When traveling between the United States and Canada via marine ports of entry, you must present one of the following valid documents.

ID Requirements for U.S. & Canadian Citizens

– Valid Passport

– U.S. Passport Card

– Trusted traveler card (NEXUS)

– Enhanced Driver’s License from one of the following provinces/states: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont or Washington State
*Please note: “REAL ID’s” (issued by some states to comply with FAA and domestic federal requirements) are not a valid travel document for an international border crossing.

– Enhanced identification card (for example: enhanced Tribal cards, if available)

– U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

– U.S. Military Identification with military travel orders

– U.S. Merchant Mariner Document with official maritime business

All U.S. & Canadian citizens aged 15 and under only need proof of their citizenship with an original or photocopy of a birth certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 18 and under, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.

Please visit here for information about minors entering into Canada.

ID Requirements for NON U.S. or NON Canadian Citizens

– Valid Passport

Entry into the U.S.:

As of Oct. 1, 2022, in accordance with an Interim Final Rule (IFR), all Visa Waiver Program travelers entering the United States, whether by land, sea, or air are now required to obtain an approved ESTA authorization.

This application process must be done before arriving at our Victoria terminal, and is typically approved within 72 hours of application.

Click here for more ESTA information

Official ESTA Application

Travelers required to fill our a I-94 form for U.S. entry can expedite their customs processing time by using the CBP One app prior to border arrival.

Entry into Canada:
A visa may be required to enter Canada for citizens of some countries.

Click here for more information

For more information on border crossing requirements:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Canada Border Services Agency

You can check-in online or in person at your Departure Terminal on the day you travel. Both terminals offer extended hours during the summer months. We recommend arriving at least one hour before your ferry’s departure.  Health, Security and Passport checks are done at the ticket counter for all Seattle – Victoria passengers. Pre-boarding is available on most departures if you need a little more time to settle in, such as families traveling with children ages 5 and under and those with difficulty walking.

Departing Seattle

If you are traveling from Seattle, you will begin boarding 45 minutes prior to departure.

Departing Victoria

You are required to process through U.S. Customs & Border Protection before boarding any departure from Victoria. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will start processing passengers at least one hour before departure.

We recommend arriving one hour prior to departure, as final boarding call is 20 minutes prior to departure. If you are not on board the vessel 15 minutes prior to departure, you will forfeit your seat and your entire fare.

Checked Luggage

You are allowed to check up to two pieces of luggage on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry at the cost of $20.00 USD / $25.00 CAD (Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) per checked bag per leg of travel. Each checked luggage item must weigh less than 50 pounds with linear dimensions that do not exceed 62” (length + width + height) including handles and wheels. Luggage items between 51 to 70lbs will be charged $30.00 USD / $35.00 CAD and luggage items over 71 lbs. will be charged $40.00 USD / $45.00 CAD (Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) per leg of travel. All checked luggage items must be fully closed and contained (no protruding pieces or unclosed parts) to be accepted.

NOTE: Checked luggage will be checked in and paid for at the FRS Clipper terminal on your day of travel. Please allow ample time in your schedule to check in required luggage.

Carry-On Luggage

You may carry on a maximum of one piece of luggage and one personal item. The piece of luggage must not exceed the overall dimensions of 24” x 16” x 10” (including wheels and frame) and may be no heavier than 20 pounds.

Passengers are also allowed one personal item, such as:

  • Purse
  • Briefcase
  • Camera bag
  • Diaper bag
  • Small backpack
  • Tote bag
  • Standard size laptop computer case

Items that exceed the carry-on policy must be checked in prior to travel. Please note that FRS Clipper carry-on luggage size dimensions are smaller than those of major airlines.

Strollers and assistive items (such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and oxygen delivery devices) do not count towards a passenger’s carry-on allowance. You may bring these items with you to board the vessel where they will then be safely stowed by on-board staff.

Musical Instruments

Musical Instruments must be packed in an appropriate case for travel (hard sided cases are strongly recommended). Musical instruments that are small enough (flute, clarinet, etc.) may be carried on board the vessel as the passenger’s one piece of carry-on luggage. Guitars or similarly sized instruments can be checked as one of the two allowed checked in items per passenger without an additional charge.

Instruments that are larger than our carry-on size, but can stay with a passenger in their seat (i.e. guitars), will be charged the oversize rate. If an instrument is too large to stay with a passenger in a seat (i.e. cello, stand-up bass), they may purchase an additional seat at the lowest published fare. A standard liability waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger prior to transport of a musical instrument.

