As we celebrate Canada Day and kick off the busy summer travel season the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) wishes to remind travellers of some important travel tips. The CBSA makes every effort to effectively manage the increased volumes of passengers during this peak period, as we recognize the importance of border wait times to both the Canadian trade and tourism interests. However, travellers can help facilitate their passage at the border by keeping the following tips in mind:
- Plan ahead to avoid delays at the Canada-U.S. land border.
- The CBSA suggests that you avoid travelling during peak periods, which occur mainly during weekends and statutory holidays, between 2 p.m. and midnight. You may also keep track of border wait times. To inquire about border wait times at major ports of entry, you may consult the CBSA website (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html), or Twitter (general: @CanBorder; border wait-times: @CBSA_BWT)
- Bring appropriate identification for yourself and for all children travelling with you, regardless of their age. CBSA officers watch closely for missing children and may ask you detailed questions about the children you are travelling with. If you have or share legal custody of the children, have copies of the relevant legal documents, such as custody rights, on hand.
- Declare all merchandise you have bought and received and have all your receipts on hand. Officers may ask you to show receipts for the goods you have purchased and your hotel receipts to verify the length of your stay outside Canada. Keep all of your receipts together and on hand to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Be aware of your personal exemptions. Depending on the length of your stay abroad, you may be entitled to certain personal exemptions (see below).
- Know before you go. Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from entering Canada (weapons, certain plant and animal products, etc.). You can find out more about this by consulting the information document Residents Returning to Canada: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ifcrc-rpcrc-eng.html
Exemptions:
You can bring back goods, tax and duty-free, worth up to…
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products may be included in your 48-hour or 7-day exemption, provided you are of legal age. Certain restrictions apply.
NEXUS program: If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States, you can apply to become a member of NEXUS, a program designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States. More information about this program is available at www.nexus.gc.ca.
For more information, visit the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca or contact the Border Information Service at 1‑800‑461-9999.
Quotes
“The summer season is upon us which means increased traffic across the border. The CBSA is committed to making people’s border experience as smooth and efficient as possible. I encourage people to plan ahead, bring appropriate identification and to visit our website for the most up-to-date travel tips and advice during this busy travel season.”
- Calvin Christiansen, Regional Director General, CBSA, Atlantic Region
Associated Links
Travel Tips
Border Wait Times
Paying Duty and Taxes
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Contacts
CBSA Atlantic Region Communications
902-426-0900
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