CBSA AND MCA REMIND PUBLIC OF PROPER DOMESTIC LANE USE AT CORNWALL PORT OF ENTRY
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are reminding travellers that the Domestic Lane at the Cornwall Port of Entry is open for service daily from 7am to 11pm to support smoother and more efficient travel for the community and the travelling public.
The Domestic Lane was made permanent in January 2024 following the success of a pilot project launched in late 2020 through the
efforts of the Border Collaboration Initiative. This joint MCA-CBSA initiative was created in recognition of the unique geography and daily travel realities of Akwesasne and Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island).
Since its implementation, the Domestic Lane has helped improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and shorten wait times for travellers crossing through the Cornwall Port of Entry.
The CBSA has noticed an increase in travellers improperly using the Domestic Lane after returning from the United States. The CBSA and the MCA remind the public that the Domestic Lane is available to travellers who are travelling directly from Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) and have not entered the United States. Both Akwesasne residents and non-residents may use the Domestic Lane when travelling domestically. Signage at the Cornwall Port of Entry clearly identifies the designated Domestic Lane with a purple overhead sign labelled “Arriving From Island.”
Reminders for travellers:
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All travellers arriving from or transiting through the United States, even if coming from Tsi Snaihne (Snye) or Kana:takon (St. Regis), must report to an open international lane.
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All travellers, including passengers in a vehicle, cyclists and pedestrians, must provide a verbal declaration as to where they are coming from (s. 11.7 of the Customs Act).
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If darkness or window tint prevents officers from seeing how many occupants are in the vehicle, the driver may be asked to lower the window to allow officers to address the other occupants, if necessary.
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All goods and products going inward to Canada must meet Canadian legislative requirements and if originating from the United States and must be declared (s. 12(1) of the Customs Act).
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Controlled, prohibited or regulated goods, including personal use exemptions, can only be brought into Canada in compliance with applicable policies and procedures. This includes prescription and over the counter drugs, nicotine pouches, vaping products, natural health products, and more.
The CBSA and the MCA continue to work collaboratively to support practical and community-based solutions that address the unique challenges created by the international border through Akwesasne.