How to Cross the Border to Canada Through the Windsor Tunnel

Canadian flag

If you are looking to travel to Canada from Michigan, one of the ways you can get there is through the Windsor Tunnel. The Windsor Tunnel connects the United States to Canada through a highway that runs under Lake St. Clair in Detroit, Michigan. Having the correct identification and proper explanation set in place will assure that you will have a safe and hassle-free trip across the border to Canada.

Things You'll Need

• Licensed and registered motor vehicle
• American money
• Valid driver's license for every passenger over age 16 in the vehicle
• Birth certificate for yourself and all passengers
• Passport for yourself and all passengers
• Clean criminal record for yourself and passengers

Instructions

1. 

   Make sure that your vehicle is mechanically equipped to travel through the tunnel. Check headlights, taillights and coolant the day of your departure.

2. 

   Place all of the following legal documents in a convenient location inside your vehicle for yourself and all of your passengers--birth certificates, passports, valid driver's licenses, copy of your vehicle's insurance and registration.

3. 

   Drive to the United States ticket booth and pull up slowly in your vehicle. Pay the required toll in American money.

4. 

   Proceed to enter the tunnel at the designated assigned speed limit.

5. Keep your headlights on at all times and stay in the designated lane.

6. 

   Proceed to the Canadian customs booth. Approach the box office slowly and wait until the light flashes green for you to move your vehicle forward.

7. Answer all of the questions the customs officer will ask you honestly and thoroughly. Provide proof of United States citizenship by means of your birth certificate or passport. Give the customs officer your driver's license so that they can run a criminal check. State the true reason as to why you need to cross the border. If the customs officer asks for any of your passenger's legal information, pass it along and cooperate fully.

8. Proceed into Canada.

Tips & Warnings

• See a professional mechanic a few days before departure if you think you vehicle may need routine maintenance--this will prevent you breaking down inside the tunnel.

• Have a plan in mind as to what you are going to tell the customs official before you arrive at the gate. Be specific as to how long you will be there and what business you have in Canada.

• If your vehicle gets searched, cooperate with the customs officials.

• Do not refuse to give customs officials personal information or legal documents.

• Try to remain calm during the interview process.

• Carry more than $50 but no more than $500 with you when you cross the Canadian border.

• Do not take alcohol or illegal drugs through the tunnel.

• Do not take animals or contraband through the tunnel.

• Do not attempt to travel through customs if you have a high end misdemeanor or a felony history, as you will be forced to answer more questions and you could be detained or even jailed.

• If you break down in the tunnel, try to get over to the side of the lane as much as possible and immediately turn off your motor, then call for help. Do not attempt to get out of your vehicle.

Resources

• Windsor tunnel information
• Canada information