, or use Wi-Fi calling at campgrounds.
- Currency. Check exchange rates and card fees, and carry a bit of local cash for campgrounds and ferries.
🔗 Official Sources
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Rules for entering Canada, duty-free allowances and declarations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Rules for entering the United States and for returning Canadians.
Travel.gc.ca
Government of Canada travel advice and border information.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Rules for food, plants and firewood moving into or within Canada.
RV Resources USA
Our sister site for RV dealers, campgrounds and repair guides in the United States.