Travel Documents & Check-In
Ensure a smooth journey by understanding the travel documents required for your international ferry voyage on The CAT.
Let's get you ready for your adventure.
When travelling between the United States and Canada via marine ports of entry, you must present one of the following:
U.S. & Canadian Citizens
- Valid Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- U.S. Enhanced Driver’s License from one of the following states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont or Washington State
- U.S. Enhanced Identification Card (for example: enhanced Tribal cards, if available)
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) along with a valid passport from the country of nationality
- All U.S. & Canadian citizens aged 15 and under only need proof of their citizenship with an original or copy of a birth certificate or citizenship card
Please note:
- REAL ID (issued by U.S states) is not a valid travel document for an international border crossing.
- NEXUS is not available at Yarmouth or Bar Harbor terminals.
NON-U.S. and NON-Canadian Citizens
- Valid Passport
Entry into the U.S.
- Visa Waiver Program travellers entering the United States are required to obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This application process must be done before arriving at our terminal and is typically approved within 72 hours of application. https://esta.visasyst.com/visa-information
Entry into Canada
- A visa may be required to enter Canada for citizens of some countries. https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
For more information on border crossing requirements:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection https://www.cbp.gov/
- Canada Border Services Agency https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/
All passengers, including foot passengers, must check-in at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
If not checked in 60 minutes prior, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation. Please note all members of your travel party must be present for check-in procedures.
All passengers, including foot passengers, must be checked in by 8:30am local time on the day of travel.
For Bar Harbor departures, customers may check-in the evening prior to travel between 3:00PM and 5:00PM local time or on the morning of travel between 8:00AM and 11:00AM and receive an express pass for boarding. Express pass holders should not arrive for loading prior to 1:30PM.
At check-in, passengers will be issued a Customs declaration form to complete before arriving. Upon arrival to port, all passengers will present their passport and declaration form to Customs for entry into the country. No declaration form is currently required for entry to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Passengers travelling via vehicle or bicycle will drive to a Customs checkpoint where they will present documents for entry.
Passengers travelling without a vehicle will present themselves to Customs with all their bags in hand.
Only Customs can determine if you are permitted to enter the country. Bay Ferries Limited cannot be held responsible in any way for individuals who are inadmissible or who do not hold the necessary documentation to enter Canada or the United States.
Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving Under the Influence conviction (DUI) is considered a felony in Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information.