Canadian Border Requirements - What Paperwork Will I Need?
 

I am a UK national and have a UAE - registered bike. I am going to be crossing into Canada from the US next week (near Vancouver) and then into Alaska and back again around a month later.

Can anyone please confirm for me what documentation I will require for the temporary importation of my bike. In particular, will I need to have a Canadian Bike Insurance certificate and, if so, are there convenient places to buy bike insurance at the border?

Best Regards,

Honesy.

Canada entry
 

You are all set.
If you are now riding in the USA and your UK passport was accepted by them, you are without a criminal record , you will have no problem getting into Canada. As for your bike - you have it insured now for the USA with a policy bought in the USA right? That insurance will also cover you in Canada. There is no need for anything like a temporary bike import permit. It is your vehicle, you are going to use it as your transport and state it will be ridden out of Canada at the end of visit. Done . Enjoy your visit.

As stated, you're all set. No need to do anything. Be polite at the border, look the guard in the eyes as you talk to them. Canada is a LOT easier to get into than the US, but still.

And make some noise when you get to Vancouver... I spent a year on the road in 2006/7 on my G/S and would love to talk shop.

K

Cheers Guys
 

Thanks for the reassurance. My insurance doesn't specifically say that it covers Canada, so do you know if there are places to check or buy Canadian Insurance on the border?

Cheers,

Honesy.

Basic liability insurance is provided (at a cost) by the provincial government only. ICBC - Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. This is for vehicles registered and plated in BC. I don't think they will be able to help you with it. Comprehensive etc. insurance can be bought from 3rd parties. If you ask any of them, they'll tell you it's needed, knowing full well your US insurance is adequate (they run no risk and get to bill you).

However, if you are covered in the US, your insurance covers you in Canada as well. All US drivers have just US insurance and are covered here. Not in Mexico, that's a different animal.

If you want to dig deeper, Home Page | Megson FitzPatrick Insurance, Victoria BC will be able to explain the situation best for BC-based riders. They are expensive though...
They likely have no clue about people in your situation. Ignorance is bliss...

Further to Mombassa's comments and clarification required; the BC provincial insurance program is for BC residents buying in BC but once they have it they are liability covered for all provinces and U. States they may travel through a s tourists. It would surprise me if such was denied. We do not need to buy insurance for each prov./ state we ride through. Some people may choose to buy extra , more expensive comrehensive insurance as a booster for their confidence.

No Problem
 

The info being given is absolutley right. The insurance that you have for the US will be adequate for Canada. I will be suprised if you are even asked for either your vehicle registration or proof of insurance at the border,

Relax, ride safe, have fun and repeat daily.

Rick