Everything You Need To Know About The Us Border in Bellingham, WA

Crossing the US/Canadian Border is usually a smooth process. Expect it to take 10-30 minutes, and longer during high traffic volume periods. An occasional full-vehicle search may occur. Remember to bring proper identification for everyone traveling in your group when crossing the border.

Check out our current Travel Advisory page for other information about traveling to Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Personal Border Identification Requirements

Air Travel into the U.S.

Passports are REQUIRED

Land and Sea Travel into the U.S.

U.S. ADULT CITIZENS (16 and older) ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Passport
U.S. Passport Card
Enhanced Driver’s License (only available in certain states)
Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) Card
Specific military documents
Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card

CHILDREN* (15 and younger) ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE ONE OF THESE:

Proof of citizenship (such as original or copy of Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate)
Enhanced Government-issued photo I.D. (issued in some states)
Passport
U.S. Passport Card

*If children are not traveling with both parents, a written statement is required from the parent/guardian stating travel is authorized.

Non-Americans going to Canada are required to have a passport and/or visa.
Legal Permanent US Residents must carry a Green Card.
Alaska-Bound Travelers must show proof of sufficient funds for travel in Canada. Call ahead if transporting household effects or tools of the trade.
Dogs and Cats must have certificates issued by a licensed veterinarian identifying each animal and certifying that each has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 month period. Puppies under 3 months cannot cross the border. They must be 4 months old and have had their rabies shots at least 30 days prior to crossing. Pet food restrictions vary depending on current restrictions. Recommend only bringing small amounts in original package. The number for the CDC (Center for Disease control) is : 800-232-4636.

For information on traveling into Canada, visit this website.

Blaine/Douglas: Peace Arch Crossing
Pacific Highway Crossing: Additional Blaine Crossing
Lynden/Aldengrove: Lynden Crossing
Sumas/Abbotsford-Huntingdon: Sumas Crossing
Point Roberts/Boundary Bay Crossing

Northbound Border Crossing into Canada

Border Wait Times & Cameras: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/border/sumas.htm

Southbound Border Crossing into the US

Border Wait Times: http://www.th.gov.bc/ATIS/index.htm
Border Cameras: http://www.borderlineups.com

Duty Free Information for Canadian Shoppers

Canadian shoppers looking for cross-border savings can bring goods back from America, tax free.

Come stay in Whatcom County for a few days and take advantage of the duty-free allowances. Conveniently located across the border, Whatcom County has a wide variety in shopping, dining, and lodging that is sure to please all bargain savvy Canadians.

Check here for all the details on duty-free shopping in the US.

Shopping in Whatcom County

Whether you’re hunting for bargains or looking for handcrafted wares, boutiques, or outdoor gear, Bellingham and the greater Whatcom County region have many great places to shop. Find out more here.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.