Tuesday, July 16, 2024
reading time: 3 minutes
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shares essential tips for travellers returning from construction holidays in Quebec.
The Canada Border Services Agency makes great efforts to plan and prepare for peak periods, including long weekends and the summer months. The agency monitors traveler numbers and plans to reduce 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, anticipate delays, and check wait times at the border. Travelers crossing the border by land are advised to cross during off-peak hours such as early morning. Mondays of the long weekend tend to be the busiest, with longer wait times at the border.
- Check port of entry hours. It is always best to check the official CBSA office and service directory. If you are using a GPS app (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking the various navigation options to determine your preferred travel route. There are often alternative ports of entry nearby.
- Keep your travel documents handy. Whether you’re traveling by land, air or sea, you can help speed up processing times by always being prepared with your travel documents.
- Save time with advance advertising. You can file your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada at most international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time spent at kiosks or e-gates by up to 50%.
- Traveling with kids? It is recommended that the accompanying adult have a letter of consent authorizing them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. Border Services officers are always on the lookout for missing children, and in the absence of a letter, officers may ask additional questions.
- Know your exemption limits. Returning residents who make or receive online purchases across the border should be aware of their personal exemption limits, including for alcohol and tobacco. Use the Canada Border Services Agency’s Duty and Tax Estimator to calculate how much you owe on goods purchased abroad.
- Cannabis: Don’t bring it home, and don’t take it outside with you. Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing THC or CBD, without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offense that warrants arrest and prosecution, even though cannabis is legal in Canada. A prescription from a doctor does not constitute a Health Canada permit.
- Be prepared to advertise. All travellers must declare their goods when entering Canada. For returning residents, you should have receipts ready for goods purchased or received while outside Canada. Travellers should be aware of everything in their vehicle and be responsible for its contents. Avoid travelling with firearms, but if you choose to do so, check the rules for importing firearms and other prohibited and restricted goods, which include pepper spray and some knives.
- Boats planning to travel in or near Canadian waters, or enter Canada by boat, Reporting requirements for private boat passengers should be reviewed before making travel plans. All travellers entering Canada by boat must report to the Canada Border Services Agency without delay.
- Advertise any food, plants or animals. Check the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food, plants or animal products into Canada.
- Traveling with medication? Make sure you have your prescriptions and understand the rules for bringing medications into Canada.
