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(Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame)

College Students: Holiday Border Crossing Survival Guide

First time crossing the border solo to visit family for the holidays? Your university prepared you for exams, papers, and presentations—but probably not for navigating international border crossings independently.

The holiday travel season is approaching. SafelyArrived helps eliminate stress by automatically notifying your family and friends when you’ve crossed the border safely or cleared customs & immigration at the airport.

Why This Guide Exists

The truth: Most universities don’t teach you how to cross borders. International student offices focus on initial entry, not holiday travel. You’re expected to figure it out.

The problem: Border officers don’t care that you’re “just a student.” They don’t give you extra slack because it’s your first solo crossing. They enforce the same rules for everyone.

The solution: This guide gives you everything universities should have taught you about holiday border crossings.

What Makes Student Holiday Travel Different

You’re Not Traveling with Parents Anymore:

Previous Experience:

Parents handled all documentation
Parents answered officer questions
Parents knew what to declare
Parents dealt with any issues
You just sat in the backseat

Now:

YOU are responsible for documentation
YOU answer all officer questions
YOU make declarations
YOU handle any problems that arise
Welcome to adulthood

Officers Know It’s Your First Time:

They can tell because:

Hesitant, uncertain answers
Fumbling with documentation
Not knowing what to declare
Student visa/permit visible
Age and university destination

This means:

More questions than experienced travelers
Extra scrutiny of documentation
Patience if you’re polite and prepared
Zero tolerance if you’re unprepared or rude

Budget Constraints Are Real:

Student Reality:

Can’t afford mistakes (fines are expensive)
Limited flexibility for delays
Tight travel budgets
No backup credit cards
Missing work/income if delayed

Student Documentation Essentials

What You MUST Have:

U.S. Citizens Studying in Canada:

Required:

Valid U.S. passport (check expiration date!)
Study permit (if studying in Canada)
Proof of enrollment (student ID, letter from university)
Proof of U.S. residence (driver’s license, bills, etc.)

Recommended:

University acceptance letter
Course schedule for next semester
Housing confirmation
Return travel plans

Canadian Citizens Studying in U.S.:

Required:

Valid Canadian passport
Student visa (F-1 or J-1) in passport
I-20 or DS-2019 form (with travel signature!)
Proof of enrollment
Proof of Canadian residence

Recommended:

University letter confirming enrollment
Transcript (shows you’re in good standing)
Financial documentation
Return travel confirmation

International Students (Studying in U.S. or Canada):

Required:

Valid passport from home country
Valid study permit/visa with multiple entry
I-20/DS-2019 (U.S.) or study permit (Canada)
University enrollment proof
Travel signatures current (I-20/DS-2019 must be signed within 6 months for U.S.)

Recommended:

University letter on letterhead
Proof of financial support
Return ticket to university
Academic transcript
Proof of ties to university (housing, registration)

Common Documentation Mistakes:

❌ “My student ID is enough”

Student ID alone is NOT sufficient
Need proper passport/visa documentation
Officers don’t accept university IDs as travel documents

❌ “I crossed with my parents before, so I know what I need”

Different rules when you’re primary traveler
Study permits require specific documentation
Your situation may have changed

❌ Expired or expiring documents

Check passport expiration (needs 6 months validity for some countries)
Study permit current
Visa valid and not expiring during travel

❌ Missing travel signatures on I-20/DS-2019

U.S. international students: I-20/DS-2019 must have travel signature within 6 months
Without valid signature = denied re-entry
Get signed by international office BEFORE leaving

❌ “I’ll just show them my acceptance letter from 2 years ago”

Need CURRENT enrollment proof
Recent documents (this semester/year)
Officers want to confirm you’re still enrolled

The Questions You’ll Be Asked

Standard Questions for Every Student:

“Where are you going?”

✅ Good Answer: “Home to [city] for Thanksgiving/Christmas break”
❌ Poor Answer: “To visit my family” (too vague)

“How long will you be staying?”

✅ Good Answer: “Returning January 8 when my classes resume”
❌ Poor Answer: “I don’t know, maybe a few weeks” (raises concerns)

“What do you study?”

✅ Good Answer: “Computer Science at University of Toronto”
❌ Poor Answer: “Uh, computer stuff” (be specific)

“When do you graduate?”

✅ Good Answer: “May 2026” or “I’m in my third year”
❌ Poor Answer: “Not sure” (know your timeline)

Questions Specific to International Students:

“Who is funding your education?”

