The Canada Border Services Agency has announced that the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program is being replaced with telephone reporting effective December 1, 2026. Applications are no longer being accepted.
Existing RABC permits remain valid until 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2026. After this date, all travelers entering Canada through remote areas of northern Ontario or from the Northwest Angle into southern Manitoba must report to the CBSA in person at a port of entry or a designated telephone reporting site.
The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program facilitates the border clearance process for certain travelers who wish to cross the border into Canada in certain remote areas.
Permit holders do not need to physically present themselves at a port of entry. However, they must declare any goods they are bringing into Canada.
To further enhance border integrity, the CBSA will introduce telephone reporting in areas formerly covered by the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program:
- Northwest Angle Area
- Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods
- Canadian shore of Lake Superior
- Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock system)
- Cockburn Island
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.