Other RABC threads having been locked, here’s the latest on the RABC “pause”:

“The Border Services Agency has said only that it is reviewing and updating its procedures as part of a regular assessment. It said the assessment is ‘to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada.’
Agency spokesman Luke Reimer said last week in an email to the Minnesota Star Tribune that ‘timelines are not yet available’’ to resume the processing of applications.

“‘The Agency is committed to notifying the public ahead of any significant adjustments to our programs and services,’ Reimer wrote.
Meanwhile, he said, travelers who do not hold a remote crossing permit and wish to enter Canada must present themselves at an open port of entry. Other traditional crossings in Minnesota go through International Falls, Baudette and Warroad.”

(And an anecdotal report in one of the closed threads indicates that your skirts better be even cleaner than those of Caesar’s wife or you’ll risk being turned back.)


Canada’s ‘pause’ of remote border crossing permits puts some Minnesotans' lives, and livelihoods, in limbo

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

As I mentioned in that locked thread: I also worry that the US, as part of the general concern about tighter borders, will discontinue the CPB Roam app.

This would either eliminate the option for a return to the US by canoe, or at least require a visit to International Falls or Pigeon River. Or I suppose they could reopen the Customs office in Ely, though that sure seems unlikely.

Talking to friends in Canada, they are really upset. Short term I think RABC are a thing of the past for at least this spring. Going to hurt some outfitters big time.

gravelroad: "Other RABC threads having been locked, here’s the latest on the RABC “pause”:

“The Border Services Agency has said only that it is reviewing and updating its procedures as part of a regular assessment. It said the assessment is ‘to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada.’
Agency spokesman Luke Reimer said last week in an email to the Minnesota Star Tribune that ‘timelines are not yet available’’ to resume the processing of applications.

“‘The Agency is committed to notifying the public ahead of any significant adjustments to our programs and services,’ Reimer wrote.
Meanwhile, he said, travelers who do not hold a remote crossing permit and wish to enter Canada must present themselves at an open port of entry. Other traditional crossings in Minnesota go through International Falls, Baudette and Warroad.”

(And an anecdotal report in one of the closed threads indicates that your skirts better be even cleaner than those of Caesar’s wife or you’ll risk being turned back.)



Canada’s ‘pause’ of remote border crossing permits puts some Minnesotans' lives, and livelihoods, in limbo "

Great article and over 100 comments, in a couple of hours. Shows a lot of interest.

It should be noted that many southern entry points can still be accessed via sand point Canadian customs. While that would be a serious PIA for anyone wishing to use the customary Prarie portage jumping off points, it is at least an option to getting to the southern Q.

Next up will be Canadian black hawk helicopters flying over the border to prevent tariffs. What have we become :(

Slightly off topic, but has anyone crossed into Canada since this started? To be clear, I'm asking about a "normal" border crossing. There's a chance I might be going to WCPP later this year, so RABC isn't an issue, but I was wondering if the border rules are stricter now?

Was a couple questions and show a passport a couple years ago... any changes?

We've driven across here - upstate NY - and seems as lightly slower - 20 minutes in line versus maybe 1 - but otherwise no change. We use the enhanced drivers license.

I have an employee whose mother lives in Winnipeg he’s crossed over 3x. He doesn’t even have a passport and he was fine…But he used to be a Canadian citizen and he is currently a US citizen. Both countries have orders not to block citizens re-entry…so the US won’t stop him from re-entry and the Candians say once a Canadian citizen always a Canadian citizen. So they don’t block him from re-entry. He is waiting for his renewal. Not going to keep going this way. Anyway doesn’t seem that bad.

I’ll see what he says this time. He is Winnipeg right now.

T

tumblehome: "It should be noted that many southern entry points can still be accessed via sand point Canadian customs. While that would be a serious PIA for anyone wishing to use the customary Prarie portage jumping off points, it is at least an option to getting to the southern Q."

