What is the NEXUS programme and when are the dedicated lanes open at Emerson Pembina?

NEXUS is a trusted traveller programme designed for low risk, pre approved citizens crossing frequently between Canada and the United States. Members receive benefits including access to dedicated vehicle lanes at 20 designated land border crossings, use of self serve NEXUS kiosks and eGates at major Canadian international airports, access to Global Entry kiosks for entry into the United States, and expedited processing through airport security lines. However, at Emerson Pembina specifically, NEXUS lane availability is limited and currently subject to closure. The NEXUS lane into Canada is temporarily closed as of 2025, though NEXUS members are instructed to use regular primary inspection lanes when needing to cross. The NEXUS lane into the United States operates from 6:30 AM to 8 AM daily, except on holidays. Importantly, all passengers in your vehicle must hold a valid NEXUS card to use the dedicated NEXUS lane; you cannot use the lane if you are transporting passengers without NEXUS membership. Membership costs USD 120 for a non refundable application processing fee and is valid for five years.

What happens during secondary inspection and what questions will customs officers ask?

If you are referred to secondary inspection, your vehicle will be directed to a separate inspection area where you must exit and undergo more detailed questioning. Border officers will ask you directly about your travel plans, residence, employment, citizenship, and the purpose and duration of your visit. Common questions include where you are going, why you are going there, how long you intend to stay, whether you are carrying weapons or ammunition, whether you are carrying drugs, what alcohol and tobacco you may have, whether you are bringing fruit or vegetables, and what specific items you are importing. Answer all questions truthfully and concisely. Officers are trained to detect nervousness or evasive responses, which may prompt additional questioning. If you have recently made a parcel purchase in the United States, simply declare that you picked up personal packages and tell them the product categories involved. Many travellers pass through secondary inspection without serious consequences if they remain cooperative and honest throughout the process

What food items and other products are prohibited when crossing at Emerson Pembina?

Many food items are restricted when entering Canada to protect agricultural interests and ecosystems. You cannot bring fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh meat of any kind, or anything made from meat, whether dried or processed. Firewood, soil without an import permit, camping equipment contaminated with soil or pests, products containing dog or cat fur, cut flowers, and live animals are all prohibited. However, commercially packaged baked goods such as bread, pastries, cakes, and biscuits are allowed if they contain no meat, up to a maximum of 20 kilograms. Condiments and salad dressings are allowed up to 20 kilograms by weight or 20 litres by volume. Confectionery and snack foods without meat are permitted up to the same limits. Fish and seafood products present more complex regulations: most are allowed up to 40 kilograms, though certain species including pufferfish and Chinese mitten crab are prohibited, as are shark fins not attached to a shark carcass. When bringing any food items, declare them to customs officers. This declaration is advisable, as undeclared items discovered during inspection are treated more severely than properly declared items.

Can I bring my pet across the Emerson Pembina border and what documentation is required?

Yes, you can bring your pet dog or cat across the Emerson Pembina border, provided you have the proper documentation and vaccinations. Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must have been administered at least 30 days before crossing, unless your pet is receiving a booster shot, in which case it may cross immediately. Proof of vaccination must include the vaccine product name, lot number, and expiration date. A health certificate from a veterinarian dated within 30 days of travel is recommended for all pets. Special rules apply to assistance dogs: if your assistance dog is for your personal use, it is exempted from rabies vaccination requirements. However, if your assistance dog is travelling with another person or is in special training status, it will be classified as a commercial import and standard vaccination requirements will apply. Puppies and kittens under 3 months of age require consultation with Canadian authorities before crossing. All domestic pets must be declared to border officers when crossing.

What alcohol and tobacco can I bring across the border and what are the best times to avoid delays?

When returning to Canada after a visit to the United States, the amount of alcohol and tobacco you may bring depends on your length of stay. For stays of 24 to 48 hours, you have a CAD 200 personal exemption; for longer stays, this increases to CAD 800. Within these exemptions, you may bring up to 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres of liquor, or 8.5 litres of beer or ale (approximately 24 cans). For tobacco, you may bring 200 cigarettes (one carton), 50 non-Cuban cigars, or 200 grams of manufactured tobacco. All alcohol and tobacco must meet the minimum age requirements of your province, typically 18 or 19 years of age. To avoid longer delays, plan your crossing strategically. Southbound traffic to the United States tends to be heaviest later in the week as Manitoba shoppers head to Fargo or Grand Forks. Northbound traffic becomes heavier earlier in the week as US visitors return to Canada. Early morning crossing times between 6 AM and 8 AM typically experience lighter queues. Avoid attempting to cross during the afternoon rush period when lineups begin building, particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays when commercial truck traffic backs up substantially on the southbound route.

