CROSSING THE USA AND CANADIAN BORDERS

AS OF JUNE 1, 2009

CROSSING INTO THE USA

Homeland Security has postponed the Western Hemisphere Travel

Initiative to June 1, 2009, at which point all American citizens will be

required to present a passport at the Canadian and Mexican borders.

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

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present

the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship

such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a

school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter

under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates

or other proof of citizenship.

 GO HERE

Get You Home

 http://www.getyouhome.gov/

 U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport to enter

or re-enter the United States when traveling via air, land or sea from

Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

The U.S. Passport Card: The passport card is only valid for re-entry

into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry

from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

Please Note: The WHTI-compliant documents described above

are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States.  You may be

required to present additional or different travel documents when entering

foreign countries, including some countries in the Western Hemisphere. 

Before you travel, make sure you know the entry requirements

of the country you plan to visit.

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present

the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of

U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT REGULATIONS FOR CHILDREN

Rules for Children

More Info

 Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling

with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team,

will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or

copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.

See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov

for more information on the changing travel requirements.

Information for Visitors to Canada and Seasonal Residents

2009 Updated Information

2009

CLICK HERE

Our border services officers are at the ports of entry to ensure that people

entering Canada respect Canadian laws. They are authorized to examine people

and goods entering Canada to determine their admissibility. Their goal is to

facilitate the entry of legitimate travelers and goods as quickly as possible.

When you enter Canada, a border services officer may ask to see your passport

and a valid visa, when necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do

not need a passport to enter Canada; however, you should carry proof of your

citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or

a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident

of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card)

with you. For more information on admissibility into Canada, read the fact sheet

called Managing Access to Canada.

It is available on Web site

Click Here

Border services officers are on alert for children who need protection.

Children under the age of 18 are classified as minors and are subject to the

same entry requirements as any other visitor to Canada.

We will conduct a more detailed examination of minors entering Canada

without proper identification or those traveling in the company of adults other

than their parents or legal guardian(s). This additional scrutiny helps ensure

the safety of the children.

Minors traveling alone must have proof of citizenship and a letter from

both parents detailing the length of stay, providing the parents’ telephone number

and authorizing the person waiting for them to take care of them while

they are in Canada.

If you are traveling with minors, you must carry proper identification for

each child such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card,

permanent resident card or Certificate of Indian Status.

If you are divorced or separated, you should carry with you copies of the

legal custody agreements for your children. If you are traveling with minors

and you are not their parent/guardian, you should have written permission

from the parent/guardian authorizing the trip. The letter should include addresses

and telephone numbers of where the parents or guardian can be reached and

identify a person who can confirm that the children are not being abducted

or taken against their will. If you are traveling with a group of vehicles,

make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children,

to avoid any confusion.

Customs regulations for bringing alcohol across the border into Canada.Returning

Canadians, visitors to Canada, and people moving to settle in Canada are

allowed to bring small amounts of liquor and beer into Canada as long as it

accompanies them and they are of legal drinking age.

Visitors to Canada are allowed to bring small quantities of alcohol into Canada

without paying duty and taxes. There are minimum age requirements depending

on the province or territory in which you enter Canada.

The legal drinking age for New Brunswick,Canada is:19 yrs

You are allowed to import only one of the following amounts

of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;

1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor;

a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or

24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounces) cans or bottles

(maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.

We classify "cooler" products according to the alcoholic beverage

they contain. For example, beer coolers are considered to be beer, wine coolers

are considered to be wine. We do not consider beer and wine products not

exceeding 0.5% alcohol by volume to be alcoholic beverages.

BRINGING TOBACCO INTO CANADA

Visitors to Canada are allowed to bring a limited amount of tobacco into

Canada without paying duty and taxes. You can bring in amounts more

than your personal allowance by paying duties and taxes on the excess amount.

You may bring in : 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars or cigarillos

If you take a side trip outside Canada during your visit, you must be out of Canada

for at least 48 hours to be eligible to claim these amounts again.

Bringing More Than the Duty-Free Allowance of Tobacco Into Canada

You may bring in more than the quantities of tobacco listed above as long as you

pay full duty and taxes on the excess amount.