Luggage Storage

Seattle Terminal

During the summer (when the kiosk is open) there is a luggage storage area at the FRS Clipper Seattle Terminal where you can store your luggage (for $10.00 USD per bag – Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) while you see the sights in Seattle.

Victoria Terminal

Luggage can be stored year-round (10am – 5pm) at the FRS Clipper Victoria Terminal (for $15.00 CAD per bag – Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) while you explore in and around the city.

Need directions on where to catch the Victoria Clipper or where to park? Check out our Directions and Parking information.

Bicycles are charged a handling fee each way between Seattle and Victoria, BC and will be paid for at the ticket counter on your day of travel. Bicycle space is highly limited on both vessels and treated on a first booked, first served basis. To make a bicycle reservation in advance, please call our call center or reach out via email on our Contact Us form.

  • Bikes for travel to Victoria, BC: The bike fee for travel to Victoria, BC is $30 each way. While most all bike types are accepted for travel between Seattle and Victoria, it is best to reach out to our reservations team using the Contact Us form for any unusual requests to verify our ability to accommodate your request.

At check-in, bikes must be stripped of any packs, tire pumps, water bottles, etc., and a Bicycle Acceptance waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger. Bicycles are stored on the outside deck subject to the elements.

Pets in carriers are allowed to travel on our vessels and must be accompanied by a person (we will not transport animals as cargo). Pet space is highly limited. We do not currently accept pet reservations in advance, but we do request that you reach out via email on our Contact Us form to let us know if you plan on bringing a pet so that we may make a note in your reservation. At check in, a Pet Acceptance waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger. Pet fees will be paid for at the ticket counter on your day of travel.

  • Pets traveling to Victoria, BC: The pet fee for animals traveling to Victoria, BC is $30 each way and you must have the appropriate vaccination records for Customs.

Smaller pets that weigh 15 pounds or less and fit in a 20”x11”x11” enclosed carrier (duffel bag/soft crate style with handles) can travel in the passenger cabin. They will not be allowed to travel without a carrier or with a carrier that doesn’t sufficiently contain the pet, such as a purse or an open bag.

Larger pets must be in a hard-sided airline approved kennel (kennels can be rented for an additional $10 each way). Be advised that larger kennels are placed on the outside deck subject to engine noise and the elements.

All pets must remain in their carriers or kennels for the duration of the trip.

Traveling with Service Animals

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, including, but not limited to:

  • Guiding individuals with impaired vision
  • Alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds
  • Alerting persons with seizure disorders to the onset of a seizure
  • Providing minimal protection or rescue work
  • Pulling a wheelchair
  • Fetching dropped items

We welcome service dogs on FRS Clipper sailings which are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Emotional support animals (other than for PTSD) are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Clipper’s Pet Policy.

To ensure that both you and your animal travel easily and comfortably, please review the following information:

  • Trained service animals travel for free.
  • The size of the animal must not exceed the footprint or personal space of the guest’s seat or foot area during the entire voyage.
  • Service animal documentation must be presented at check-in.
  • Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the terminal and onboard the vessel.
  • We suggest that you not overwater or overfeed your animal on the day of travel.
  • Animals must be seated on the floor space below a guest’s seat or, if no larger than an infant, seated in the guest’s lap, if needed to accommodate your disability.
  • Animals must behave appropriately in the terminal and on the vessel. If your service animal engages in disruptive behavior such as (but not limited to) the following, your animal will be subject to our pet policy:
    • Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
    • Aggressive behaviors towards other guests or animals (e.g. biting, growling, snapping, lunging, etc.)
    • Freely wandering or running around
    • Relieving themselves in the cabin or places other than designated pet relief areas
    • Jumping on guests or employees
    • Occupying a seat, table or seatback tray table
    • Eating off of table or seatback tray tables
    • Not responsive to owner/handler’s commands
  • Animals may not occupy a seat or sit on a table or tray table at any time.
  • Animals may not obstruct the aisles or areas that must remain clear for emergency evacuation.
  • FRS Clipper reserves the right to charge a guest for damage caused by his or her service animal.

When traveling with a service animal, we recommend choosing a window seat when possible, so the service animal is safe from foot traffic.

Service animal reservations must be made in advance by calling our reservations team at 800-888-2535.

