Labour Day long weekend travel reminder as high traveler volumes expected
Hurry up and wait.
This Labour Day long weekend, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travelers of document requirements to cross the border as wait times could be long as traveler volumes are expected to be high.
The Agency wants to educate travelers about these requirements to make their travel experience a more enjoyable one, and reduce the amount of time waiting in line.
The CBSA reminds travellers:
- Canadian entry requirements have not changed as a result of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
- Canadians returning home (including children) are encouraged to carry proper identification to assist in confirming their legal right to enter Canada. A passport is not mandatory for entry into Canada, but it is a preferable piece of identification. Other acceptable identification includes an enhanced driver’s license, a birth certificate with accompanying photo ID such as a regular driver’s license, a permanent residence card, a citizenship card, a certificate of Indian Status or a NEXUS card or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card when travelling by land or boat.
- U.S. citizens do not need to carry a passport to enter Canada; however, they should carry proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) as well as photo identification.
Other useful information:
- Visitors to Canada should be aware of the requirements to import a firearm into Canada. Many weapons are considered prohibited and are therefore not allowed into Canada. All travellers must declare any firearms and weapons in their possession when they are seeking entry to Canada. Anyone who does not declare them upon arrival can face prosecution, and the firearms and the vehicle used to carry them may be seized.
- Visit the CBSA Web site for more information, including entry requirements into Canada for non-Canadians, and to download a copy of I Declare, a detailed publication describing what to expect when bringing goods into Canada.
- Canadians returning home and visitors to Canada are reminded that they can plan their border crossing to avoid peak times, and that they should check Canada-bound border wait times on the CBSA Web site and on Twitter.
- For more information, visit www.cbsa.gc.ca/traveltips
