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Coutts Border Crossing. (Supplied by Canada Border Services Agency)
Border delays expected

Coutts border crossing expecting influx of travellers

Mar 17, 2020 | 2:41 PM

COUTTS, AB – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is advising travellers of the possibility for higher-than-normal traffic at southern Alberta land crossings, including Coutts, over the next several weeks.

“Canadians returning from abroad due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) advisories, along with the seasonal return of Canadian snowbirds from the United States, may contribute to lineups at the border.”

The CBSA says they have an operational plan in place and is experienced in processing large volumes of travellers.

To help minimize delays, those crossing the border to Canada are asked to:

  • Plan their border crossing by checking the hours and services offered
  • Avoid longer lineups by crossing outside of the hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Download the CanBorder – Border Wait Time app or the CBSA website to monitor expected wait times

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that borders are being closed to most non-Canadians, they are still open to U.S. citizens for the time being.

When crossing the border, tell the CBSA officer if you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.