San Juan Clipper Vessel – Whale Watching Tours

Our San Juan Clipper fast ferry can accommodate standard manual wheelchairs and has a standard manual wheelchair accessible restroom onboard. When booking online, please mark the box noting that a guest will require standard wheelchair assistance and contact us with any questions so that we may add a note to your reservation. Please note that we are unable to accommodate motorized wheelchairs on San Juan Clipper due to space and boarding constraints.

Victoria Clipper V Vessel – Seattle to Victoria, BC Service

The Victoria Clipper V can accommodate both standard and motorized wheelchairs on the main deck of the vessel. Tie-downs are located at the front of the vessel on both the left and right side and at the back of the ship on the left side. Our vessel also features one wheelchair accessible bathroom onboard.

Due to limited loading capabilities, motorized scooters are typically not allowed in the cabin and are instead stored on the outside deck. If you are traveling with a motorized chair, be sure to bring along a charger in case your chair runs out of power during your trip.

When booking online, please mark the box noting that a guest will require wheelchair assistance and contact us with any questions so that we may add a note to your reservation.

One of the great advantages of international travel with Clipper Vacations is that you can purchase* duty free liquor and cigarettes aboard the Victoria Clipper for up to 50% off the regularly taxed price!

Victoria Clipper V Duty-Free Menu (sample menu, subject to change)

What Does Duty-Free Mean?

Duty free means that you are exempt from the steep taxes levied on certain commodities – typically alcohol and tobacco. Since these items are for consumption outside the country, the government does not collect taxes on these goods. Note, duty free purchases are only available on Clipper’s international ferry service.

You Must Declare Your Duty-Free Items

You must declare all purchases made in Canada at the US Customs counter. Returning to the US, passengers have a duty-free allowance of $400 per person, including one liter of alcohol if you have been out of the country for 48 hours or longer.

US residents gone less than 48 hours have a duty-free allowance of $200. If you are returning to Canada, the allowance is $50 if you have been out of country for less than 48 hours, $400 if greater than 48 hours and $750 if greater than seven days.

Onboard the Victoria Clipper purchases may be made with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover Card. We do not accept cash, checks or debit cards requiring a PIN number on board the Victoria Clipper.

Check out our list of frequently asked questions to help plan your travel.

ID Requirements

When traveling between the United States and Canada via marine ports of entry, you must present one of the following valid documents.

ID Requirements for U.S. & Canadian Citizens

– Valid Passport

– U.S. Passport Card

– Trusted traveler card (NEXUS)

– Enhanced Driver’s License from one of the following provinces/states: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont or Washington State
*Please note: “REAL ID’s” (issued by some states to comply with FAA and domestic federal requirements) are not a valid travel document for an international border crossing.

– Enhanced identification card (for example: enhanced Tribal cards, if available)

– U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

– U.S. Military Identification with military travel orders

– U.S. Merchant Mariner Document with official maritime business

All U.S. & Canadian citizens aged 15 and under only need proof of their citizenship with an original or photocopy of a birth certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 18 and under, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.

Please visit here for information about minors entering into Canada.

ID Requirements for NON U.S. or NON Canadian Citizens

– Valid Passport

Entry into the U.S.:

As of Oct. 1, 2022, in accordance with an Interim Final Rule (IFR), all Visa Waiver Program travelers entering the United States, whether by land, sea, or air are now required to obtain an approved ESTA authorization.

This application process must be done before arriving at our Victoria terminal, and is typically approved within 72 hours of application.

Click here for more ESTA information

Official ESTA Application

Travelers required to fill our a I-94 form for U.S. entry can expedite their customs processing time by using the CBP One app prior to border arrival.

Entry into Canada:
A visa may be required to enter Canada for citizens of some countries.

Click here for more information

For more information on border crossing requirements:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Canada Border Services Agency

Check-in & Boarding

You can check-in online or in person at your Departure Terminal on the day you travel. Both terminals offer extended hours during the summer months. We recommend arriving at least one hour before your ferry’s departure.  Health, Security and Passport checks are done at the ticket counter for all Seattle – Victoria passengers. Pre-boarding is available on most departures if you need a little more time to settle in, such as families traveling with children ages 5 and under and those with difficulty walking.

Departing Seattle

If you are traveling from Seattle, you will begin boarding 45 minutes prior to departure.

Departing Victoria

You are required to process through U.S. Customs & Border Protection before boarding any departure from Victoria. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will start processing passengers at least one hour before departure.

We recommend arriving one hour prior to departure, as final boarding call is 20 minutes prior to departure. If you are not on board the vessel 15 minutes prior to departure, you will forfeit your seat and your entire fare.

