Spring is in the air

Spring is the perfect time to wash the car and plan to make a run for the border. The United States border, that is, where the friendly city of Minot awaits just miles to the south. Not only the perfect city for family getaways and couples’ weekends, Minot is also a shopping and tourism mecca for Canadians, especially those from southern Saskatchewan. Statistics Canada estimates there were 358,600 total person-visits from Saskatchewan to North Dakota in 2012 (the most recent year figures are available), with most of them (65.5 per cent) traveling for pleasure. More than half the visits were same-day trips. The main way to get there from here is by road and it’s an easy afternoon’s drive of 244 miles or 393 kilometers from Regina to Minot. There are numerous border crossings dotting what is said to be the longest undefended border in the world, several of them in Saskatchewan. There’s a wealth of information on the Visit Minot website www.visitminot.org. Visitors can use the My Map feature of the website to select the places they are interested in visiting and add them all to a personalized map of Minot. The map includes contact information for each venue and is printable so it can be taken on the trip. Don’t fret if you didn’t plan far enough ahead to print the map. Visitors can access the handy mobile site from anywhere. The mobile site is very easy to navigate and can be accessed from any mobile smartphone or tablet device. The website also features a link to valuable coupons, information on events happening in Minot, and information specific to Canadians at http://visitminot.org/canadian-info/. There’s little point in shopping if you can’t take it home with you, and Canadians staying more than 24 hours can take advantage of some exemptions to the duties levied on imported goods. • Personal exemptions do not apply to sameday cross-border shoppers. • After 24 hours or more, Canadians can take back goods valued at up to $200 (CAN). Alcohol and tobacco cannot be claimed. Goods must be in possession at time of entry to Canada. If the value of the goods exceeds $200 after a 24-hour absence, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods. • After 48 hours or more, Canadians can bring home goods valued up to $800 (CAN) including alcohol and tobacco, within the prescribed limits set by provincial or territorial authorities. Goods must be in your possession. • After seven days or more, the maximum is also $800 (CAN) including alcohol and tobacco products. But, goods may be in possession at time of entry to Canada or can be sent later through courier, mail or delivery agency, except alcohol and tobacco, which must be in possession. All the goods will qualify for duty- and taxfree entry if they are declared at the initial return to Canada. To ensure there are no hassles at the border before leaving for Minot, here are a few tips: nadian • Remember citizens must to bring present proper one identification. of the following Cavalid Western documents Hemisphere when entering Travel the Initiative-compliant U.S. by land: a valid passport, NEXUS card, Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC), or Secure Certificate of Indian Status. Please contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection if you have any questions about the requirements for Canadians to enter the United States. • Visit a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office to identify any valuables you may want to take to Minot from home. Items like cameras, jewelry and tablets can be itemized and recorded to ensure you have proof that your goods were in your possession prior to leaving Canada. • Check with the CBSA if you plan to change or improve any part of your vehicle. If your vehicle breaks down while in Minot, you must declare the work when you arrive at the border. You may have to pay duty and/or taxes on the work done.