Non-Residents Entering Canada Information
Required Documents
When entering Canada from the United States, U.S. citizens must show either a U.S. passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship - such as an original or certified birth certificate together with photo identification. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for a stay up to 180 days. U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (scheduled to be in full production beginning in July 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate top enter or re-enter the U.S. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
NEXUS Program
The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing by United States and Canadian officials at designated highway lanes, at a NEXUS kiosk at the Canadian Preclearance airports, and at marine reporting locations. Approved applicants are issued a photo-identification, proximity Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card. Participants use the three modes of passage where they will present their NEXUS card and make a declaration.
NEXUS applicants only need to submit one application and one fee. Applicants may apply on-line via the Global On-Line Enrollment System (GOES). Qualified applicants are required to come to a NEXUS Enrollment Center, for an interview and issuance of a photo-identification card. NEXUS allows United States and Canadian border agencies to concentrate their efforts on potentially higher-risk travelers and goods, which helps to ensure the security and integrity of our borders. Applications can be submitted through GOES. Payment must be made at the time of application. The processing fee for a 5-year membership is $50 US or $50 Canadian. Applicants who pay with a U.S. credit card through GOES will pay $50 US. For NEXUS toll-free information (U.S and Canada) call 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726).
Traveling with Children
Due to international concern over child abduction, children traveling with one parent, grandparents or other guardians should carry proof of custody or letters from the non-accompanying parent/s authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of the child's citizenship.) Travelers without such documentation may experience delays when seeking admission to another country. Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays at the Port of Entry. For more travel information, please see our Links to Additional Travel Information page.
Criminal Record
A conviction by any court (including a drunk driving conviction of ten years or less) may mean that a visitor to Canada is found to be inadmissible when that person attempts to cross the border. In such a case, the visitor may be required to obtain Rehabilitation before being allowed into Canada. Rehabilitation removes the ground of criminal inadmissibility, and means that you live a stable lifestyle, and that you are unlikely to be involved in further criminal activity. More information on this subject can be found here.
Customs Restrictions
As a visitor, you can bring certain goods into Canada for your own use as "personal baggage" during your stay. If you declare these goods when you arrive, and take them back with you when you leave, you will not have to pay any duties or taxes. These goods may not be used by a resident of Canada or on behalf of a business based in Canada.
Personal baggage includes things like clothing, camping equipment, sports equipment, personal computers and cameras. It also includes vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. Items for business use in Canada are admissible as personal baggage. You may be required to fill out a Customs Declaration Card.
The Customs inspector may request a security deposit on your goods and may issue Form E29B, the Temporary Admission Permit, as a Customs control of the goods. Present the goods to Customs when you leave Canada and your deposit will be refunded.
You can import gifts for relatives and friends in Canada duty-free and tax-free, as long as each gift is valued at CA$60 or less. You cannot claim alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or advertising matter as gifts. If the gift is worth more than CA$60, you will have to pay duties and taxes on the excess amount. If you meet the minimum age requirements of the province or territory you are entering, your personal baggage can also include up to 1.5 litres of wine, or 1.14 litres of liquor, or 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles (8.5 litres) of beer or ale. The minimum age requirement is 19 years of age.
Your personal baggage can also include, duty-free, up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. The minimum age requirement is 19 years of age. Obscene materials, hate propaganda, most weapons and firearms and goods harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada.
For more information, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency's web site.
Fishermen can bring frozen minnows and worms in commercial bedding (no soil) for ice fishing. In regards to food, no root potato of any kind can be brought across the border. The only other food restriction would be meat. You can bring approximately 20 pounds per person. They judge it in relation to how much you could eat per day for the length of your stay.
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