If you have more questions go here:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/menu-eng.html

FIREARM RESTRICTIONS

Canada’s firearms legislation helps make the country safer for both residents

and visitors. Before you attempt to import a firearm or weapon, contact

the Canada Firearms Centre for information.The following requirements apply to the

importation of firearms and weapons:you must be at least 18 years of age;

You can import non-restricted and restricted firearms, provided you

meet all requirements; and you cannot import prohibited firearms, weapons

or devices, including silencers, replica firearms, switchblades and other weapons.

You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry or

they will be seized and you may be subject to arrest.

As a visitor, you may temporarily import restricted firearms and non-restricted firearms,

such as pistols or revolvers, provided you get Form CAFC 679, Application for an

Authorization to Transport Restricted Firearms and Prohibited Firearms in advance

from a chief firearms officer of the province or territory to which you are

importing a restricted firearm.

As a seasonal resident, you may import restricted firearms but you must

have a valid Possession and Acquisition License or a valid

Firearms Acquisition Certificate, in addition to Form CAFC 679.

For more information on importing a firearm into Canada,

ask for a copy of the publication called Importing a Firearm

For more information about applying for a Canadian firearms license

or Form CAFC 679, contact:

Telephone: 1-800-731-4000 (toll-free in Canada and the United States)

506-624-5380 (from all other countries)

Facsimile: 613-957-7325

E-mail:

 cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca

CLICK HERE

Replica firearms are designed or intended to resemble a firearm with near precision.

They are classified as prohibited devices and you cannot import them into Canada.

Mace or pepper spray that is used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing

or otherwise incapacitating any person is considered a prohibited weapon.

You cannot import it into Canada.

Aerosol or similar dispensers that contain substances capable of repelling

or subduing animals are not considered weapons if the label of the container

specifically indicates that they are for use against animals

In Canada, health products may be regulated differently than they are in

other countries, for example, what is available without a prescription

in one country may require a prescription in Canada. Canada, like many other

countries, has restrictions on the quantities and types of health products that

can be brought into the country.

For more information regarding health products

and their importation into Canada please consult

HEALTH CANADA

If you are importing prescription drugs, make sure they are clearly identified.

The drugs should be in the original packaging with a label that specifies what

they are and that they are being used under prescription. If this is not possible,

carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.

You may import pet dogs and cats younger than three months

old from the United States without submitting any documentation. 

However, a CFIA veterinarian must examine them if they appear unhealthy.

If you own an assistance dog that is certified as a guide, hearing or

other service dog, the animal is not subject to any restrictions as long

as it accompanies you to Canada.

If you own cats older than three months, dogs older than eight months

and pet dogs between three and eight months, you may import them from

the United States as long as they accompany you when you enter Canada.

You will also have to submit a certificate signed and dated by a veterinarian

for each pet. The certificate must show that the animal is currently vaccinated

against rabies and include the name of the vaccine used and its expiry date.

 In addition, it has to identify the animal by breed, age, sex, colouring

and any distinguishing marks. We cannot accept an animal tag in place of a

certificate. If you import pet dogs between three and eight months that

do not accompany you, you may require additional permits and certifications.

You need permits to import insects and butterflies controlled by CITES.

If you are importing other animals from the United States, or animals

of any kind from other countries, contact the BIS at one of the numbers listed

in the section called "Additional information" 

or refer to the AIRS section on

CLICK HERE

If you arrive in Canada aboard a private boat, you must proceed

directly to the nearest designated telephone reporting marine site.

 Upon arrival in Canada, the master of the boat must report

to the CBSA by calling:

1-888-226-7277

The master of the boat will provide details of the voyage, the passengers

and their declaration. No one except the master may leave the boat until

authorized to do so by the CBSA. As proof of presentation, masters will be provided

with a report number for their records. Masters must provide this number to

a border services officer upon request.

 You do not have to report to the CBSA when you leave by private boat

unless you are exporting goods that need to be documented.

To get a list of the designated telephone reporting marine sites,

call

1-888-226-7277

before you arrive in Canada

The NEXUS Highway program is a joint Canada- United States initiative

that allows low-risk, frequent and pre-approved travelers to cross the

border through dedicated lanes.

