WATERTOWN, NY (WWTI) – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is offering advice to anyone wishing to cross the border between the United States and Canada as two major holidays approach.
According to the CBSA, in 2023, we welcomed more than 86 million travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics and chemicals. This represents an increase of almost 30% from the previous year.
The agency monitors peak travel times and volumes, which occur on weekends and during the summer months.
Here are some tips for cross-border travel:
- Check Waiting time at the border and expect delaysEarly mornings are usually the best time, while Mondays after long holiday weekends are the busiest.
- Prepare your travel documents. This helps speed up the process. Bring a letter of consent from your parents or guardian if you are traveling with children who are not family.
- The prior declaration can be used if you arrive in Canada.
- Entrance by boat. Travelers must report to the CBSA immediately. Reporting obligations for private boaters before planning your trip.
Declare everything you have with you when you enter Canada. If you arrive by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle. If you are the operator of a vessel entering Canadian waters with the intention of disembarking, you are responsible for declaring your goods on board.
Here are some tips for importing items into Canada if you are crossing:
Here is a list of items that are restricted or prohibited from entering Canada:
- Fire arms : Leave them at home. Travelers are advised not to travel with firearms. If you choose to do so, be sure to check the rules on importing firearms.
- Weapons: Other restricted and prohibited products include pepper spray, switchblades and butterfly knives.
- Narcotics: Narcotics like cocaine and heroin are illegal in Canada. If you are in possession of illegal drugs (on you, in your vehicle or in your luggage), you will be arrested and may be charged. The drugs will be seized.
- Cannabis: Don't bring it. Don't take it out. Although cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence punishable by arrest and prosecution. A medical prescription issued by a physician does not constitute authorization from Health Canada.
If in doubt, ask a border official, visit CBSA website or call the CBSA at 1-800-461-9999.
