Border Info

Do you have questions or concerns about crossing the border into Canada?  Please take the time to review this information.

VISITING CANADA:
United States citizens and legal residents of the United States do not yet need passports or visas to visit Canada when entering by land.  Visitors travelling to Canada by air will require a passport.  Even when crossing the border by land, we recommend bringing a passport, if you have one, since it will help facilitate crossing the border both into Canada and returning to the United States.  When crossing the border you may be asked to show proof of citizenship such as a birth, voter's naturalization certificate or passport. If the identification does not have a picture ID you may be asked to provide this as well.  A driver's license is generally sufficient for photo ID, but is not proof of citizenship by itself.  Photocopies of any identification are not acceptable.  If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your Permanent Resident Card (ie. Green Card) with you.  If you are travelling with children, you should carry identification for each child.  Divorced parents who share custody of their children should bring copies of the legal custody documents.  Adults who are not parents or guardians of the children should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise th children.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the Final Rule for the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

The WHTI Final Rule requires travellers "to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States." The new requirements are effective June 1, 2009. This is expected to be the final set of requirements for the implementation of the WHTI. 

For more information contact:  Canada Border Services at 1-800-461-9999 (from within Canada) or 1-204-983-3500 (from outside of Canada).  Information can also be found at www.cbsa.gc.ca

WHAT CAN I BRING INTO CANADA?
Visitors to Canada may bring certain goods as personal baggage, duty and tax free, provided all such items are declared to customs upon arrival, and are not subject to restriction.  Personal baggage includes clothing, camping and sport equipment, cameras, tape recorders and even personal computers.  It also includes vehicles, vessels and aircraft.  You are also able to bring in most food items.

If you meet the minimum age requirements of the province or territory where you enter Canada, you are allowed to bring one of the following amounts of alcohol into Canada free of duty and taxes:

• 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
• 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor;
• a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
• 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounces) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.

• 200 cigarettes;
• 50 cigars or cigarillos;
• 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco; and
• 200 tobacco sticks.

You may bring in additional quantities but you will have to pay full duty and taxes on the excess amount.

FIREARMS & WEAPONS:
Canada’s firearms legislation helps make the country safer for both residents and visitors. Before you attempt to import a firearm or weapon, contact the Canada Firearms Centre for information.

The following requirements apply to the importation of firearms and weapons:

• you must be at least 18 years of age;
• you can import non-restricted and restricted firearms, provided you meet all requirements; and
• you cannot import prohibited firearms, weapons or devices, including silencers, replica firearms, switchblades and other weapons.

You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry or they will be seized and you may be subject to arrest.  For more information on importing a firearm into Canada, contact Border Information Services at 204-983-3500.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
If you are importing prescription drugs, make sure they are clearly identified. The drugs should be in the original packaging with a label that specifies what they are and that they are being used under prescription. If this is not possible, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.

FOOD PRODUCTS:
Canada has complex requirements, restrictions and limits on the import of meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables and other food from around the world. For example, root crops may be regulated and potatoes are prohibited. You can avoid problems by not bringing these kinds of goods into Canada.