✅ Be honest: parents, scholarships, loans, self-funded
✅ Have documentation if questioned
❌ Don’t be vague or evasive

“What are your plans after graduation?”

✅ Safe Answer: “Return to [home country]” or “Still deciding”
⚠️ Careful: Don’t claim you’re planning to immigrate (even if true)

“Why did you choose to study in [country]?”

✅ Academic reasons, program quality, opportunities
❌ “To stay here permanently” (immigration concerns)

Red Flag Questions (You’re in Trouble):

“Have you been working without authorization?”

Only if you’ve violated work rules
Be truthful but don’t volunteer information

“Why is your GPA so low?” / “Are you actually attending classes?”

They can see some academic information
Be honest if you’ve had struggles
Show you’re addressing issues

“Why are you bringing [large amount of items/money]?”

Declare everything properly
Have reasonable explanations
Keep amounts within exemptions

What to Declare (And What Students Always Forget)

Food From Home:

The Scenario: Your mom packed you food for the trip. Sandwiches, snacks, leftovers from dinner, her famous cookies.

The Rule: ALL FOOD MUST BE DECLARED. Even mom’s homemade cookies.

What Students Forget to Declare:

Homemade food from family
Snacks packed for the trip
Restaurant leftovers
Fruit/vegetables from dorm
That pizza slice from last night

Consequences:

$300-500 minimum fine
All food confiscated
Flagged for future crossings
Possible denial of entry

Gifts and Purchases:

Holiday Shopping:

Gifts you bought for family
Black Friday purchases
Items family asked you to bring
Things you’re “borrowing” from friends

Declaration Requirements:

Total value of ALL purchases
Keep receipts
Gifts count toward your exemption
“It’s for my mom” doesn’t exempt it

Alcohol and Tobacco:

Student Reality: You might be legal drinking age in one country but not the other.

Rules:

Age requirements are STRICT
Quantity limits apply
Must declare even if under limit
Penalties severe for undeclared alcohol

Thanksgiving/Christmas:

Bringing wine for family dinner? Declare it.
That bottle of Canadian whiskey as a gift? Declare it.
Under 21 in U.S.? Can’t bring alcohol period.

Items You’re “Borrowing”:

Common Scenario:

Friend’s laptop
Roommate’s textbook
Borrowed camera equipment
“Temporary” items

The Problem:

Officers may think you bought these abroad
Without receipts, they might charge duty
Expensive items = suspicion

Solution:

Register expensive items before leaving (U.S. citizens can use CBP Form 4457)
Have documentation of ownership
Explain clearly: “This is my laptop I brought from home originally”

Money and Financial Declarations

How Much Cash Can You Carry?

$10,000 USD or equivalent:

Amounts OVER $10,000 must be declared
This includes cash, checks, money orders
Failure to declare = seizure + criminal charges

Student Reality:

Parents sending cash for tuition/rent
Saved money from summer jobs
Holiday gift money

Best Practice:

Bank transfers instead of cash
If carrying cash, stay under $10,000
Declare if over (it’s not illegal, just required)

Credit Cards and Debit Cards:

What You Need:

Notify bank you’re traveling
Ensure international usage enabled
Have backup card
Know your PINs

Emergency Access:

Parent credit card (with permission)
Emergency contact with access to funds
Know how to wire money if needed

Common Student Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Top 10 Student Border Crossing Failures:

“I’ll just wing it”

❌ Mistake: No preparation, figuring it out at border
✅ Solution: Read this guide, prepare documentation, practice answers

“My student ID is all I need”

❌ Mistake: Thinking university ID = travel document
✅ Solution: Proper passport, visa, study permit

“I don’t need to declare this food my mom gave me”

❌ Mistake: Not declaring homemade/family food
✅ Solution: Declare ALL food, every time

“The officer will understand I’m just a student”

❌ Mistake: Expecting special treatment
✅ Solution: Professional preparation like any traveler

“I’ll travel Wednesday afternoon to get it over with”

❌ Mistake: Traveling worst possible time
✅ Solution: Tuesday morning or Monday

“My study permit is in my backpack… somewhere”

❌ Mistake: Disorganized documents
✅ Solution: Folder with all documents readily accessible

“I forgot to get my I-20 signed for travel”

❌ Mistake: Missing required travel signature (international students)
✅ Solution: Visit international office BEFORE holiday break

“Whatever, I’ll just tell them I’m visiting”

❌ Mistake: Vague, unprepared answers
✅ Solution: Clear, specific, practiced responses

“I’m bringing back everything from my dorm”

