RV Resorts by Zeman
Words by Perry Mack
Some of our snowbird readers have expressed concerns about traveling to the U.S.A. this season. They site concerns about crossing the border, safety en route, and supporting a country with whom we are in trade negotiations.
I’ve contacted a few snowbirds from western Canada who are already in California. They’ve said they had no issues at the border and no problems on the drive down. Yes, one couple had to obtain an I-94 form, provide fingerprints and pay $30, however they said Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were ‘very friendly’ about it. Two others were through more quickly with a provisional I-94 completed, and Nexus cards in hand.
Here is what snowbirds need to know (at the time of writing) for a smooth and simple border crossing.
If you're planning to stay in the United States for over 30 days and entering by land, you can save time by applying for a provisional I-94 online up to seven days before your arrival. Just visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home or use the CBP One™ mobile app. Effective September 30, 2025, the fee is $30 USD.
Keep in mind: this online I-94 is provisional—it’s only the first step. To complete the process and receive your official I-94, you’ll need to appear in person at a U.S. port of entry. There, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will finalize your application. You won’t receive a paper form, but you will get a receipt, which you should print and keep for your records.
The officer will access your provisional I-94 using the same travel document (like your passport or border crossing card) that you used during the online application.
⚠️ Important: If you don’t show up at the border within seven days of applying, your provisional I-94 will expire. You’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again—no refunds are issued for expired applications.
RV Resorts by Zeman
What to Bring to the Border to Finalize Your I-94
To complete your I-94 process at the port of entry, be ready to:
- Provide biometric data (such as fingerprints or a facial scan, if required)
- Complete an interview with a CBP officer
- Show supporting documents if requested—this could include proof of residence, employment, or travel plans
Once approved, you’ll receive an electronic I-94. You can print it anytime from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home using the “Get Most Recent I-94” feature, or through the CBP One™ app.
This document shows your class of admission and admission expiration date. It’s your official proof of legal entry into the U.S., so keep it handy in case it’s requested by a government agency, law enforcement, employer, or institution.
Have a look at the official video to assist you with the I-94:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/assets/videos/I-94-Apply-Now-Overview/I-94-Apply-Now-Overview.mp4
It has been easy to forget that the USA is a foreign country, with their own laws, customs and government. Especially for those of us who remember when a Canadian driver’s licence was all that was required to obtain entry. They speak the same language, they are a democracy, and many of us have close friends and family who are American. But it is a foreign country, we are not citizens and should be respectful of their laws.
We travel with the necessary documents like our passports, proof of pet vaccinations, weight of rig and tow vehicle, park reservations, residence, employment, Nexus cards (which, by the way, required finger printing, retinal scans, proof of Canadian citizenship, etc.), and follow the entry requirements regarding prohibited items including agricultural items:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traveling-with-ag-products/traveling-united-states-canada-land-borders
Need more help? Contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 1-877-227-5511
It is easy to be prepared, when you plan in advance.