OTTAWA — The Canada Border Providers Company (CBSA) reminds travellers that the Canadian Thanksgiving and U.S. Columbus Day lengthy weekend is a busy time on the border. There are some things it’s best to know earlier than you go.
Throughout the nation, CBSA entrance line workers are holding dangerous items out of Canada, whereas guaranteeing reputable journey and commerce can proceed effectively and safely. In 2022, they facilitated the arrival of over 60 million travellers whereas holding greater than 1,100 firearms and 24,400 prohibited weapons off the streets and seized over 41,000 kg of unlawful medication. Over the Canadian Labour Day lengthy weekend, officers welcomed 1.34 million travellers whereas holding wait instances to a minimal.
The CBSA invests vital effort planning and making ready for peak durations, comparable to vacation lengthy weekends. They monitor traveller volumes and work laborious to reduce border wait instances at ports of entry, together with worldwide airports, with out compromising security and safety.
Assist them by coming ready. For a smoother journey, it’s best to:
Plan forward and examine the border wait instances internet web page. Travellers crossing the border by land are inspired to cross throughout non-peak hours comparable to early morning. The Monday of vacation lengthy weekends tends to be the busiest — choose one other day to cross the border for those who can.
Searching for a port of entry’s hours of operation? At all times greatest to examine the official CBSA Listing of Places of work and Providers for this info. And, if you’re utilizing a GPS software (comparable to Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, take into account checking totally different navigation choices, comparable to quickest and shortest routes.
Save time with Advance Declaration. Travellers arriving on the Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec Metropolis, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton worldwide airports could make their customs and immigration declaration to the CBSA previous to their arrival utilizing Advance Declaration. Travellers who use this selection have entry to precise lanes to get to an airport kiosk or eGate quicker.
Have your journey paperwork helpful. Whether or not travelling by land, air or water, you possibly can assist velocity issues up by coming ready together with your journey paperwork.
Bringing turkey throughout the border? Poultry merchandise have to be retail packaged for human consumption, and labelled as a “Product of the USA”. Home made meals or leftovers containing poultry can’t be introduced into Canada. Examine the newest Info for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from america earlier than bringing these merchandise throughout the border.
When travelling with youngsters, it is strongly recommended that the accompanying grownup have a consent letter authorizing them to journey with the kid in the event that they share custody or are usually not the mum or dad or authorized guardian. Border companies officers are at all times looking forward to lacking youngsters, and within the absence of the letter, officers might ask further questions.
Know your exemption limits. Returning residents who make purchases or choose up on-line purchases exterior of Canada ought to pay attention to their private exemption limits. Use the CBSA obligation and taxes estimator to assist calculate your monies owed.
Hashish: Don’t convey it in. Don’t take it out. Bringing hashish throughout the border in any kind, together with oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), with out a allow or exemption approved by Well being Canada is a severe felony offence topic to arrest and prosecution, regardless of the legalization of hashish in Canada. A medical prescription from a health care provider doesn’t depend as Well being Canada authorization.
Be ready to declare. All travellers should declare their items upon entry into Canada. For returning residents, have your receipts available for items bought or acquired whereas exterior of Canada. You’re inspired to not journey with firearms, however for those who select to take action, be sure you examine the CBSA web site for the principles on importing firearms and different restricted and prohibited items.
Boaters planning to journey in or close to Canadian waters, or enter Canada by boat ought to evaluate Reporting necessities for personal boaters earlier than making journey plans. All travellers getting into Canada by boat should report back to the CBSA directly.
Declare any meals, vegetation, or animals. Seek the advice of the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Meals Inspection Company web site earlier than bringing any meals, plant, and animal merchandise into Canada.
Undecided? Ask a border companies officer. The very best factor you are able to do to save lots of time is to be open and sincere with the CBSA officer. If you’re unsure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask. Their officers are there to assist.
For extra info, go to the CBSA web site or name 1-800-461-9999.
As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
