Canada has extended the validity of active permits under the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program until November 30, 2026, delaying the closure of the programme by more than two months.
The RABC Program allows eligible travellers to enter Canada through certain remote border areas without physically reporting at a port of entry. The programme will now close on December 1, 2026. Permits were earlier due to remain valid until September 13, with the programme scheduled to end the following day.
New reporting system from December 1
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will introduce designated telephone reporting sites in areas previously covered by the RABC Program. These include the Northwest Angle Area, the Canadian shore of Lake Superior, Sault Ste. Marie’s upper lock system, Cockburn Island and the Pigeon River area through to and including Lake of the Woods.
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From December 1, travellers entering Canada through these remote areas will have to report their entry to the CBSA either through a telephone reporting site or at a CBSA port of entry.
Travellers using the telephone reporting system will need to provide identifying information, details of their trip and answer questions from CBSA officers. Some travellers may also be required to undergo in-person screening.
The CBSA said the locations of the telephone reporting sites will be finalised in the coming months after consultations with Indigenous communities, local businesses and law enforcement partners.
What this means for Indian travellers
Indian travellers are generally not eligible for the RABC Program. Eligibility is limited to citizens or permanent residents of Canada and the US, as well as registered Indians.
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The change will therefore mainly affect eligible Canadian and US travellers who use the designated remote border areas. The CBSA said about 11,000 people have been members of the RABC Program each year, with roughly 90% of them being American.
Penalties for failing to report
Travellers who fail to report their entry to the CBSA could face enforcement action, including monetary penalties and the seizure of goods or vehicles. They could also face potential criminal charges under the Customs Act.
The CBSA said active RABC permits will remain valid until 11:59 p.m. on November 30. This is the third extension granted to existing permit holders. Those with expired permits are not eligible for an extension, and the CBSA is no longer accepting new applications for the programme.
Introduced in 1990, the RABC Program allowed pre-approved travellers to enter Canada through certain remote border areas without physically presenting themselves at a port of entry.
