Higher volumes anticipated at border crossings this Family Day/President’s Day weekend

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in the Southern Ontario Region anticipates higher volumes this Family Day and President’s Day weekend February 17-20, 2017. The Southern Ontario Region of the CBSA covers the southern portion of Ontario, encompassing the cities of Windsor, Sarnia, London, Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, and their surrounding communities.

Historically traffic volumes are up at all crossings in the Southern Ontario Region over this shared holiday weekend with Monday being the busiest day. Sporting and other events scheduled throughout the weekend will contribute to higher volumes and may affect border wait times at some ports of entry.

The CBSA will be monitoring traffic volumes throughout the weekend and will use all available resources to maintain service levels and minimize processing times, while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians.

Travellers are encouraged to use this checklist to plan ahead and simplify your border crossing:  

• Download our new CanBorder app and check current border wait times to help plan your trip based on forecasted wait times. Services such as “Near Me” and “Favourites” make it easy to find and access information on ports of entry that are nearby.

• Check border wait times, follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), or join us on Facebook. Cross at the least busy port of entry in the area.

• Ensure that you have proper travel documents for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available. Some acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's license.

• NEXUS participants can avoid delays by using the NEXUS lanes at the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel, the Ambassador, Blue Water, Peace and Queenston–Lewiston Bridges. In Niagara Falls, NEXUS members can also use the NEXUS-only Whirlpool Bridge. Visit http://www.nexus.gc.ca/prog/nexus/land-terre-eng.html for operating times and up to date information.

• Consult our Duty and Taxes Estimator tool to determine in advance what you might have to pay on specific purchases.

• Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco. Remember there are no personal exemptions for same-day cross-border shopping trips, so be prepared to pay the harmonized sales tax on your purchases and possibly duty.

ABSENT FROM CANADA

EXEMPTION

Less than 24 hours

No personal exemption

24 hours

Up to CAN$200

Alcohol and tobacco are not included

If value of goods purchased exceeds $200, duty and taxes are applicable on entire amount of imported goods

Goods must be in your possession at time of entry to Canada

48 hours or more

CAN$800

Alcohol and tobacco within your limits can be included

• For more information on bringing back alcohol and tobacco products as part of your personal exemption and to find out your limits, consult the I Declare guide.

• Be prepared to declare all of your purchases. Failure to report all goods may lead to penalty action up to and including seizure of the goods. Smuggling, undervaluation and other Customs Act contraventions may also lead to prosecution in a court of law.

• Certain goods are prohibited from entering Canada, including some food, plant and animal products. Be aware of what goods are prohibited by consulting the I Declare guide.

• If a visitor to Canada, know what you are allowed to import, and what items are prohibited or restricted. Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from entering Canada including firearms and some food, plant and animal products. If you are unsure whether the product is allowed, we recommend that you declare the item and speak to a border services officer if you have any questions. Goods that are not declared are subject to seizure and penalties, and could lead to prosecution.

• Check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals, other than U.S. citizens, travelling to Canada by air. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA and need to travel with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents (PRs) are also not eligible for an eTA and, as always, need to travel with a PR card or a PR travel document. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need an eTA to board a flight to Canada.

• For even more travel information, visit the CBSA’s Travel Tips page.

For more information, visit the CBSA website at www.cbsa.gc.ca or contact the Border Information Service at 1‑800‑461-9999.