❌ Mistake: Suspicious amount of belongings
✅ Solution: Leave non-essentials at school or ship separately

“Border wait times don’t apply to students”

❌ Mistake: Not checking/planning for delays
✅ Solution: Monitor real-time wait times, plan extra time

Budget Student Travel Strategies

Saving Money on Holiday Border Crossings:

Travel Timing:

Off-peak days = cheaper flights/buses
Avoid Wednesday/Sunday Thanksgiving
Avoid December 22-23 Christmas
Consider traveling early or late in break

Transportation Options:

Budget Airlines:

Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant (U.S.)
Flair, Swoop (Canada)
Watch out for: Extra fees for bags, seats, everything
Total cost often similar to regular airlines

Bus Services:

Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus
Cheaper but much longer
Consider overnight (save accommodation cost)
Pro: Built-in buffer time for delays

Rideshares:

Facebook groups: “[University] Rideshare”
Split gas and tolls
Vet drivers carefully (safety first)
Clear agreement on costs upfront

Carpooling with Friends:

Split driving and costs
More fun than solo travel
Coordinate documentation/declarations
Agree on timing and route

Accommodation Savings:

If You Need Emergency Accommodation:

Hostels (cheapest option)
University accommodations (sometimes open)
Airport hotels (if flying)
Friend’s couch near border
Stay with relatives partway

Avoid:

Last-minute hotel bookings (expensive)
Border-area hotels (price gouging)
Same-day accommodation (limited availability)

Food Budget:

Pack Food for the Trip:

Sandwiches, snacks, water (before border)
Avoid expensive border-area food
Eat before crossing (long waits)
Remember: Declare all food you’re carrying

Avoid:

Airport/border restaurants (overpriced)
Convenience stores near crossing
Impulse purchases while waiting

First-Time Solo Travel Tips

Mental Preparation:

It’s Normal to Be Nervous:

Every experienced traveler was first-time once
Officers interact with nervous students constantly
Preparation reduces anxiety significantly

Confidence Comes From Preparation:

Know what documents you need
Practice answering questions
Understand declaration rules
Have backup plans

Physical Preparation:

The Night Before:

Good sleep (stay sharp)
Documents organized in folder
Phone fully charged
Snacks packed (for wait times)
Know exactly where you’re going

Morning Of:

Professional appearance (yes, it matters)
Leave extra early (buffer for problems)
Final document check
Text family your departure time

At The Border:

Professional Behavior:

Remove sunglasses and hat
Turn off music
Have documents ready
Be polite and respectful
Clear, confident answers

Body Language Matters:

Make eye contact
Don’t fidget nervously
Speak clearly
Stay calm
Smile appropriately (friendly, not goofy)

What NOT to Do:

Don’t joke around
Don’t be sarcastic
Don’t argue
Don’t roll your eyes
Don’t use phone during inspection

International Students: Special Considerations

Multiple Entry Requirements:

U.S. International Students:

F-1 or J-1 visa must be valid
Must have multiple entry visa
I-20/DS-2019 signed within 6 months
Proof of continued enrollment

Canadian International Students:

Study permit must be current
Valid passport
May need eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) if flying
Proof you’re still studying

Travel Signature Requirements:

THIS IS CRITICAL:

U.S. Students (I-20/DS-2019):

Must have travel signature from designated school official
Signature valid for 6 months for F-1, 1 year for J-1
Without valid signature = DENIED RE-ENTRY
Get signed BEFORE leaving for break

Where to Get Signature:

International Student Office
Designated School Official (DSO)
International Student Advisor

Timing:

Don’t wait until last minute
Offices close during holidays
Get signed early November for Thanksgiving
Get signed early December for Christmas

Maintaining Student Status:

What You Need to Prove:

You’re enrolled for next semester
You’re in good academic standing
You have housing arranged
You’re returning on time
You’re maintaining status

Red Flags to Avoid:

Vague return plans
Poor academic performance
Unauthorized work
Extended absences
Uncertainty about future

Country-Specific Concerns:

Students from Countries with Travel Restrictions:

Extra scrutiny likely
Have all documentation perfect
Allow extra time at border
Know your rights
Have university contact info

First Time Leaving Since Arrival:

More questions than regular trips
Proof of ties to university critical
Return documentation essential
Allow extra time for inspection

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights at the Border:

You Have the Right To:

Respectful treatment
Clear communication
Explanation of any denial
Contact your embassy (if non-citizen)
Refuse search of devices (but consequences may follow)

