Canada border agency’s Key Advice for Smooth Border Crossing after Quebec Construction Holidays

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shares essential tips for travelers returning from the construction holidays in Quebec.

The CBSA dedicates significant efforts to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. They monitor traveler volumes and plan to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and international airports without compromising safety and security.

Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:

• Plan ahead, expect delays, and check border wait times. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early mornings. The Monday of a holiday long weekend tends to be the busiest, with longer border wait times.
• Check port of entry hours. Always best to check the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services. If using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options to determine the preferred route of travel. Often, there are alternative ports of entry nearby.
• Have your travel documents handy. Whether traveling by land, air, or water, you can help speed up processing times by always coming prepared with your travel documents.
• Save time with Advance Declaration. You can make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at various international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.
• Traveling with children? It is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. Border services officers are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Know your exemption limits. Returning residents who make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border should be aware of their personal exemption limits, including alcohol and tobacco. Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to calculate your monies owed on goods purchased abroad.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing THC or CBD, without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
• Be prepared to declare. All travelers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada. For returning residents, have your receipts readily available for goods purchased or received while outside of Canada. Travelers should be aware of everything inside their vehicle and are responsible for its contents. Avoid traveling with firearms, but if you choose to do so, check the rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods, which include pepper spray and certain knives.
• Boaters planning to travel in or near Canadian waters, or enter Canada by boat, should review Reporting requirements for private boaters before making travel plans. All travelers entering Canada by boat must report to the CBSA without delay.
• Declare any food, plants, or animals. Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food, plant, and animal products into Canada.
• Traveling with medication? Ensure you have your prescriptions and understand the regulations for bringing medication into Canada.