What to do when flying between the US and Canada

Some specifics listed below are for travel from Victoria, BC. Feel free to substitute information for your home and destination where required.    Checklist

Canada -> US

US -> Canada

WhenDescription
5 Days before Get an eAPIS Account at https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/
The eAPIS site says this can take up to five days to process. When I did it, I received the response within 5 minutes so your results may be anywhere in between.
1 Day before File eAPIS Notice of Arrival
With your new eAPIS account, file the notice of arrival for your first US airport. Some destinations allow this to be done as little as 1 hour prior to departure from Canada.
Day of Departure Call customs officer for notice of arrival / landing rights
... at the airport of arrival. Some require as little as 1 hour notice prior to arrival, others up to 24 hours.

Customs Office Numbers
Anacortes (360) 293-2331
Bellingham (360) 734-5463
Boeing Field (206) 901-3200
Friday Harbor (360) 378-2080
Jefferson County (360) 385-3777
Paine Field (425) 259-0246

 
Before Takeoff File Canadian Flight Plan
do NOT use the "advise customs" option. Flight Plan Form
In FlightEstablish contact with control tower as normal.
After Landing Taxi to Customs and Shut Down
*** Do not get out or even open the door ***
Customs will not be happy if you are more than 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late. It is better to be late than early. Have documents ready.
After Customs Close Flight Plan (VFR Only)

FSS Related Numbers
Pre-Flight Services(888) 987-2633 
Seattle FSS (206) 767-2726122.5 Mhz

 

Welcome to the USA

WhenDescription
5 Days before Get an eAPIS Account at https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/ if you don't already have one.
The eAPIS site says this can take up to five days to process. When I did it, I received the response within 5 minutes so your results may be anywhere in between.
1 Day before File eAPIS Notice of Departure
With your new eAPIS account, file the notice of departure for your last US airport. Some destinations allow this to be done as little as 1 hour prior to departure from Canada. You can actually do this before departing from Canada. If you grossly misjudge your departure time, you will have to file a new notice of departure. (+- 15 Min for border crossing.)
Day of Departure Call 1-888-CANPASS at least 2 hours before arrival
but no more than 48 hours before arriving in Canada. If 1-888 service is not available, call using normal business number.
TRC Victoria: (250) 363-0222

File US Flight Plan
by calling 1-800 WX BRIEF. Flight Plan Form
 
Before Takeoff Activate Flight Plan
by calling nearest FSS either by phone or radio and saying:"Activate Flight Plan".
In Flight Establish contact with control tower as normal. Keep transponder on 1200 or as assigned by ATC.
After Landing Taxi to Customs (Shell Aerocenter) and Shut Down
*** Do not get out or even open the door ***
Customs will not be happy if you are more than 5 minutes early or 15 minutes late. It is better to be late than early. Have documents ready. Call the customs number and let them know you have arrived if the agents do not greet you.
After Customs Close Flight Plan (VFR Only)

Important Numbers
Customs Services(888) CANPASS
(888) 226-7277
Telephone Reporting
Center - Victoria
(250) 363-0222

 

Welcome to Canada

  Documents Required for Travel - Either Direction

 
  • All required documents for a normal flight.
  • Current US Customs decal on aircraft.
  • Valid pilot license. (Recreational Permit is not recognized)
  • Valid Medical certificate - Canadian medical not valid for more than 24 months outside of Canada.
  • Restricted radio operator's certificate.
  • Passport - for everyone onboard.
  • Current FAA navigational charts and flight directory.
  • Print of eAPIS notification of receipt of transmission emailed to you.
 

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