As the Labour Day long weekend approaches, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers to prepare for potentially busy border crossings. This period sees a significant increase in traffic as international students, returning residents, and holidaymakers take advantage of the last long weekend of summer.
In 2023, the CBSA welcomed over 86 million travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals—a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. The CBSA is dedicated to protecting Canadians, supporting the economy, and ensuring the smooth and secure movement of people and goods across borders.
To help travellers navigate the busy weekend, the CBSA has offered several tips:
- Check Border Wait Times: Expect delays and consider crossing early in the morning or choosing alternative ports of entry. Mondays of holiday weekends are typically the busiest.
- Prepare Documents: Have travel documents ready to speed up processing.
- Declare Everything: Declare all items upon entry, including those in your vehicle or on board a boat.
- Traveling with Children: If traveling with a child who isn’t yours or for whom you don’t have full legal custody, carry a consent letter from the parent or guardian.
- Traveling with Pets: Ensure pets meet entry requirements. Note that, as of August 1, 2024, documentation requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada have changed.
- Use Advance Declaration: Flying into Canada? Make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance.
- Entering by Boat: Report to the CBSA without delay, and ensure any watercraft or equipment is clean, dry, and free of invasive species.
Travellers should also be aware of restrictions and prohibited items, including food, plant, or animal products, poultry, fireworks, medication, firewood, and goods purchased abroad. The CBSA advises against bringing firearms or weapons and reminds travellers that cannabis is legal in Canada but cannot be brought across the border.
For more details or assistance, travellers can visit the CBSA website or contact them directly. The CBSA emphasizes the importance of honesty and openness with border officers to ensure a smooth and efficient border crossing experience.–News Desk