Travellers from across Canada, the United States, and around the world visit British Columbia for unique and diverse experiences. If you’re travelling from abroad, here’s some helpful information to ensure a smooth journey. We recommend that all international travellers stay informed about federal and provincial entry requirements. For the most up-to-date information on travel to Canada, including entry restrictions and guidelines, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.

Canada no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination, pre-entry tests, quarantine, or the use of ArriveCAN for travellers. Stay updated on any changes to border requirements by visiting the Government of Canada website.

When travelling to Canada, ensure you have proper ID for yourself and any children. A passport is the most reliable travel document, and valid visas may be required. For details on USA/Canada border entry requirements, visit the Canadian Border Services Agency website.

For detailed information about the required travel documents for entering Canada, please visit the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) website  directly. Discover Surrey cannot provide specific advice or guidance on individual requirements. The CBSA website will be your best resource for up-to-date travel and identification information.

Minor Children Entering Canada as a Visitor

Please make sure you have read and are familiar with the information regarding minors and travel to Canada.

Bringing Animals to Canada & Travelling with Pets

Visitors travelling to Canada with pets should review the pet travel regulations to avoid delays or denied entry at the border. U.S. travellers must also follow CDC requirements when returning with pets. For more details, call 1-800-461-9999 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.) or visit the Government of Canada's "travel with pets" page.

Bringing Food into Canada for Personal Use

There may be restrictions on personal items you bring into Canada, depending on the item, its country of origin, and the province you're visiting. For more details, refer to this resource from the Government of Canada's website.

Surrey's Border Crossings

Travellers to Surrey from the United States can use two main border crossings: Peace Arch and Pacific Highway. 

The Peace Arch Crossing is the third busiest border crossing between the two countries; at peak times, waits can be up to four hours long, with an average of 4,800 cars crossing through per day. Peace Arch is the most popular because it’s easy to access, but since the crossings are less than a mile apart, Pacific Highway is a great option if Peace Arch gets busy.

The Pacific Highway Crossing can still get busy and is the fifth busiest crossing between Canada and the United States. The volume at the Pacific Highway Crossing can be partly attributed to the fact that since 1970, all commercial vehicles are required to use the Pacific Highway Crossing if they are planning to cross the border between Surrey and Blaine.

For the latest border wait times, check the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Peace Arch Border Crossing

Connecting Surrey with Blaine, Washington, the Peace Arch is located along major highways on both sides: Highway 99 on the north and I5 on the south. It is the preferred point of entry to get to larger cities, such as Seattle and Vancouver. 

See live footage of the Peace Arch Border line-up going both North and South. 

Pacific Highway Border Crossing

This crossing is located on what was once known as the Pacific Highway, which runs from Vancouver to San Diego. On the Canadian side, the highway is now Highway 15 and on the American side, it is now Route 543.

Click here for See live footage of the Pacific Highway Border line-up going both North and South.

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The Latest

Looking for the latest news? Check out this selection of articles about Surrey.

Travel is Easy on a Kid-Approved Trip to Surrey

SURREY, CANADA: Travel with Little Ones is Easy on a Kid-Approved Trip to Surrey, British Columbia.  Wherever Family
“One of the trickiest parts is finding a destination that will keep them happy and interested the whole time, all while making sure the rest of the family can have fun, too. That’s where British Columbia’s Surrey comes in, offering plenty of family-friendly fun catered specifically to make sure families enjoy this welcoming Canadian city." ~Eugenia Lazaris

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Surrey Named one of the Next Great Food Cities

Published in: Food & Wine - “In this Vancouver suburb, hyperlocal regional cuisine is a delicious draw for the hungry traveler. The city is home to one of the largest Indian populations in Canada, interwoven with immigrants from Africa, other parts of Asia, and beyond, and

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Surrey’s Culinary Spice Trail Turns up the Heat

Published in: Canadian Geographic - “One of the fastest-growing cities in Canada is on its way to becoming a global foodie destination." ~Robin Esrock

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Destination Swap: Pick Surrey Instead of Vancouver for Your Next Trip to British Columbia

SURREY, CANADA - Destination Swap: Pick Surrey Instead of Vancouver for Your Next Trip to British Columbia. Travel Awaits
"This vibrant city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and attractions, making it a must-visit destination." ~Robin O'Neal Smith

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Where Nature, Culture & International Cuisine Collide

Published in: 1889 Washington's Magazine - “If you find yourself in Vancouver, Surrey is an excellent home base for exploring the city while retreating to a quieter place to stay. The coastal town, about 30 minutes from the city, is a worthy side trip or destination on its own.” ~ Ryn Pfeuffer

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Seeing Canada: Stanley Park & the Spice Trail

Featured On: Seeing Canada - “Canadian journalist Brandy Yanchyk travels to British Columbia where she explores the culinary scene on Surrey’s Spice Trail." ~Brandy Yanchyk

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Once you arrive in Canada you will be moments away from some of Greater Vancouver’s best restaurants, activities, events, and more!  Surrey is a fantastic travel hub, minutes from downtown Vancouver and close to nature trails, amazing beaches, eclectic local shops, global restaurants and one-of-a-kind heritage sites that will transport you back in time.

Here are a few highlights and resources:

Psst – when you’re booking your stay, check out the current featured packages on our Travel Offers page and book direct for the best rates. Just enter your dates below for hotel-direct rates and availability:

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