MONTREAL, June 17, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The busy summer holiday season is upon us and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is making every effort to effectively manage the increased volumes of passengers during this peak period; travellers can facilitate their passage at the border by keeping the following tips in mind…
1. 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: @CBSA_BWT; St-Bernard-de-Lacolle: @CBSA_SBL; Stanstead: @CBSA_STD; St-Armand/Philipsburg: @CBSA_SAP).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Be aware of your personal exemptions. Depending on the length of your stay abroad, you may be entitled to certain personal exemptions.
| AFTER BEING AWAY FOR… |
YOU CAN BRING BACK GOODS, TAX AND DUTY-FREE, WORTH UP TO… |
| Less than 24 hours |
No exemption |
| 24 hours or more |
Can$200 |
| 48 hours or more |
Can$800 |
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.
| Exemption chart on alcohol and tobacco |
| Only one of the following amounts of alcoholic beverages may be imported free of duty and taxes (when stays are more than 48 hours): 1.14 L (40 oz.) of liquor; or 1.5 L of wine; or 24 X 355 ml (8.5 L) containers of beer. You must be of legal age in the province of importation. |
| The following amounts of tobacco products may be imported free of duty and taxes (when stays are more than 48 hours): 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars or cigarillos; 200 tobacco sticks; and 200 g (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco (a special duty fee might be applicable). |
5. 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
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
"Many persons will be travelling this summer. The CBSA is making every effort to ensure that their experience at the border is as smooth and efficient as possible. I encourage anyone coming to Canada's borders over the holidays to visit the CBSA website for the most up-to-date travel tips and advice, and to plan accordingly."
- Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region
Associated Links
SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations, Quebec Region, Canada Border Services Agency, 514-350-6130; Follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.
Share this article