Yep. I spent 90 minutes on the phone today coordinating a Crane Lake/Sand Point trip for another group I am helping. Assuming the RABC is not an option, and my concerns about US re-entry are unfounded...I would think that Anderson's and Zup's will be at or above capacity this year.

timatkn: "Both countries have orders not to block citizens re-entry…so the US won’t stop him from re-entry and the Candians say once a Canadian citizen always a Canadian citizen. So they don’t block him from re-entry.
T"

Hahaha. I steelhead fish up in Ontario most springs. My buddy didn't bother getting a US passport for years and told the US border agent that he couldn't be denied entry if he had identification (MN drivers license, birth certificate). The agent said, "yes, you are correct, but I can have your vehicle dismantled, and you could wait all day to get back into the US".

My buddy got a passport soon after.

Question_if I went to customs at International Falls, can I the same day or maybe the next day go thru Prairie Portage or once you leave Canada you have can't reenter at a different entry point? I am sure you can't get a one day delay?

Question_if I went to customs at International Falls, can I the same day or maybe the next day go thru Prairie Portage or once you leave Canada you have can't reenter at a different entry point? I am sure you can't get a one day delay?

Pinetree: "Question_if I went to customs at International Falls, can I the same day or maybe the next day go thru Prairie Portage or once you leave Canada you have can't reenter at a different entry point? I am sure you can't get a one day delay?
"

I don’t think so. But you can go through Sand Point Canada Customs with a tow from Crane Lake en route to pick up a LLC Ranger Station EP permit, such as Bottle or McAree, and a drop off at the EP.

plander: "

Pinetree: "Question_if I went to customs at International Falls, can I the same day or maybe the next day go thru Prairie Portage or once you leave Canada you have can't reenter at a different entry point? I am sure you can't get a one day delay?
"

I don’t think so. But you can go through Sand Point Canada Customs with a tow from Crane Lake en route to pick up a LLC Ranger Station EP permit, such as Bottle or McAree, and a drop off at the EP. "

Kind of thought that also. Probably go to the north end, it really isn't that far out of the way for me.

Just got an email, looks like if you had a RABC permit after 9/1/23 your covered for the rest of 2025.

Yeah I just got the same email at 7:35 this morning (PST).

Hello,

On September 25, 2024 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) temporarily paused application processing for the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program. The CBSA is continuing to review the RABC program against service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada in order to ensure the program reflects member needs.

In response to the temporary suspension, the CBSA has extended the validity of all permits issued after September 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, at no charge to members. No action is required on the part of the permit holder, the existing permit will be accepted as valid until December 31, 2025.

For more details on the program, please consult the CBSA RABC webpage.

Thank you for your patience and your interest in the RABC program.

Sincerely,

Canada Border Services Agency.

So Maybe I better plan a trip in case the program is ending.

Yes, got the same.

GOOD NEWS!! I feel like they are only hurting themselves here because they dont collect our fees for the year...we get a free 1 year pass!

Our problem is 3 of us have our RABC from last year so it LOOKS LIKE we are good to go but our 4th mate hasnt been there since 2021 so his is expired and he cant apply for a new one.
Well, for now we wait to see if they open it up or I guess we just do a BWCA trip this year.

If I remember right, they did something similar after one of the re-openings of covid around July of 22, extended the permit out to the end of the following year, 2023. A permit I had received in 7/22 was valid for a Fall trip in 2022 and both my spring and fall trips in 2023, it was a nice gesture, of course I was happy to just be getting a fall trip in that year, but that did save us and them some paperwork for the next year.

Yes, good news, but I have the same problem. My trip partner doesn't currently have a RABC and has applied, but if they don't start processing new ones, we'll have keep our trip on the US side instead of looping through Quetico. We'll make it a good trip anyway!

Got same email and in same boat - one of our crew (from Toronto) missed last year's trip and thus does not have an RABC.

We may do a southern entry and have him fly in...

EmmaMorgan: "Yes, good news, but I have the same problem. My trip partner doesn't currently have a RABC and has applied, but if they don't start processing new ones, we'll have keep our trip on the US side instead of looping through Quetico. We'll make it a good trip anyway!"

Same issue here, my son skipped the trip last year so his last RABC was issued May 2023 and he’s SOL. He also turns 18 at the end of the month so we’ve been waiting to apply for this year’s to avoid any confusion with minor vs adult. And now I fear that even if they start processing applications again, we will be stuck in a long queue. I’m feeling the double bummer as this is his last year “at home” and I was really looking forward to one last trip while he’s still in the nest.