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www.snowbirds.org
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
What is the procedure, in the spring, if you wish to use the same company to return your vehicle to
Canada? Ask about a special rate for both directions.
Before entering into any contracts, check with your auto insurance broker. They may also be able to
suggest a specific company. If your vehicle is actually being driven in the United States (not merely
being shipped as freight or cargo), and the person driving your vehicle becomes involved in an
accident, it will be charged back to you and your auto insurance policy. Some auto policies contain
fine print clauses requiring notification of such arrangements, as well as the payment of an added
risk surcharge (especially if driving the vehicle outside of Canada). Some drive-away services, in their
contracts, may actually contain a clause making you – not them – liable in such situations.
If your vehicle is being driven, and not merely shipped, will the driver be aged 25 or over; does he/
she have a clean driving record; and does he/she have experience driving different makes and models
of cars over a long distance?
If the vehicle you are planning to transport is leased, it is also important to check with your leasing
company to confirm that there are no restrictions on driving (or transporting) the vehicle outside
Canada.
Lastly, it is important to note that the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) has started to enforce
an old regulation that requires vehicles being “imported” into Canada, but unaccompanied by their
registered owner, to be held in customs bond for clearance until the owner or his/her approved
customs broker arrives. This had come about in recent years due to the discovery of illegal drugs
stowed in some vehicles arriving in Canada. In this case, the drive-away service you contract may not
be able to deliver your vehicle directly to your home, resulting in additional customs fees and storage
costs if you will need to claim your vehicle in person.
United States Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
On April 5, 2005 the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced
a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) to be introduced in multiple phases.
WHTI is a legislated requirement for entry into the United States stemming from the 9/11
Commission Report and the U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (2004). As an
American law, it does not affect any current entry requirements into Canada.
This security initiative, now operational, affects everyone travelling to and from the United States,
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South American and the British Overseas Territory of
Bermuda who wishes to enter or re-enter the United States.
Effective June 1, 2009 all persons travelling
by land, sea or air
between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid
WHTI-compliant travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. While exemptions exist for
children and youth travelling by land, there are no exemptions for children and youth travelling by
air.
For Canadian and U.S. citizens acceptable documents include:
•
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Valid Canadian or U.S. passport
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Valid trusted travel card such as NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI