CBSA offers tips for stress-free border crossing

Nearly 16K travellers crossed border in southern Alberta last Labour Day weekend

If you’re planning to cross the border this Labour Day long weekend, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is offering up some tips for a smoother process.

No. 1: Consider crossing in the morning.

Arriving at the border in the morning, rather than in the afternoon or evening, gives you the best chance of avoiding lineups. In Alberta, the CBSA recommends using the Coutts border crossing during peak travel times, as it is open 24-7 and has the greatest capacity to process large volumes of traffic. Visit the CBSA website or download the CanBorder App to monitor wait times. No. 2: Keep your ID handy. Don’t you hate that sinking feeling of not being able to find your passport? Here’s a tip: Have it out and ready well before you arrive at the border. Don’t have a passport? Check the CBSA website for a list of other valid travel documents. No. 3: Do your homework. Not sure whether an item is allowed into Canada? Save the hassle by checking before you buy it. Still not sure? Call the Border Information Service at 1-800-4619999 (toll-free within Canada) and just ask. Keep your personal exemptions in mind, and remember to save and tally all your receipts — an officer may ask to see them. No. 4: Don’t sweat it. Making a full declaration is easy. We know that most returning Albertans want to follow the rules, and honesty truly is the best policy. When you declare any purchases or goods you’ve acquired while in the U.S. at the first opportunity, you eliminate the risk of penalties and charges. Say no to smuggling and make a full and accurate declaration. No 5: Don’t take it personally. Being sent inside for further examination is no reason to panic. In fact, it’s a completely normal part of the border-crossing experience, and does not mean you have done anything wrong. You could be referred for further examination for any number of reasons, even for a random check.

No. 6. Cannabis. Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.

Despite the fact that cannabis (marijuana) will become legal and regulated in Canada in the near future, it will remain illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s national borders, whether you are entering or leaving Canada. For more information, consult cannabis (marijuana) legalization.

Last Labour Day weekend, CBSA officers in southern Alberta processed nearly 16,000 travellers. Starting Tuesday, summer hours of operation at the Chief Mountain border crossing revert from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. back to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.