The CBSA gives tips for a smoother border crossing during the construction holidays
July 16 2024 - 10:49AM
PR Newswire (Canada)
MONTRÉAL, July 16,
2024 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
offers a few tips to travellers who will be crossing the border on
their return from the construction holidays in Quebec.
The CBSA dedicates significant efforts to planning and preparing
for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. We
monitor traveller volumes and plan to minimize border wait times at
land ports of entry and at international airports, without
compromising safety and security.
Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:
- Plan ahead, expect delays and check border wait
times. Travellers crossing the border by land are
encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early mornings.
The Monday of a holiday long weekend tends to be the busiest, with
longer border wait times.
- Looking for a port of entry's hours of operation? Always
best to check the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services.
If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps
or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking
different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes)
to determine the preferred route of travel. In many instances,
there are alternative ports of entry within close proximity.
- Have your travel documents handy. Whether
travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing
times by always coming prepared with your travel documents.
- Save time with Advance Declaration. You
can make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in
advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy
Bishop, Calgary, and
Edmonton international airports.
Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate
by up to 50%.
- When travelling with children, it is recommended
that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them
to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the
parent or legal guardian. Border services officers are always
watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter,
officers may ask additional questions.
- Know your exemption limits. Returning residents who make
purchases or pick up online purchases across the border should be
aware of their personal exemption limits, including alcohol and
tobacco. You are encouraged to use the CBSA duty and taxes
estimator to help calculate your monies owed on goods purchased
abroad.
- Cannabis: Don't bring it in. Don't take it out. Bringing
cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit
or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal
offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization
of cannabis in Canada. A medical
prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada
authorization.
- Be prepared to declare. All travellers must declare
their goods upon entry into Canada. For returning residents, have your
receipts readily available for goods purchased or received while
outside of Canada. Travellers
should be aware of everything that is inside their vehicle and are
responsible for its contents. You are encouraged not to travel with
firearms, but if you choose to do so, be sure to check the
rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited
goods, which includes pepper spray and certain knives.
- Boaters planning to travel in or near Canadian waters, or
enter Canada by boat should
review Reporting requirements for private boaters before making
travel plans. All travellers entering Canada by boat must report to the CBSA without
delay.
- Declare any food, plants, or animals.
Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food,
plant, and animal products into Canada.
- Travelling with medication? Make sure you understand
your responsibilities.
Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best thing you can
do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If
you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our
officers are here to help and keep everyone safe.
For more information, visit the CBSA Website or call
us at 1-800-461-9999.
Associated links
- Plan your trip across the border
- Residents returning to Canada
- Border reminder checklist
- Advance Declaration video
SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency
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