Tips for travelers from Canada Border Services Agency

In anticipation of the winter holidays and peak season, the Canada Border Services Agency has released a short guide with basic rules for travelers coming to Canada. Following them will help avoid unnecessary problems and make your vacation more comfortable.

Declare in advance — and on time

If your destination is Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton International Airports, you can file your customs and immigration declaration well in advance. This must be done at least 72 hours before your arrival. Filing your declaration in advance will give you access to fast green lanes.

Consider the load at border crossings

Information on border waiting times can be found on the agency's website. Travelers crossing the border by land are advised to do so during off-peak hours, such as early morning. Monday during the holiday week is usually the busiest day — choose another day if possible. In addition, it is always best to check the opening hours of the crossing.

Tax exemption limits

Returning residents who purchase or pick up online orders outside of Canada should be aware of their personal exemption limits. Use the fee and tax calculator on the department's website to calculate the exact amount.

Have your travel documents handy

Whether you're traveling by land, air or water, you'll speed up the process if you keep your travel documents ready.

Be prepared to file a declaration

Returning residents must have receipts on hand for goods purchased or received outside of Canada.

It is not recommended to travel with guns, but if you must, check the import regulations on them and any other prohibited luggage.

Leave gifts unwrapped

If you're traveling with gifts, make sure they are unwrapped or packed in easy-to-open gift bags — in case border officials need to check the contents.

Foodstuffs

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Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food, plant and animal products into Canada.

Poultry products must be packaged in retail packaging for human consumption and labeled. Homemade poultry food or poultry leftovers cannot be imported into Canada.

Children

When traveling with children, it is best for the accompanying adult to have a letter of consent authorizing them to travel with the child. This applies to all adults who share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. Border Patrol officers are always on the lookout for missing children, and if the letter is missing, officers may ask additional questions.

Cannabis

Please do not bring it in. Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils, without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence. You will be arrested and prosecuted for it, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor is not considered an authorization by Health Canada.

Pets

If you are traveling with a pet or planning to bring a pet into Canada, you will need a separate set of documents.

Finally, the Border Guard message concludes with a friendly reminder that the department's staff can always be contacted for clarification. And in case you are not sure, it is better not to rely on chance, but to clarify in advance.