The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travelers to be careful when crossing the border during the upcoming Victoria Day and US Memorial Day long weekend.
CBSA works hard every day to protect Canadians, support our economy and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our borders. In 2023, we hosted more than 86 million travelers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited substances, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals. This is an increase of nearly 30% from 2022.
CBSA puts a lot of effort into planning and preparing for peak periods such as long weekends and summer months. CBSA is monitoring traveler numbers and developing plans to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and international airports without compromising safety and security.
Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.
Plan ahead, expect delays, and check border wait times. Travelers crossing the border by land are encouraged to do so during off-peak hours, such as early morning. Mondays during the long holiday weekend tend to be the busiest, resulting in longer border wait times. Looking for opening hours for your port of entry? It's always best to check the official CBSA directory of offices and services. If you are using a GPS application (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, etc.) to guide you to the port of entry, review different navigation options (such as fastest route or shortest route) to determine your preferred route of travel. Please consider. There are often alternative ports of entry nearby. Please have your travel documents handy. Whether you're traveling by land, air, or water, having your travel documents ready at all times will reduce processing time. Save time by filing in advance. Customs and immigration declarations can be made at the international airports of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Data shows that this tool can reduce time at the kiosk or eGate by up to 50%. If you are traveling with children and the accompanying adult shares custody or is not a parent or legal guardian, ensure that they have a written consent permitting them to travel with the child. It is recommended. Border Patrol agents are constantly monitoring missing children, and if a letter is not available, agents may ask additional questions. Be aware of the exemption limit. Returning travelers purchasing or receiving items online across borders should be aware of personal exemption restrictions, including alcohol and tobacco. We recommend using CBSA's Duties and Taxes Estimator to calculate how much you should pay for items purchased overseas. Cannabis: Don't bring it in, don't take it out. Even though cannabis is legal in Canada, it is not possible to bring cannabis, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), across the border without a Health Canada permit or exemption. , is a serious criminal offense subject to arrest and prosecution. A prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization. Get ready to declare. All travelers must declare their goods upon entering Canada. If you are a returning resident, please have receipts readily available for items purchased or received outside of Canada. Travelers must be aware of everything in their vehicle and are responsible for its contents. We recommend that you do not travel with firearms, but if you do, please be sure to check the rules regarding the importation of firearms and other restricted and prohibited items, such as pepper spray and certain knives. Boaters who plan to travel in or near Canadian waters, or enter Canada by boat, should review the reporting requirements for civilian boaters before making travel plans. All travelers entering Canada by boat must report to her CBSA without delay. Bringing fireworks to Canada? To make sure the fireworks you bring in are permitted, see Importing, Exporting, and Transporting Fireworks. Declaring food, plant and animal products. Before bringing food, plant or animal products into Canada, please refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. Bringing poultry across the border? Poultry products are intended for human consumption and must be packaged for retail sale and labeled as “Product of the United States.” Homemade foods or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Before bringing these products across the border, please review the latest information for travelers: Restrictions on Poultry and Birds from the United States. Will you be traveling with medication? Make sure you understand your responsibilities. Are you coming to Canada for camping? Firewood from outside of Canada is not allowed due to the potential for the presence of invasive insects and diseases. Please help protect our forests. Buy local, burn local.
I don't know? Ask CBSA officials. The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with CBSA officials. If you're not sure what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. CBSA employees are here to help you and keep you safe.
For more information, visit the CBSA website or call 1-800-461-9999.
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