Luggage

Checked Luggage

You are allowed to check up to two pieces of luggage on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry at the cost of $20.00 USD / $25.00 CAD (Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) per checked bag per leg of travel. Each checked luggage item must weigh less than 50 pounds with linear dimensions that do not exceed 62” (length + width + height) including handles and wheels. Luggage items between 51 to 70lbs will be charged $30.00 USD / $35.00 CAD and luggage items over 71 lbs. will be charged $40.00 USD / $45.00 CAD (Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) per leg of travel. All checked luggage items must be fully closed and contained (no protruding pieces or unclosed parts) to be accepted.

NOTE: Checked luggage will be checked in and paid for at the FRS Clipper terminal on your day of travel. Please allow ample time in your schedule to check in required luggage.

Carry-On Luggage

You may carry on a maximum of one piece of luggage and one personal item. The piece of luggage must not exceed the overall dimensions of 24” x 16” x 10” (including wheels and frame) and may be no heavier than 20 pounds.

Passengers are also allowed one personal item, such as:

  • Purse
  • Briefcase
  • Camera bag
  • Diaper bag
  • Small backpack
  • Tote bag
  • Standard size laptop computer case

Items that exceed the carry-on policy must be checked in prior to travel. Please note that FRS Clipper carry-on luggage size dimensions are smaller than those of major airlines.

Strollers and assistive items (such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and oxygen delivery devices) do not count towards a passenger’s carry-on allowance. You may bring these items with you to board the vessel where they will then be safely stowed by on-board staff.

Musical Instruments

Musical Instruments must be packed in an appropriate case for travel (hard sided cases are strongly recommended). Musical instruments that are small enough (flute, clarinet, etc.) may be carried on board the vessel as the passenger’s one piece of carry-on luggage. Guitars or similarly sized instruments can be checked as one of the two allowed checked in items per passenger without an additional charge.

Instruments that are larger than our carry-on size, but can stay with a passenger in their seat (i.e. guitars), will be charged the oversize rate. If an instrument is too large to stay with a passenger in a seat (i.e. cello, stand-up bass), they may purchase an additional seat at the lowest published fare. A standard liability waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger prior to transport of a musical instrument.

Luggage Storage

Seattle Terminal

During the summer (when the kiosk is open) there is a luggage storage area at the FRS Clipper Seattle Terminal where you can store your luggage (for $10.00 USD per bag – Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) while you see the sights in Seattle.

Victoria Terminal

Luggage can be stored year-round (10am – 5pm) at the FRS Clipper Victoria Terminal (for $15.00 CAD per bag – Credit Card ONLY, Cash NOT accepted) while you explore in and around the city.

Directions & Parking

Need directions on where to catch the Victoria Clipper or where to park? Check out our Directions and Parking information.

Bicycles

Bicycles are charged a handling fee each way between Seattle and Victoria, BC and will be paid for at the ticket counter on your day of travel. Bicycle space is highly limited on both vessels and treated on a first booked, first served basis. To make a bicycle reservation in advance, please call our call center or reach out via email on our Contact Us form.

  • Bikes for travel to Victoria, BC: The bike fee for travel to Victoria, BC is $30 each way. While most all bike types are accepted for travel between Seattle and Victoria, it is best to reach out to our reservations team using the Contact Us form for any unusual requests to verify our ability to accommodate your request.

At check-in, bikes must be stripped of any packs, tire pumps, water bottles, etc., and a Bicycle Acceptance waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger. Bicycles are stored on the outside deck subject to the elements.

Pets

Pets in carriers are allowed to travel on our vessels and must be accompanied by a person (we will not transport animals as cargo). Pet space is highly limited. We do not currently accept pet reservations in advance, but we do request that you reach out via email on our Contact Us form to let us know if you plan on bringing a pet so that we may make a note in your reservation. At check in, a Pet Acceptance waiver must be completed and signed by the passenger. Pet fees will be paid for at the ticket counter on your day of travel.

  • Pets traveling to Victoria, BC: The pet fee for animals traveling to Victoria, BC is $30 each way and you must have the appropriate vaccination records for Customs.

Smaller pets that weigh 15 pounds or less and fit in a 20”x11”x11” enclosed carrier (duffel bag/soft crate style with handles) can travel in the passenger cabin. They will not be allowed to travel without a carrier or with a carrier that doesn’t sufficiently contain the pet, such as a purse or an open bag.

