The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers crossing the border this upcoming Victoria Day long weekend of what to expect at the border during the busy summer months.
This summer, the CBSA notes that travellers are returning to a border that is "managed differently, with evolving COVID-19 requirements," which can mean delays during peak periods.
Border processing delays at airports have made headlines in recent weeks, with reports of travellers held on arriving planes on the tarmac for hours as CBSA agents clear backlogs of pax in Canada's major airports.
Summer driving travel will also add pressure at land crossing points.
The CBSA says it is working to mitigate long border wait times, like planning well in advance to be well-staffed for expected peak periods.
In addition, the agency has also established modern processes to improve the traveller experience and manage volumes, like the International-to-Domestic and the International-to-International programs intended to "significantly decrease connection times," as well as the Primary Inspection Kiosks, and the advanced CBSA declaration option.
But the CBSA is also providing tips that travellers can do in advance to make the process easier for themselves and others, regardless of whether they are crossing into Canada by air, land, or water, now that the boating and cruise season is upon us.
Tips for Travellers
The agency notes that travellers can help reduce wait times at the border by coming prepared.
Travellers are asked to ensure they are eligible to enter Canada. Foreign nationals must meet the entry requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and provide appropriate travel and immigration documentation. The final determination on entry is made by a border services officer at the port of entry.
Understand the rules around COVID-19. There are still border measures in place for COVID-19, which vary depending on who is travelling: foreign nationals, returning residents or Canadian citizens.
All travellers can help keep lines moving by completing their mandatory ArriveCAN submission within 72 hours before arriving at the border.
Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers are required to submit their information in ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before entering Canada.
- Travellers must ensure they have the most up-to-date version of the ArriveCAN app.
- Travellers should print or take a screenshot of their ArriveCAN receipt and bring it with them when they travel.
- Travellers without a smartphone or without mobile data can submit their information by signing in online through a computing device. If travellers are unable to enter their information themselves, they can have a friend or family member enter the information for them.
Have all their documents ready. Travellers should have the following ready to present to the border services officer: their ArriveCAN receipt; passport or travel documents, proof of vaccination; and identification for all persons in the vehicle.
Plan ahead and check border wait times. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to plan to cross during non-peak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest, with longer border wait times, according to the CBSA.
Entering Canada by water. Unless exempt, all travellers entering Canada by water, must report their arrival to the CBSA without delay. All travellers, including those with a right of entry (Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act), must submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN before, or when, entering Canada at a marine port of entry.
Declarations
Be prepared to declare. Travellers returning to Canada should be ready to declare all goods purchased and/or received while outside the country. The CBSA recommends that gifts not be wrapped as the agency may need to examine them more in-depth. Travellers are encouraged to have their receipts readily available from purchases made outside of Canada.
Know the exemption limits. Returning residents planning to make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border, should be aware of their exemption limits. Travellers are recommended to check the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to calculate taxes on goods purchased in the United States and to help make informed decisions when shopping abroad.
- Residents can bring back tax and duty free goods valued at CAD $200 after being away for 24 hours, and goods valued at CAD $800 after 48 hours. There are no personal exemptions for same-day cross-border shopping trips, so travellers should prepared to pay tax on those purchases and possibly duty.
Declare any foods, plants, or animals such as raw poultry products and by-products that are not fully cooked, to the border services officer. There are currently restrictions on imports of live birds, bird products and by-products from states affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the United States. Also declare all wood and wood products (including. firewood and wooden souvenirs). Travellers are recommended to check the Automated Import Reference System to help determine all specific import requirements.
Declare all money or currency of CAD $10,000 or more. It is not illegal to bring such amounts into Canada, but it must be declared on arrival.
Cannabis. Don't bring it in. Don't take it out. Transporting cannabis across the border in any form, including any oils containing THC or CBD, without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
Advance Declaration. Air travellers landing in YYZ or YVR may use ArriveCAN (Web version) to complete their customs and immigrations declaration in advance of their arrival in Canada. This feature will be expanded to other airports in the future, said the CBSA.
Use the latest technology. Upon arrival at selected major airports in Canada, travellers can use a primary inspection kiosk to verify their travel documents, confirm their identity and complete an on-screen declaration.
Children. When travelling with children, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child. According to the CBSA, border services officers are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions, to help them identify the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult.
For more information, visit the CBSA's web site.
