Summer means increased cross-border traffic with the vacation season kick-off on the July 1 to 4 long weekend. On average, weekend traffic volumes during July and August are significantly higher than weekends during the spring and fall.
Last year, heavier than normal Canada-bound traveller volumes were experienced on Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. It is anticipated that border crossings into Canada will be busier this coming Thursday through Monday, with both Americans and Canadians taking advantage of the long weekend.
Tip 1
Ensure that you have proper identification for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into both the United States and Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver’s licence.
Tip 2
Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification. When travelling with children, have their identification ready. For any child who is travelling without their parents or travelling with non custodial parents, be prepared to provide a letter of permission along with parental contact information.
Tip 3
Plan ahead and check border wait times at HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html" \o "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html"www.cbsa.gc.ca, or follow us on HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/new-neuf/twitter-eng.html" Twitter for hourly border wait time updates at HYPERLINK "http://twitter.com/" \l "!/CBSA_BWT" BWT_CBSA. Avoid crossing during peak travel times, and consider crossing at the least busy port of entry in the area whenever possible.
Tip 4
Declare all purchases made and have your receipts readily available. 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 Harmonized Sales Tax on those purchases and possibly duty. After an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back CAN$50 tax- and duty-free; after an absence of 48 hours you may bring CAN$400; and after 7 days, CAN$750.
Tip 5
Consider applying for HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html" NEXUS and save time at air, marine and land ports of entry when entering Canada or the United States. Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.nexus.gc.ca" www.nexus.gc.ca for more information or to apply for a membership. NEXUS lanes are available at the Queenston–Lewiston Bridge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; at the Peace Bridge from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. between Victoria Day and Labour Day; at the Ambassador Bridge from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekends and holidays; at the Blue Water Bridge from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and at the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Remember that in the Niagara area, the Whirlpool Bridge is a NEXUS-only bridge.
Tip 6
Declare all money or monetary instruments equal to or over CAN$10,000.
Tip 7
Souvenirs can be a fun way to remember your vacation, but certain goods are prohibited from entering Canada, including some food, plant and animal products. Be aware of what goods are prohibited from entering Canada by consulting the HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html" \o "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html" I Declare brochure, available at HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa.gc.ca" www.cbsa.gc.ca.
Tip 8
Empty your vehicle’s trunk before the trip other than essential luggage. Additional belongings in your car may add time to your crossing.
Tip 9
Turn off radios and cell phones when approaching the inspection booths. Roll down window, remove sunglasses and speak directly to the officer.
Tip 10
Stop at the stop sign when entering a primary lane. The driver of the vehicle should concentrate on driving while a passenger can hold the identification until it is required to be presented to the border services officer.
Tip 11
If travelling with firearms or weapons, you must declare them when you enter Canada. If you don’t, border services officers will seize the weapons and may file criminal charges. Those bearing firearms must prove that they are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada. Most weapons are prohibited from entering Canada, including Tasers, brass knuckles, pepper spray and similar items. For information on importing a firearm or weapon into Canada, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html" www.cbsa.gc.ca.
Tip 12
If travelling with pets, please remember that dogs and cats that are at least three months old need signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. Service dogs are not subject to any restrictions if the dog is accompanied by its owner.
Tip 13
Whether camping in Canada or returning from a camping trip, keep these things in mind:
All camping gear, recreational equipment and supplies must be clean and free of pests and soil.
You cannot bring live bait into the country without a permit. Find out more at HYPERLINK "http://www.beaware.gc.ca" www.beaware.gc.ca.
There are certain restrictions on the types and quantities of food products that are allowed to enter Canada.
Firewood cannot be brought into the country because it can introduce invasive species and spread disease to Canada’s trees. Campers should buy firewood on site, burn firewood on site, and leave all unused firewood on site.
Tip 14
Be patient. The CBSA wishes you happy travels and safe return to Canada.
*Submitted to us from the CBSA.
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