Larger pets must be in a hard-sided airline approved kennel (kennels can be rented for an additional $10 each way). Be advised that larger kennels are placed on the outside deck subject to engine noise and the elements.

All pets must remain in their carriers or kennels for the duration of the trip.

Traveling with Service Animals

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities, including, but not limited to:

  • Guiding individuals with impaired vision
  • Alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds
  • Alerting persons with seizure disorders to the onset of a seizure
  • Providing minimal protection or rescue work
  • Pulling a wheelchair
  • Fetching dropped items

We welcome service dogs on FRS Clipper sailings which are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Emotional support animals (other than for PTSD) are no longer accepted as service animals and may travel under Clipper’s Pet Policy.

To ensure that both you and your animal travel easily and comfortably, please review the following information:

  • Trained service animals travel for free.
  • The size of the animal must not exceed the footprint or personal space of the guest’s seat or foot area during the entire voyage.
  • Service animal documentation must be presented at check-in.
  • Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the terminal and onboard the vessel.
  • We suggest that you not overwater or overfeed your animal on the day of travel.
  • Animals must be seated on the floor space below a guest’s seat or, if no larger than an infant, seated in the guest’s lap, if needed to accommodate your disability.
  • Animals must behave appropriately in the terminal and on the vessel. If your service animal engages in disruptive behavior such as (but not limited to) the following, your animal will be subject to our pet policy:
    • Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
    • Aggressive behaviors towards other guests or animals (e.g. biting, growling, snapping, lunging, etc.)
    • Freely wandering or running around
    • Relieving themselves in the cabin or places other than designated pet relief areas
    • Jumping on guests or employees
    • Occupying a seat, table or seatback tray table
    • Eating off of table or seatback tray tables
    • Not responsive to owner/handler’s commands
  • Animals may not occupy a seat or sit on a table or tray table at any time.
  • Animals may not obstruct the aisles or areas that must remain clear for emergency evacuation.
  • FRS Clipper reserves the right to charge a guest for damage caused by his or her service animal.

When traveling with a service animal, we recommend choosing a window seat when possible, so the service animal is safe from foot traffic.

Service animal reservations must be made in advance by calling our reservations team at 800-888-2535.

Wheelchair Accessibility

San Juan Clipper Vessel – Whale Watching Tours

Our San Juan Clipper fast ferry can accommodate standard manual wheelchairs and has a standard manual wheelchair accessible restroom onboard. When booking online, please mark the box noting that a guest will require standard wheelchair assistance and contact us with any questions so that we may add a note to your reservation. Please note that we are unable to accommodate motorized wheelchairs on San Juan Clipper due to space and boarding constraints.

Victoria Clipper V Vessel – Seattle to Victoria, BC Service

The Victoria Clipper V can accommodate both standard and motorized wheelchairs on the main deck of the vessel. Tie-downs are located at the front of the vessel on both the left and right side and at the back of the ship on the left side. Our vessel also features one wheelchair accessible bathroom onboard.

Due to limited loading capabilities, motorized scooters are typically not allowed in the cabin and are instead stored on the outside deck. If you are traveling with a motorized chair, be sure to bring along a charger in case your chair runs out of power during your trip.

When booking online, please mark the box noting that a guest will require wheelchair assistance and contact us with any questions so that we may add a note to your reservation.

Duty-Free Shopping

One of the great advantages of international travel with Clipper Vacations is that you can purchase* duty free liquor and cigarettes aboard the Victoria Clipper for up to 50% off the regularly taxed price!

Victoria Clipper V Duty-Free Menu (sample menu, subject to change)

What Does Duty-Free Mean?

Duty free means that you are exempt from the steep taxes levied on certain commodities – typically alcohol and tobacco. Since these items are for consumption outside the country, the government does not collect taxes on these goods. Note, duty free purchases are only available on Clipper’s international ferry service.

You Must Declare Your Duty-Free Items

You must declare all purchases made in Canada at the US Customs counter. Returning to the US, passengers have a duty-free allowance of $400 per person, including one liter of alcohol if you have been out of the country for 48 hours or longer.

US residents gone less than 48 hours have a duty-free allowance of $200. If you are returning to Canada, the allowance is $50 if you have been out of country for less than 48 hours, $400 if greater than 48 hours and $750 if greater than seven days.

Onboard the Victoria Clipper purchases may be made with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover Card. We do not accept cash, checks or debit cards requiring a PIN number on board the Victoria Clipper.

FAQs

Check out our list of frequently asked questions to help plan your travel.