News Release

CBSA encourages travellers on the Canada Day long weekend to cross into Canada early

Vancouver, June 25, 2012 - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) encourages travellers planning to cross into Canada for the Canada Day weekend to plan ahead, and cross early to allow for extra travel time. The Douglas and Pacific Highway border crossings are expected to be very busy this long weekend.

“Travellers are encouraged to monitor traffic conditions and consider using the other border crossings in the area such as Abbotsford-Huntingdon and Aldergrove,” said Linell Redmond, the CBSA’s Chief of the Douglas Border Crossing. “We will make every effort to manage these larger traffic volumes while ensuring safety and security at the border.”

Travellers can plan ahead by following these travel tips:

• Cross early morning or early afternoon from Saturday, June 30 to Monday, July 2 to allow enough time for your border clearance.
• Cross at the least busy border crossing in the area by checking border wait times on the CBSA Web site, on your Web-enabled mobile device at www.wap.gc.ca or follow us on Twitter for hourly border wait time updates at

Pacific Highway Surrey, BC / Blaine, WA	@CBSA_PCH
Douglas (Peace Arch) Surrey, BC / Blaine, WA	@CBSA_DPA
Boundary Bay Delta, BC / Point Roberts, WA	@CBSA_BBY
Huntingdon Huntingdon, BC / Sumas, WA	@CBSA_HTD

• If delays are reported at the Douglas or Pacific Highway border crossings, consider rerouting to Abbotsford/Sumas or Aldergrove/Lynden by driving east along H Street.
• NEXUS members can cross at the Douglas and Pacific Highway border crossings. NEXUS lanes are open 7 a.m. to midnight daily.
• Ensure that you have proper identification for everyone in the vehicle readily available when you arrive at the border. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into both the United States and Canada include a passport, U.S. passport card, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.
• The CBSA reminds all travellers to truthfully declare all purchases when returning to Canada and to be mindful of the following: after an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back $200 worth of goods duty- and tax-free; and after 48 hours, your personal exemption is $800. There are no personal exemptions for same-day purchases.

Further information on these tips and more can be found on our Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca/traveltips.

 

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Media Information:

Faith St John
Canada Border Services Agency
604-666-5492

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