NEXUS is currently offered at the following locations:

Douglas, British Columbia/Peace Arch, Washington Pacific Highway, British Columbia/

Blaine, Washington Boundary Bay, British Columbia/Point Roberts, Washington

Sarnia, Ontario/Port Huron, Michigan (Bluewater Bridge) Fort Erie, Ontario/Buffalo,

New York (Peace Bridge) Windsor, Ontario/Detroit, Michigan (Ambassador Bridge

and International Tunnel) Niagara Falls, Ontario/Niagara Falls,

New York (Rainbow and Whirlpool Bridges) Lacolle, Quebec/Champlain, New York

St-Armand-Philipsburg, Quebec/Highgate Springs, Vermont

NEXUS Air

There is also a pilot project for NEXUS Air operating at Vancouver  Airport.

Website:

CLICK HERE

When you leave, you may be eligible for a tax refund on the

goods you bought in Canada if you export them within 60 days.

For more information, ask for a copy of the publication called

Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada 

from the Canada Revenue Agency

or call

1-800-66VISIT

(1-800-668-4748).

During your visit in Canada, you can temporarily import passenger

and recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, outboard motors, boats,

trailers and most other kinds of vehicles for your personal use.

You cannot leave temporarily imported goods in Canada between

visits unless they have been properly reported to the CBSA and

you were issued Form E99, Canada Customs Report.

You must display this form on your vehicle, boat or trailer or

have it easily available to prove that you imported the goods legally.

Remember to watch for the expiry date.

If you leave goods in Canada beyond the expiry date, and they

are not in accordance with the CBSA regulations,

they may become subject to seizure and forfeiture.

You may occasionally find yourself going through a more detailed inspection.

In some cases, this simply means that you may have to complete a form.

 In other cases, the border services officer will need to identify the

goods you are bringing into the country or examine your luggage.

Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage

as part of their responsibility to protect Canada’s safety, economy

and environment. You are responsible for opening, unpacking and repacking

your luggage. We appreciate your cooperation.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, border services officers

may arrest an individual for an offence under the Criminal Code

(e.g. impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property and

abductions/kidnappings) and for infractions under other acts of Parliament

(e.g. the Customs Act).

 If you are arrested, you may be compelled to attend court in Canada.

You should note that anyone arrested in Canada is protected by, and

will be treated in accordance with, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

 If you have any other questions, contact the

 Border Information Service (BIS) line.

This is a 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers

all incoming calls and provides general border services information.

You can access BIS free of charge throughout Canada by calling

1-800-461-9999

If you are calling from outside Canada, you can access BIS by calling

 204-983-3500

or

506-636-5064

(long-distance charges will apply).

 If you call during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time,

Monday to Friday, except holidays, you can speak directly to an agent

by pressing "0" at any time

CLICK HERE

Questions and Answers on the

Cancellation of the Visitor Rebate Program

and the New Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program

CLICK HERE

The Government of Canada has eliminated the GST/HST

Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the

Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program

Due to the elimination of the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program that

 took effect on April 1, 2007, a rebate is no longer available for the

tax paid on personal goods bought after March 31, 2007.

 However, for information purposes only, the old rules were as follows:

You can claim a refund on short-term accommodation

(e.g. hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and camping)

if both of the following conditions apply to you:

Each accommodation unit was provided to you for less than one month of continuous

occupancy; and Each receipt shows the number of nights of accommodation in

each unit of a lodging establishment made available to you.

You do not need a minimum of $50 CAN on each accommodation receipt 

to be eligible to claim a refund.

You can claim a GST/HST refund for a campsite that you rented for less

than one month of continuous occupancy.

Camping accommodation means a campsite at a recreational trailer park or

campground and includes: water, electricity, waste disposal services,

and charges for hook-ups when supplied with the campsite.

WHAT CAN YOU BRING?

Products allowed into Canada

All items must be clean and free of pests, soil and roots.

Cheese - Except if packed in whey.

20 kg/person not exceeding $20 CAD.

Baby formula - Commercially packaged, sterile and for personal use only,

up to a maximum of 20 kg/person.

Cut Flowers - Except coniferous foliage/green cones.

Must not be for propagation.

