Visiting Windsor from Detroit: what Americans need to know
Windsor is minutes from downtown Detroit, but it’s another country: you clear Canadian customs on the way in and U.S. customs on the way home. Here’s what to bring, what to leave at home and which crossing to use from Metro Detroit.
Wait times right now
Official figures as of 2:07 AM ET. They refresh every few minutes on the live page, which also has driver reports.
The short version
- Bring: a passport, passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced driver’s licence. Green card holders bring their green card.
- Leave at home: pepper spray, cannabis (even legal Michigan cannabis) and any gun you haven’t looked into.
- Declare: CAN$10,000 or more in cash, all firearms, and anything you’re leaving behind as a gift.
- Coming home: US$200 duty-free per person on most day trips.
Which crossing from Metro Detroit
| Starting from | Usually best |
|---|---|
| Downtown, Midtown, Greektown, the stadiums | Detroit–Windsor Tunnel, downtown to downtown Windsor |
| I-75, Downriver, DTW airport, Ohio | Gordie Howe Bridge, straight off I-75 at Delray |
| I-96, Corktown, Mexicantown, Dearborn | Ambassador Bridge |
When one crossing backs up, another is often clear, so check the times above before you pick. Tolls are on our toll comparison; on foot or by bus, see crossing without a car.
What not to bring into Canada
- Pepper spray and mace made for use on people are prohibited weapons in Canada and will be seized.
- Guns must all be declared at the booth, and most handguns are not allowed in. Don’t try to cross with one you haven’t cleared first.
- Cannabis in any form, including edibles and CBD, can’t cross the border either way, even though it’s legal in Michigan and Ontario.
- A past DUI can get you turned away. Check before you go, not at the booth.
Good to know in Windsor
- Speed limits and distances are in kilometres: 50 km/h is about 31 mph, 100 km/h is about 62 mph.
- The legal drinking and casino age in Ontario is 19.
- Cards work almost everywhere. Some places take U.S. cash, but usually at a poor exchange rate.
- Check your phone plan before you cross; roaming charges can apply in Canada.
Coming home to the U.S.
Have your passport, passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced licence out at the booth. Most day trips get a US$200 duty-free exemption per person; after 48 hours away it’s US$800. Declare everything you bought, including food. Details are in our duty-free limits guide.
Common questions
Do Americans need a passport to go to Windsor?
A passport is recommended. By land, CBSA also accepts other proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced driver’s licence. To get back into the U.S. you need a passport, passport card, NEXUS card or enhanced licence, so bring one of those.
Can a U.S. green card holder drive to Windsor?
Yes. By land, CBSA says U.S. permanent residents show their permanent resident card and do not need a passport. Coming back, CBP asks for the green card too.
Can I take my kids to Windsor?
Yes. Bring ID for each child. If the other parent is not with you, carry a signed consent letter with both parents’ names, addresses and phone numbers; CBSA recommends having it notarized.
Can I bring pepper spray or a gun into Canada?
Pepper spray and mace made for use on people are prohibited weapons in Canada and will be seized. All firearms must be declared at the booth, and most handguns cannot be brought in. If in doubt, leave it at home.
Can I go to Windsor with a DUI?
Maybe not. Impaired driving is one of the convictions that can make someone inadmissible to Canada. Check Immigration Canada’s criminal-convictions page before you travel.
What is the drinking age in Windsor?
19, the legal age across Ontario, including at Caesars Windsor.
How much can I bring back from Windsor?
Most day trips fall under the US$200 per-person exemption. After 48 hours or more away, it is US$800. Declare everything, including food.
Official sources
- CBSA: travel documents for entering Canada
- CBSA: what to declare when entering Canada
- CBSA: importing firearms and weapons
- Immigration Canada: criminal convictions and entering Canada
- CBP: Know before you go
This guide is independent and not affiliated with CBSA, CBP or any bridge operator. Rules change; the officer at the booth has the final say.