You Do NOT Have the Right To:

Entry (it’s a privilege, not a right)
Speedy processing
Minimal questioning
Privacy of devices (officers can search)

Your Responsibilities:

You Must:

Answer questions truthfully
Provide requested documents
Declare all items required
Follow officer instructions
Remain respectful

You Must NOT:

Lie or provide false information
Refuse to answer questions
Become hostile or aggressive
Record officers without permission
Leave inspection area without clearance

If Something Goes Wrong:

Sent to Secondary Inspection:

Don’t panic (common for students)
Bring all documents
Answer additional questions
May take 30 minutes to 2+ hours
Stay calm and cooperative

Denied Entry:

Ask for explanation in writing
Get contact information
Document everything
Contact university immediately
Contact embassy if applicable
Don’t attempt to cross again immediately

Fined for Violation:

Pay the fine
Get receipt
Document the incident
Learn from the mistake
Future crossings will have extra scrutiny

Technology and Communication

Keep Family Updated:

Before Smartphones:

Call parents from border pay phone
Update when you arrive (if you remember)
Parents worry entire time

With SafelyArrived:

Automatic notification when you cross
No need to text while driving
Parents know you’re safe immediately
Emergency contacts accessible
One less thing to remember

Device Considerations:

Bring:

Phone with car charger
Backup battery pack
Headphones (for wait time)
Downloaded entertainment (music, podcasts, Netflix)

Digital Security:

Officers can search devices
Backup before travel
Remove sensitive content
Know you may need to provide passwords
Lock screen isn’t a guarantee

Apps You Need:

Before You Leave:

SafelyArrived – automated arrival notifications
CBP Border Wait Times – real-time crossing delays
Google Maps/Waze – navigation and traffic
WhatsApp – free international communication
Banking app – access to accounts
Weather app – monitor conditions

Social Media and Border Crossings

What NOT to Post:

Before Crossing: ❌ “Dreading this border crossing” ❌ “Hope they don’t find my [anything]” ❌ “Trying to sneak back home” ❌ Real-time location during travel

At Border: ❌ Photos of officers/facilities ❌ Complaints about wait times ❌ “This is taking forever” ❌ Video of inspection process

After Issues: ❌ “Those border agents were jerks” ❌ Details of denial or problems ❌ Threats or hostile comments

What’s Fine to Post:

✅ General “heading home for holidays” ✅ After arrival: “Made it home safely!” ✅ Holiday photos AFTER you’ve arrived ✅ General travel tips (helpful, not complaining)

Why It Matters:

Officers can and do check social media
Posts can affect future crossings
Complaints can flag your profile
Jokes can be taken seriously
“Friends only” doesn’t mean private

Parents’ Perspective: What They Need to Know

For Parents Reading This:

Your student is traveling solo for the first time. Here’s how to help:

Before They Leave:

Verify they have all required documents
Check passport expiration dates
Confirm study permits are current
International students: ensure travel signatures
Review what to declare
Discuss emergency plans

Communication:

Don’t call/text excessively during travel
Understand border crossings = no phone use
SafelyArrived sends automatic notifications
Have backup communication plan
Know their expected arrival time

Financial Support:

Emergency credit card access
Know how to wire money quickly
Backup funds for delays/problems
Insurance information accessible

If Problems Arise:

Stay calm (panicking doesn’t help)
Document everything
Contact university if needed
Have lawyer contact info if serious
Support your student

Common Parent Concerns:

“Will they be okay on their own?”

Most students cross without issues
Preparation is key
Officers deal with students constantly
First time is intimidating but manageable

“What if they’re denied entry?”

Rare if documents are correct
University can help
Usually solvable
Learn from experience

“Should I be worried about [specific concern]?”

Most concerns are manageable
This guide addresses common issues
SafelyArrived provides peace of mind
Communication is key

Holiday-Specific Student Considerations

Thanksgiving (U.S.)

