UPDATE: Permits extended until November 30, 2026 – CBSA to enhance border integrity and expand telephone reporting in re

Current rules

The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Programme will close. All travellers entering Canada through remote areas of northern Ontario or from the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report to the CBSA at a port of entry or a designated telephone reporting site.

Overview

Effective 1 December 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will close the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Programme, replacing it with expanded telephone reporting for travellers entering Canada through remote areas of northern Ontario and southern Manitoba. Existing RABC permits are extended until 30 November 2026, to allow for a transition period.

What changed in the latest version

This change is important because it removes a simple way to cross the border in remote areas. This means about 11,000 RABC members each year will need to use a new reporting method. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says this will make the border stronger. It will also make security and rules the same everywhere. This will make Canadian practices match U.S. Customs and Border Protection. People who used RABC permits before must now get used to mandatory reporting. Current permits give them time to change until 30 November 2026. Not following the new rules can lead to serious actions. These include money fines, taking away a vehicle, or criminal charges.

Explained simply

Imagine you used to have a special pass to cross the Canadian border in some quiet, far-away places without seeing a border officer. Now, Canada is getting rid of that special pass system. Starting 1 December 2026, even in those quiet places, you'll have to call the border office on the phone or go to a specific entry point to tell them you're coming in. Your old special pass is good until 30 November 2026, to give everyone time to get used to the new rule.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v1Effective 1 Dec 2026AnnouncementMedium impact
   UPDATE: Permits extended until November 30, 2026 – CBSA to enhance border integrity and expand telephone reporting in remote border areas

   The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will close the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Programme. This programme will end on 1 December 2026. Now, all people who enter Canada through remote areas of northern Ontario or from the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report to the CBSA. They must report at a port of entry or a special telephone reporting site. Before this change, RABC permits let people enter without directly reporting. Now, reporting by phone or at a physical port of entry is mandatory. To help with this change, all current RABC permits are now valid until 11:59 p.m. on 30 November 2026.

2. v2Effective 5 Jun 2026EffectiveMedium impact
   Canada strengthens borders while supporting economic and tourism ties with Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

   Canada started a new rule for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This rule applies to people from other countries who travel by sea from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to Canada. This helps Canada check travellers before they arrive. It helps find people who are not honest about their travel. It also protects Canada's immigration and asylum systems. French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon do not need an eTA if they go straight to Newfoundland and Labrador. People on cruise ships do not need one either, because they are already checked. This change might affect up to 1,000 people from other countries each year. Canada announced this change on 4 June 2026.

Timeline

1. Takes effect

   1 Dec 2026

   As of 1 December 2026, the RABC Program will close. All travellers entering Canada through remote areas of northern Ontario or from the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report to the CBSA at a port of entry or a designated telephone reporting site. Active RABC permits have been extended until 11:59 p.m. on 30 November 2026.

2. Announced

   10 Aug 2026

   The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is phasing out the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Programme and implementing a new telephone reporting system for remote border entries. This change, effective 1 December 2026, requires all travellers in these areas to report to CBSA at a port of entry or designated telephone reporting site. To ensure a smooth transition, active RABC permits have been ex

3. Takes effect

   5 Jun 2026

   Most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon will need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). This applies to travellers arriving by ferry, private boats and commercial vessels.

4. Announced

   4 Jun 2026

   Effective 5 June 2026, most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by boat from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This measure aims to strengthen border security by enabling pre-arrival screening, addressing instances of individuals attempting to bypass existing requirements. Certain groups, including French citizens resident in Saint-Pier