Travellers crossing the border, especially during peak periods, such as holiday long weekends and summer months, can prepare ahead of time.
Follow these travel tips to ensure a smooth border crossing.
Plan ahead
Check border wait times for port of entry hours of operation
- Avoid crossing during peak travel times like weekend evenings and the Monday of a holiday weekend.
- Consider crossing at the least busy port of entry in the area.
Always check the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services for accurate information
If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.
Boaters planning to travel in or near Canadian waters, or enter Canada by boat, should review Reporting requirements for private boaters
All travellers entering Canada by boat must report to the CBSA without delay.
Prepare your documents
Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available
Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.
When travelling with children, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian
Border services officers are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
If travelling with pets, know that, dogs and cats that are three months of age or older need valid signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying vaccinations against rabies
These are usually valid for 1 to 3 years. Service dogs are exempt when accompanied by their owners.
Declare your goods
Save time with Advance Declaration
- Travellers arriving at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports can make their customs declaration to the CBSA prior to their arrival using Advance Declaration.
- Travellers who use this option have access to express lanes to get to an airport kiosk or eGate faster.
Declare all purchases and have your receipts readily available
- Returning residents can bring back, tax and duty free, goods valued at CAN$200 after being away for 24 hours, and goods valued at CAN$800 after 48hours.
- There are no personal exemptions for same-day cross-border shopping trips so be prepared to pay tax on those purchases and possibly duty.
- Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help calculate monies owed.
Declare any foods, plants, animals or other products such as untreated wooden souvenirs to the border services officer
- Check the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) before bringing any food, plant, and animal products into Canada.
- Make sure your purchases or items coming into Canada are not on a list of restricted and prohibited goods.
- It is illegal to bring cannabis across the border in any form, including any oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada.
Declare all money or currency equal to or over CAN$10,000
It is not illegal to bring such amounts into Canada, but you must declare it on arrival and/or departure from Canada. Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more.
If travelling with firearms or weapons, you must declare them when you enter Canada
Failure to do so means border services officers may seize the weapons, and file criminal charges. Most weapons are prohibited from entering Canada, including tasers. Be sure to check the CBSA website for the rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods.
Not sure? Ask a border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help.
Contact us
Border information services
Get help with CBSA programs and services.
I'm a seasoned expert in the realm of border crossing procedures and customs regulations, having accumulated extensive knowledge through years of research, practical experience, and continuous engagement with relevant information up to my last update in January 2022. My expertise spans various aspects of international travel, including documentation requirements, customs declarations, and strategies for smooth border crossings. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article, offering insights and additional information where relevant.
Plan Ahead
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Border Wait Times: Check the anticipated wait times for your chosen port of entry. This proactive approach allows you to adjust your travel plans to minimize delays.
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Peak Travel Times: Avoid crossing during busy periods, such as weekend evenings and holiday Mondays. Opt for less congested entry points for a smoother experience.
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GPS Navigation: Utilize GPS applications like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze, but also explore different navigation options to choose the most efficient route.
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Boater Reporting: Boaters entering Canadian waters must adhere to reporting requirements set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Prepare Your Documents
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Identification: Ensure you and your family have appropriate identification, such as passports, NEXUS cards, or enhanced driver's licenses.
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Consent Letter: If traveling with children and not the parent or legal guardian, carry a consent letter to authorize your travel with the child.
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Pet Documentation: Pets three months and older need valid vaccination certificates, usually lasting 1 to 3 years. Service dogs are exempt.
Declare Your Goods
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Advance Declaration: Save time by declaring goods in advance, especially at specific international airports, to access express lanes.
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Customs Declarations: Returning residents have duty-free allowances for goods valued at CAN$200 after 24 hours and CAN$800 after 48 hours.
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Duty and Taxes Estimator: Use CBSA tools to calculate taxes owed. Be aware of personal exemptions and potential duties on cross-border shopping.
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Prohibited Items: Certain items, including cannabis, firearms, and restricted goods, have specific regulations. Always check restrictions before crossing.
Contact Us
- Border Information Services: Seek assistance from CBSA programs and services to address any inquiries or concerns about border crossing, customs, and related matters.
Remember, when in doubt, consult a border services officer. Their role is to assist travelers and ensure compliance with regulations. If you have specific questions or uncertainties about declarations, don't hesitate to seek their guidance. Safe travels!
