Border reminder checklist

The CBSA wants to encourage all residents returning to Canada to have a smooth border crossing.

Help us keep wait times low: keep this checklist handy to help make sure you are prepared.

Plan ahead and check border wait times.

Avoid crossing during peak travel times like weekend evenings. Consider crossing at the least busy port of entry in the area.

Residents can estimate duty and taxes to check in advance what you might have to pay on specific purchases such as electronics.

Make sure your purchases or items coming into Canada are not on a list of prohibited goods.

Transporting cannabis across the border in any form, including any oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (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.

Pay attention to organic products among your goods. Declare any foods, plants, animals or other products such as untreated wooden souvenirs to the border services officer.

Some goods may be restricted.  Check the Automated Import Reference System to help determine specific import requirements for these goods.

If travelling with pets, know that dogs and cats that are three months of age or older need valid signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying vaccinations against rabies.

These are usually valid for 1 to 3 years. Service dogs are exempt when accompanied by their owners.

Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available.

Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.

Declare all purchases and have your receipts readily available.

Residents can bring back, tax and duty free, goods valued at CAN$200 after being away for 24 hours, and goods valued at CAN$800 after 48 hours. There are no personal exemptions for same-day cross-border shopping trips so be prepared to pay tax on those purchases and possibly duty.

Declare all money or currency equal to or over CAN$10,000. It is not illegal to bring such amounts into Canada, but you must declare it on arrival.

If travelling with firearms or weapons, you must declare them when you enter Canada.

Failure to do so means border services officers may seize the weapons, and file criminal charges.  Most weapons are prohibited from entering Canada, including tasers.

Related links

• Travel health measures
• Travelling as a dual citizen