Challenges:

Shortest break (often 4-5 days)
Maximum pressure to get home
Busiest travel period
Limited flexibility

Strategy:

Travel Tuesday if possible
Accept you might miss Wednesday classes
Return Sunday evening or Monday
Have backup Zoom attendance plan

Christmas/Winter Break

Advantages:

Longer break (2-4 weeks)
More flexibility
Less pressure for specific dates

Challenges:

Weather complications
Multiple trips if going elsewhere
International students may go home
Extended time = more to declare upon return

Strategy:

Travel early in break (avoid Dec 22-23)
Return early January (avoid Jan 1)
Plan around weather
Keep university informed of plans

Spring Break

Considerations:

Party destination scrutiny
Different universities = different weeks
Beach trips = alcohol questions
International spring breaks require planning

Strategy:

Professional appearance/behavior
Clear, reasonable plans
Proper documentation
No alcohol-related issues

State/Province Specific Considerations

Popular Student Crossing Regions:

Michigan/Ontario:

Detroit-Windsor (massive student traffic)
Port Huron-Sarnia
Sault Ste. Marie
Challenge: Heavy volume, long waits

New York/Ontario & Quebec:

Buffalo-Fort Erie
Niagara crossings
Thousand Islands
Challenge: Multiple crossing options, weather

Washington/British Columbia:

Blaine-Surrey
Challenge: West coast student populations, heavy traffic

Vermont/Quebec:

Multiple small crossings
Advantage: Less traffic than major crossings
Challenge: Limited hours, winter weather

University-Specific Considerations:

Large Border Universities:

U of Michigan, U of Toronto, McGill, UBC
Officers familiar with student traffic
Still need full documentation
Don’t assume familiarity helps

Small Schools Near Border:

May have regular student crossers
Still no shortcuts on requirements
Build good reputation by being prepared

Emergency Scenarios and Solutions

Missed Connection Due to Border Delay:

Scenario: Long border wait causes missed flight/bus

Solution:

Contact carrier immediately
Explain situation
Many have policies for border delays
Rebook ASAP
Document delay (photo of wait times)

Prevention:

Massive time buffer (4+ hours)
Travel day before if flying
Insurance with delay coverage
Flexibility in travel plans

Lost or Stolen Documents at Border:

Scenario: Realize passport/documents missing

Solution:

Don’t leave line if already at border
Explain situation to officer
May need secondary inspection
Contact embassy if international student
May be denied entry (worst case)

Prevention:

Documents in secure folder
Copies stored separately
Digital photos of documents
Never leave documents unattended

Vehicle Breakdown at Border:

Scenario: Car trouble while waiting in line

Solution:

Don’t leave vehicle unattended in line
Wave for assistance
Officers will help you exit line
Call roadside assistance
May need to return another day

Prevention:

Vehicle inspection before travel
Roadside assistance membership
Full tank of gas
Winter preparation

Denied Entry:

Scenario: Officer denies your entry

Solution:

Ask for written explanation
Don’t argue at that moment
Get all documentation
Contact university immediately
Contact embassy (if international)
Consult immigration lawyer
Document everything

Common Reasons:

Missing required documents
Invalid study permit/visa
Academic status concerns
False information provided
Criminal issues

After Your First Successful Crossing

What You Learned:

It wasn’t as scary as you thought
Preparation made all the difference
Officers are doing their job
Clear answers work best
Wait times are unpredictable

For Next Time:

Do Again:

Same document preparation
Same timing strategy
Same professional approach
Same declaration honesty

Improve:

Leave even earlier if it was close
Better snacks for wait time
More entertainment downloaded
More confident answers

Help Other Students:

Share this guide
Mentor first-time crossers
Post helpful (not complaining) tips
Be the prepared student

Quick Reference: Student Border Crossing Checklist

Week Before Break:

Check passport expiration
Verify study permit current
International students: get travel signature
Organize all documents in folder
Make list of what you’re bringing
Check border wait time patterns
Download SafelyArrived app
Notify family of travel plans

Day Before:

All documents accessible
Phone fully charged
Snacks and water packed
Gas tank full
Know which crossing you’re using
Check weather forecast
Get good sleep
Professional clothes ready

Morning Of:

Professional appearance
Final document check
Check real-time wait times
Text family departure time
Activate SafelyArrived
Leave extra early
Stay calm and confident

At Border:

Documents ready in hand
Clear, honest answers
Declare everything required
Professional behavior
Respectful attitude
Follow all instructions

Final Advice for Student Travelers

The Truth About Border Crossings:

It’s not that scary. Millions of students cross successfully every year. The ones who have problems are almost always unprepared, dishonest, or disrespectful.

Officers aren’t out to get you. They’re doing their job. Make their job easy by being prepared and honest.

First time is always intimidating. Second time will feel routine.

Success Formula:

✓ Preparation – Documents, declarations, knowledge ✓ Professionalism – Appearance, behavior, attitude
✓ Honesty – Truthful answers, proper declarations ✓ Patience – Long waits, detailed questions, random delays ✓ Communication – Update family (automatically with SafelyArrived)