Travel Away: Canada-US Customs Rules
When entering either Canada or the USA: You must have proof of citizenship, in the form of a birth certificate (with photo ID like drivers licence), passport, visa, or alien registration card. Citizens and residents of some countries (other than Canadians or Americans) may require a visa before entering. Enquire with the Canadian or US embassy in your country of departure.
Crossing the Border with Children
If both parents are travelling with the children, then only birth certificates are ok. children do not need photo ID.
Children being accompanied by only one parent need a letter of consent from the other parent.
Entering Canada:
The following items are prohibited by law in Canada:
- Importing or using marijuana or narcotics
- Handguns, mace, pepper spray, switchblades, fireworks
- Firewood, apples, apricots, potatoes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, fresh corn
Having a prior drinking and driving conviction may prevent your entry into Canada. Cyclists and motorcyclists must have a helmet.
Canadians Returning to Canada
After an absence of 24 hours or more
You can claim goods (except tobacco & alcohol) with a total value of $50. If you are over, you must pay duty on the full amount, and cannot claim this exemption
After an absence of 48 hours or more
You can claim goods for a total value of $200. Only the portion over this limit is dutiable.
After an absence of 7 days or more
You can claim an exemption for $500. Only the portion over this limit is dutiable.
For more information, check out Canada Customs or Canadian Foreign Affairs web sites.
Entering the USA:
The United States Customs & Immigration has pre-clearing stations in most Canadian airports (and in major inland and coastal harbours) to enable immigration and customs formalities to be completed before the commencement of your trip.
Canadians who have a criminal record are not allowed into the USA, under its zero-tolerance policy.
American Residents returning to USA
After an absence under 48 hours
may bring back merchandise for their use up to $200 (subject to limitations on liquors, cigarettes & cigars). If any part of this exemption is exceeded, the entire amount is subject to duty.
After 48 hours
a $400 exemption per person is applicable, which may be grouped with other family members. Only the portion over $400 is dutiable.
For more information check out the US Customs website.
NEXUS Expedited Border Crossing
This program is handy for frequent cross-border travellers or those living close to border communities. Pre-approved, low-risk travelers receive a NEXUS identification card and
may use NEXUS-dedicated lanes & kiosks into the United States or Canad across with a minimum of customs & immigration questioning.
NEXUS is a harmonized program (between the two countries) so applicants complete a single application and pay one fee.
Individuals may qualify to participate in NEXUS if they are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada, residing in either country, or if they are a citizen of a country other than Canada or the United States who plans to temporarily reside lawfully in Canada or the United States for the term of their NEXUS membership and who pass criminal history and law enforcement checks.
Canadians NEXUS Application Forms
New (Planned) US Entry Requirements
A concerted effort on both sides of the border is underway to reverse the US plan to require passports for every individual entering the country by the end of 2007. However, until then the US’s Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative” will require all travellers to the US – including Canadian and US citizens – to have a passport or other secure, accepted document, to enter or re-enter the United States by Jan. 1, 2008.” Previously, Canadian citizens have not been required to present a passport to enter the US and other forms of documents have historically been accepted.
This initiative will be rolled out in phases with the following proposed timeline:
- Dec. 31, 2005: The requirement is applied to all travel by air or by sea to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America. This applies to Canadian citizens transiting the US en route to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central America or South America.
- Dec. 31, 2006: The requirement is extended to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada. This applies to Canadian citizens travelling by air or sea to, from or through the US.
- Dec. 31, 2007: The requirement is extended to all air, sea and land border crossings. This applies to Canadian citizens travelling to the United States.
These new rules will also apply to Americans visiting Canada and returning to the US, who when the new rules are implemented must have a US passport to re-enter the United States.
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