SURREY, B.C. – The Peace Arch crossing on I-5 and the Pacific Highway crossing on SR 543 both operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making them Surrey’s round-the-clock gateways into Washington state. NEXUS lanes into Canada run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and commercial vehicles are not permitted at Peace Arch.
A personal exemption is the duty-free value of goods a traveller can bring back into Canada, and it depends entirely on how long you were away.
Canada Border Services Agency rules: after 24 hours away, the exemption is CAN$200, with no alcohol or tobacco allowed. After 48 hours, it rises to CAN$800, and alcohol and tobacco are permitted within limits. Same-day trips get zero exemption.
Crossing during non-peak hours, such as early morning, usually means shorter waits.
A caveat: hours and exemption limits come from Washington State DOT and CBSA published guidance and can change. Check current border wait times and CBSA rules before travelling.
What happens next: the holiday season brings heavier border traffic from late November. Apna News will publish a holiday border-timing guide closer to the season.
Apna News tracks border and travel practicalities for Surrey residents. Send your crossing questions for future guides.
(Source: Washington State DOT and CBSA, October 2026)