Emerson Pembina Canada USA Border Crossing 2025

Border Crossing from Canada to USA by Land

Up to date guide to crossing between Emerson, Canada and Pembina, USA. See opening hours, typical wait times, required documents, customs rules, transport options, and step by step procedures in both directions. Everything you need for the Emerson (Canada) ↔ Pembina (USA) border: hours, wait times, documents, customs allowances, how to cross, and transport from both sides.

Map Direction

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.

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

Document Requirements

For International Travellers

Valid passport
Appropriate visa or travel authorization
Proof of sufficient funds
Return/onward travel ticket
Possible additional documentation depending on purpose of travel

For Local Citizens

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)

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: Open 24 hours daily, 7 days a week Seasonal Adjustments: None reported Holiday Closures: None specified

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

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the opening hours of the Emerson Pembina border crossing?

The Emerson Pembina border crossing operates 24 hours daily, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, making it continuously accessible to all travellers and commercial vehicles. This crossing is one of only three 24 hour border crossings in North Dakota, reflecting its status as the busiest port of entry in the state and the second busiest along the entire Canada US border west of the Great Lakes. Both immigration and customs processing are available round the clock without interruption. Whether you need to cross at 3 AM or 3 PM, you will find fully staffed facilities ready to process your entry.

What are the typical wait times at the Emerson Pembina border crossing?

On regular days with normal traffic volumes, expect wait times of less than 15 minutes for border clearance at Emerson Pembina. However, lineups typically begin building in the late afternoon and continue throughout the evening hours. Truck traffic patterns vary significantly by day of the week, with southbound trucks experiencing backups of one to two miles on Mondays and Tuesdays, whilst northbound truck traffic becomes heavier later in the week. This crossing processes over one million travellers annually, with 60 percent passenger vehicle traffic and 40 percent commercial vehicle traffic. Personal vehicles currently experience no delay to minimal delays. However, there is a variable not captured in these typical figures: when passenger vehicle lanes temporarily close for maintenance or inspection line adjustments, vehicles are sometimes directed into commercial truck lanes, which can result in waits exceeding one hour. For the most accurate current wait time information, check the CBP Border Wait Times website or the CanBorder app, updated hourly.

Is there a toll to cross at the Emerson Pembina border?

No, the Emerson Pembina border crossing is completely toll free. North Dakota has no toll roads, toll bridges, or toll tunnels anywhere within its borders, and all highways including those connecting to the Canadian border are entirely free to use. This makes Emerson Pembina one of the most economical border crossings to use, with no electronic toll collection systems, E-ZPass transponders, or payment requirements of any kind for crossing into either the United States or Canada.

What documents do I need to cross the Emerson Pembina border from Canada to the USA?

When crossing from Canada into the United States at Emerson Pembina, you must present valid identification proving both identity and citizenship. A valid passport is the most straightforward option and is recommended. Alternative acceptable documents include a passport card, an Enhanced Driver's Licence with RFID technology, a NEXUS card, or a FAST card. Children aged 15 and younger may present an original birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a US Naturalization Certificate as proof of citizenship. Your passport must contain at least one completely blank page for entry and exit stamps. Children aged 16 and older must carry the same documentation as adults.

What documents do I need to cross the Emerson Pembina border from the USA to Canada?

When crossing from the United States into Canada at Emerson Pembina, you must present valid identification proving identity and citizenship. A valid passport is strongly recommended and simplifies the crossing process. If you do not possess a passport, you may present a valid photograph identification document issued by a federal, state, or provincial authority coupled with an original birth certificate or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or Canadian citizenship card. An Enhanced Driver's Licence is also acceptable. NEXUS and FAST cards are similarly accepted if you hold either of these trusted traveller credentials. Ensure any identification you carry is current and unrevoked before attempting to cross.

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DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.

14 Sep, 2025

Everyone I spoke to crossing the border has been awesome. They have always been polite, funny, and caring.

Thomas

We drove from Texas for Christmas, and they gave us a difficult time. Americans were great & efficient

Anonymous

Got pulled into the garage for an inspection, was treated with total respect and fairness