BORDER CROSSING – The Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls, New York, USA, with Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is available every day of the year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Normally there are no delays, however you can check the times for the current border crossing in advance. A current passport is required while transferring between nations. Below are further details on passport requirements.
CROSSING THE BORDER INTO CANADA TO VISIT NIAGARA FALLS – Beginning Friday, October 1st, 2022, US citizens will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or utilize the ArriveCan app when traveling to Canada. To find out if you can enter Canada, use the official Canada Border Services web app. Random Covid testing will no longer be required to enter Canada as of October 1st, 2022. Beginning October 1st, 2022, visitors from the United States will no longer be necessary to show proof of vaccination. The ArriveCan app is no longer necessary. This includes returning Canadian citizens.
CROSSING THE BORDER TO NIAGARA FALLS, USA – When entering the United States by land, no Covid test is required. Canadians traveling to the United States by land are not obliged to present a Covid test result at the border.
COVID & NIAGARA FALLS CANADA – In Niagara Falls, Canada, there are presently no Covid limitations. Covid rules issued by the Province of Ontario.
At the inspection checkpoint, US citizens returning to the US from Niagara Falls Canada must present a US passport, passport card, or an upgraded drivers license. Enhanced licenses are only accessible to residents of New York, Michigan, Vermont, and Washington. As a result, if you are a US citizen living in the US and cross the border to Canada and attempt to re-enter the US, you will need one of the types of identification indicated above. EXCEPTIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED!
Children under the age of 16 who are US residents traveling from the US to Canada and returning to the US by land or sea (vehicle or boat) are not required to hold passports. Their birth certificate must be authentic or certified copy. If the children are not yours, you must give a signed handwritten note from the parent detailing how long the child will be in the nation, as well as the parents’ phone numbers. If you do not have valid documentation, you will be denied access. A printed copy of the parents’ license/passport can also be useful. For more information, go to the website of the United States State Department.
If you have ever been charged with or convicted of a minor offense in the United States, you may be denied admission to Canada, regardless of how long it has been. Even minor offenses have resulted in a considerable proportion of travelers being denied admission. More information can be found by clicking here.
Visit this link for official US border crossing information. Because the previous link changes frequently, you may need to begin your search here: www.cbp.gov.
VISA INFORMATION – If you are an overseas traveler and are unsure if you require a tourist visa, please go here. If you know you need a visa to visit Canada, you can apply for one here.
Non-US citizens (ie: foreigners) who desire to go to Canada may be needed to obtain a tourist visa from the Canadian consulate in the country from where they are arriving. If you have a visa and want to visit Canada while in New York, there is no Canadian embassy in Niagara Falls. A TOURIST VISA CANNOT BE OBTAINED AT ANY OF THE BORDER CROSSINGS.
When contacting the Consul, make it clear that you want a “temporary resident visa.” As of February 2023, the charge for a single entry visa is $100.00, $150.00 for multiple entry visas, and $500.00 for a family visa. (multiple or single entry). Visit the Canadian Consul Website for further details.
DECLARING PURCHASES – Keep your receipts if you make purchases and travel between Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. All purchases must be declared while crossing an international border. Certain items may be taxable, and you may be eligible for a tax refund. For further information, please visit the duty-free shops located at the bridges connecting the United States and Canada.
INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES – Despite enhanced border security, crossings of the Rainbow Bridge or the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge are returning to normal travel times. On holidays such as Canada Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend, expect one-hour delays.
Within 6 miles/9.6 kilometers of the Falls, there are three international bridges connecting the United States and Canada.
The “Rainbow Bridge” is 500 yards/ 457 meters from the American Falls and provides a wonderful view of the Falls. Commercial traffic is not permitted. You can cross by OUR TAXI, foot, bike, or car.
The “Whirlpool Bridge” is located 1.8 miles/2.9 kilometers north of the Falls. The Whirlpool bridge is only accessible to NEXUS cardholders.
The “Lewiston-Queenston Bridge” is located 5.6 miles/9 kilometers north of the Falls. This bridge is designed to accommodate all types of vehicles. Bicycles are permitted but not encouraged.
Bridge status when entering Canada
Bridge status upon entering the U.S.
Click here for official Niagara Falls Bridges information.
Bring a valid passport before crossing an international border. If you do not have valid documentation, you may be denied access.
PETS – For visitors to Niagara Falls who are bringing their pets. As long as they are on a leash and picked up after, dogs are allowed in the park areas. A recent vaccination certificate may be required if you intend to bring a pet across the border. Almost all hotels forbid pets. Please visit the official Canada Inspection page if you are interested in bringing your pet to Canada. Please visit the US Department of Agriculture website if you are interested in bringing your pet to the US. On certain attractions, only certified guiding dogs are allowed. (therapy pets are not included).