Canada protects its border through a number of mechanisms. Nationals from over 140 countries are required to obtain visas prior to entering the country in order to visit or transit, (the list is set out in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website). A number of country nationals are not required to obtain visas before entering or transiting.

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Canada protects its border through a number of mechanisms. Nationals from over 140 countries are required to obtain visas prior to entering the country in order to visit or transit, (the list is set out in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website). A number of country nationals are not required to obtain visas before entering or transiting. Canada also requires medical examinations of persons who have stayed in a ‘designated country’ for more than six months prior to their entry by designated medical practitioners. The list of designated countries includes countries in Central and South America and Africa.

Canada shares a large border of over 3000 miles with the United States. Through the Canada-US Partnership (CUSP), Shared Border Accord and Border Vision, Canada and the US work to manage and streamline the border and make it more efficient. The CUSP Agreement was launched in October 1999 and promotes high-level discussions among governments, border communities and stakeholders to improve border management between the two countries. The CUSP sets out three guiding principles of border management: first, to streamline, harmonize and collaborate on border policies and management; second, to expand co-operation to increase efficiencies in customs, immigration, law enforcement and environmental protection; and third, collaborate on threats outside Canada and the United States. Following the Agreement a Report was produced, “Building a Border for the 21st century” which was jointly produced by both governments, including foreign affairs, customs, immigration, transportation and criminal justice departments in both countries. Several mechanisms are used for effective and enhanced monitoring at Canada-US border ports of entry, which include joint immigration-security interviews and more advanced information technology including electronic passport scanners and licence plate readers. Canadian and United States immigration and law enforcement agencies collaborate on a daily basis with the aim of ensuring safety at the shared border.

In relation to external border management Canada and the US signed a "Smart Border Declaration" in December 2001. A 30-point Action Plan was agreed between the countries. The Action Plan includes provision for joint development of common documentation such as permanent resident cards, and other travel documents to ensure security. This includes a basic identification card for permanent residents with a biometric identifier. The Action Plan also includes an agreement to screen asylum seekers and refugees for security risks, and to share information on claimants, to negotiate a safe third country agreement (see 8.12 - International Co-operation on Migration) and jointly review visa waiver lists. The plan furthermore entails the sharing of passenger information on flights between the two countries and exploration of means to identify security risks of persons arriving in each country on international flights. There is also an agreement on bringing into force counter-terrorist legislation; technical assistance to source and transit countries; exchange of fingerprints; addressing legal and operational obstacles to removing persons and encouraging third countries to accept their nationals.

Analysis provided by: Anisa Niaz LLM (Public Law), United Kingdom.

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