What's Happening?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced the termination of its Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program, effective September 2026. This program has allowed U.S. travelers to enter Canada through
remote northern crossings without reporting to a staffed port of entry. The change will replace the permit-based system with a telephone reporting procedure, requiring travelers to check in with Canadian authorities after entering the country. The affected areas include the Northwest Angle Area, Pigeon River/Lake of the Woods region, the Canadian shore of Lake Superior, Sault Ste. Marie, and Cockburn Island. The CBSA aims to enhance border integrity and align reporting processes more closely with U.S. customs procedures. Approximately 11,000 people use RABC permits annually, with 90% being American citizens. The transition period is intended to give travelers, local communities, and Indigenous groups time to adjust, with existing permits remaining valid until September 13, 2026.
Why It's Important?
The termination of the RABC Program is significant as it affects cross-border travel and commerce between the U.S. and Canada, particularly impacting tourism, recreation, and small businesses that rely on cross-border traffic. U.S. lawmakers, including Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer, and Michigan Congressman Jack Bergman, have expressed concerns about the negative impact on Americans and Canadians who own property and operate businesses along the border. The change aligns Canadian border procedures more closely with U.S. customs practices, potentially affecting the ease of travel and economic activities in border communities. The decision reflects a broader trend of tightening border security and operational efficiency in response to evolving risk environments.
What's Next?
The CBSA will implement the new telephone reporting system in consultation with Indigenous communities, local businesses, and law enforcement partners. The location of new telephone reporting sites will be decided in the coming months. Travelers entering affected areas will need to report by phone or present themselves at a staffed port of entry. U.S. lawmakers and Canadian authorities are expected to continue discussions to address the needs of border communities and ensure the security of the shared border while supporting local economies. The transition period provides time for stakeholders to adapt to the new system, with enforcement actions under the Customs Act for non-compliance.
