Travel tips from the CBSA for the summer travel season
During the busy summer travel season the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) wishes to remind travellers of some important travel tips.
The CBSA makes every effort to effectively manage the increased volumes of passengers during this peak period, as we recognize the importance of border wait times to both the Canadian trade and tourism interests.
However, travellers can help facilitate their passage at the border by keeping the following tips in mind:
1. Plan ahead to avoid delays at the Canada-U.S. land border.
2. The CBSA suggests that you avoid travelling during peak periods, which occur mainly during weekends and statutory holidays, between 2 p.m. and midnight. You may also keep track of border wait times. To inquire about border wait times at major ports of entry, you may consult the CBSA website (http://www.cbsaasfc. gc. ca/ bwt- taf/ menueng.html), or Twitter (general: @CanBorder; border wait-times: @CBSA_BWT)
3. Bring appropriate identification for yourself and for all children travelling with you, regardless of their age. CBSA officers watch closely for missing children and may ask you detailed questions about the children you are travelling with. If you have or share legal custody of the children, have copies of the relevant legal documents, such as custody rights, on hand.
4. Declare all merchandise you have bought and received and have all your receipts on hand. Officers may ask you to show receipts for the goods you have purchased and your hotel receipts to verify the length of your stay outside Canada. Keep all of your receipts together and on hand to avoid unnecessary delays.
5. Be aware of your personal exemptions. Depending on the length of your stay abroad, you may be entitled to certain personal exemptions.
6. Know before you go. Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from entering Canada (weapons, certain plant and animal products, etc.).
Find out more information from the document Residents Returning to Canada: http:// www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca /travel-voyage/ifcrc-rpcrc-eng.html