Border and Customs

Agencies

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for border access, services and security. The Canada Border Services Agency web site details many answers to questions frequently asked by travellers.

Border Wait Times

For expected wait times crossing Canada-United States land borders click here: Border Wait Times

Passports

Customs officers are at the border to ensure that people entering Canada respect Canadian laws. They are authorized to interview persons seeking entry to Canada to determine admissibility. Their goal is to facilitate the entry of legitimate travellers as quickly as possible.

When you enter Canada, a customs officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you.

US passports are not necessary at this time to visit British Columbia or other parts of Canada. The proposed Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has not been put into effect yet.

For updates on when this new travel policy for Americans will be implemented, please visit the US Department of State web site.

Personal Baggage

As a visitor, you can bring certain goods into Canada for your own use as "personal baggage." Personal baggage includes clothing, camping and sports equipment, cameras, tape recorders and even personal computers. It also includes vehicles, vessels and aircrafts.

First and foremost, as required by law, all goods must be declared at the time of your initial contact with Customs. Customs does conduct import/export examinations. For the most part, these are routine in nature, and serve to verify declarations.

Visitors aged 19 years or over may import up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 200g (8 ozs) of tobacco, up to 1.14 litres (40 oz) of liquor or 1.5 litres of wine, or 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale, providing it is to be used for personal consumption.

Currency and monetary instruments equal to or greater than CAN$10,000 must be reported to Canadian Customs.

All revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons, and self-defence sprays such as pepper spray and mace are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (ie: hunting rifles, shotguns) and personal protection devices (ie: stun guns, mace, pepper spray) must be declared.

Gifts

You can import gifts for friends in Canada duty free and tax free, as long as each gift is valued at CAN$60 or less. If the gift is worth more than CAN$60, you will have to pay duties and taxes on the excess amount. You cannot claim alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or advertising matter as gifts.

Pets

Dogs and cats over three months of age entering Canada from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months.

Vehicles and Boats

During your stay, you are considered to be a visitor to Canada. As a visitor, you can temporarily import passenger and recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, outboard motors, boats, trailers, and most other kinds of vehicles for your personal use. However, you have to export these items by the date you end your visit, unless you are issued a Form E99, Canada Customs Report.

Firearms

Canada's firearms laws help make Canada safer for both residents and visitors. You have to declare all firearms and weapons at customs when you enter Canada. If you do not declare all firearms or weapons, customs officers will seize them and you could face criminal charges. You may need documents to prove that you are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada, and you will have to transport it safely.

If you need more information about the changes to Canada's firearms laws, a specific firearm, weapon, device, or any fees that may apply, contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000 (in Canada and the U.S.) and (506) 624-5380 (from other countries) or visit the web site: Canadian Firearms Centre