Changes to Canada-U.S. Border Hours Announced for 2024

Tuesday 19 November 2024 - 08:15

Starting January 6, 2024, travelers crossing the Canada-U.S. border will experience adjusted hours of operation at 35 ports of entry. These changes, implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), aim to enhance security and improve border management for both countries.

The revised schedules, effective from 12:01 a.m. local time, will affect ports of entry in six provinces: Manitoba (12 ports), Quebec (10), Saskatchewan (6), New Brunswick (4), British Columbia (2), and Alberta (1). Adjustments vary by location, with some borders reducing hours by as little as one hour and others by up to five hours. The CBSA’s website provides full details on the updated schedules.

These changes were developed in collaboration with U.S. authorities, based on comprehensive analyses of traffic patterns, peak periods, and operational needs. An alternative border crossing within 100 kilometers will be available for those affected by closures. The United States will also adjust its crossing times to align with Canada, ensuring seamless coordination for returning inadmissible travelers and goods.

The CBSA stated that the updated hours would allow for better allocation of resources, enabling border officers to focus on enforcement and processing at busier crossings. Rebecca Purdy, a senior spokesperson for the CBSA, clarified that the decision was not influenced by political events, such as the recent U.S. presidential election. Instead, the changes are the result of months of strategic planning and analysis.

For travelers, these adjustments underline the importance of verifying border hours before planning trips in the new year.