Seeds - Small seed:500 g/person,

Large seed (such as beans): 5 kg

Fresh fruits: tropical - 250 kg/person (may be subject to province

of destination regulations)

Dried fruits and vegetables - 250 kg/person

Fruits and vegetables: frozen or canned - 20 kg/person

Baked goods, Candies Etc. - Except those containing meat.

Herbs, spices, tea, coffee, condiments – Allowed

Fish and seafood - All species except pufferfish and

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

Leather goods and skins - Fully tanned hides and skins.

Sea shells and sand - Although you are allowed to bring back sea shells

and items made thereof, they must be clean and free of sea life, soil or sand.

The importation of sand is not allowed.

Allowed from the United States.

Proof of origin may be required.

Dairy Products - $20/person

Temperate fruits (e.g. those grown in Canada) – Restricted

House Plants – Most Mainland US States

Conifers and garden plants – Restricted

Meat and poultry: fresh, frozen and chilled - 20 kg/person

(restriction of 5 kg on beef, goat and sheep meat)

 Food Products

Canada has varied requirements, restrictions and limits on

the importation of meat, eggs, dairy products, honey, fresh fruits and

vegetables and other food from around the world.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Foreign Affairs and

International Trade Canada have set limits on the quantity and/or dollar

value of certain food products you can bring into Canada duty free or that

you can include in your personal exemption. Unless you have an import permit

from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada for quantities above the

established limits, you will have to pay duty based on a rate ranging

from 150 percent to 300 percent of the value of the goods.

Examples

The following are some examples of the limits that apply to personal importations

of food products from the United States:

2 dozen eggs  - 20 kg of dairy products not exceeding $20 in value 

(e.g. cheese and butter);  - 3 kg of margarine or butter substitutes; and

20 kg of edible meats and meat products, including turkey and chicken 

Within this limit, more CFIA and Foreign Affairs and

International Trade Canada restrictions apply as follows:

A maximum of one whole turkey or 10 kg of turkey products;

A maximum of 10 kg of chicken; and a maximum of 5 kg of edible meats

and meat products from cattle, sheep, goats, bison and buffalo.

Note: All meat and meat products must be identified as products of the United States.

 Gifts

You can import gifts for friends into Canada duty- and tax-free as long

as each gift is valued at CAN$60 or less. If the gift is worth more than CAN$60,

you will have to pay duty and taxes on the excess amount. You cannot claim

alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or business-related material as gifts.

The Quick Calculation Option is an alternative method to calculate a

claim on short-term accommodation (e.g. hotels, motels, resorts,

bed and breakfasts, hostels, and camping).

Whether you apply for a refund of tax paid on short-term accommodation only,

or on a tour package that includes accommodation, you may claim a flat rate

of $5 per room per night (not per person) to a maximum of $75 per application

for short-term accommodation.For camping accommodations, you may claim a flat rate

of $1 for each night the campsite was made available to you, up to a maximum

of $75 per application.To be eligible to use this option, you must send us the

original receipts on which you were charged GST/HST.

If you choose the quick calculation option, you have to use it consistently

throughout your claim.

Travel tour packages usually combine short-term accommodation

and other services (for example meal, transportation, sightseeing tours,

and recreational fees) for an all-inclusive price.

If your tour package included eligible short-term accommodation,

you can claim half of the full amount of the GST/HST you paid for the tour package.

You bought a travel tour package for $250 CAN.

The tax refund amount would be:

Tour package price × GST × 50%

$250 CAN × 0.06 × 50%

=$7.50 CAN

 However, if the tour package does not include eligible short-term accommodation

in Canada for every night as part of the package, you have to adjust the refund.

You also have the option of using the Quick Calculation Option to calculate

a refund on short-term accommodation.

CLICK HERE

Form GST176, Application for Visitor Tax Refund

CLICK HERE

Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada pamphlet (RC4031)

CLICK HERE

GST/HST Info Sheet GI-026, Visitor Rebate Program

Accommodation Rebate for Non-Residents

CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

Currency and monetary instruments

If you are importing or exporting monetary instruments equal to

or greater than CAN$10,000 (or the equivalent in a foreign currency),

whether in cash or other monetary instruments, you must report the amount

to the CBSA when you arrive or before you leave Canada. For more information,

please refer to the publication called Crossing the border with $10,000 or more?

that is available on the CBSA's Web site

Under publications and forms

GO HERE