Opening Hours
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Passenger Vehicles: 10-30 minutes
- Commercial Trucks: 30-60 minutes
- Peak Times: Weekends and holidays
Peak Times to Avoid:
- Summer holiday weekends
- Christmas and New Year periods
- Thanksgiving weekend
Express Options:
- NEXUS program for pre-approved travelers
- Commercial FAST program for expedited truck processing
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available
Customs Processing: Available
Health Screening: Limited
Services:
Restrooms
Limited food options
No currency exchange
Accessibility:
Basic wheelchair access
Parking for disabled travelers
Official Resources
Canada Border Services Agency:
- Website: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Contact: 1-800-461-9999
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
- Website: https://www.cbp.gov
- Contact: (701) 825-5240
Travel Advisories:
- Check respective government travel websites
Overview
The Emerson-Pembina Border Crossing is a critical infrastructure asset in the North American trade corridor, connecting Manitoba, Canada with North Dakota, United States. Positioned along the Mid-Continent Trade Corridor, this port of entry processes over one million travelers annually and is the second busiest crossing along the Canada-United States border west of the Great Lakes.
Historically established in 1871, the crossing has evolved significantly over decades, consolidating from multiple inspection points to a single, modern facility. It serves as a vital conduit for commercial and passenger traffic, facilitating approximately $17 billion in two-way truck-based trade as of 2011, with projections indicating substantial growth in the coming decades.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport
- Appropriate visa or travel authorization
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return/onward travel ticket
- Possible additional documentation depending on purpose of travel
- Valid U.S. passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Declaration of goods
- Proof of return/onward travel
- Valid Canadian passport or other approved travel documents
- Declaration of goods
- Proof of citizenship
Crossing Procedure
From Canada Side
Approach border checkpoint
Present documentation to Canadian Border Services Agency officer
Answer questions about travel purpose
Declare goods
Receive exit clearance
From USA Side
Present documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Undergo primary inspection
Potentially undergo secondary inspection
Declare goods and pay applicable duties
Receive entry authorization
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Must declare all vehicles
Provide registration and proof of ownership
Potential additional inspections
Goods Allowances:
Standard duty-free limits apply
Specific restrictions on agricultural products, alcohol, and tobacco
Prohibited Items:
Firearms without proper documentation
Certain food products
Controlled substances
Counterfeit goods
Currency Restrictions:
Report cash amounts over $10,000 CAD/USD
Electronic transfers have different reporting requirements
Known Issues:
Potential delays during peak seasons
Stricter inspections for certain nationalities
Possible secondary screening
Accommodations
Nearby Hotels (Canada):
- Limited options in Emerson, MB
- More choices in Winnipeg (approximately 130 km)
Nearby Hotels (United States):
- Basic accommodations in Pembina, ND
- More options in Grand Forks (approximately 90 km)
Better Options Nearby:
- Winnipeg, Manitoba (Recommended for Canada)
- Grand Forks, North Dakota (Recommended for United States)
Public Review Sentiments
Based on the total reviews found online, the public sentiment towards the Emerson-Pembina Border Crossing is mixed. Approximately 60% of experiences are positive, highlighting instances of professional and courteous service, while 40% of reviews express criticism related to perceived rudeness, long wait times, and inconsistent treatment.
Positive highlights include:
Friendly and helpful border officers
Efficient processing for prepared travelers
Professional handling of commercial and passenger traffic
Critical points include:
Occasional unprofessional attitudes
Lengthy wait times
Perceived inconsistent treatment of travelers