How to have a hassle-free border crossing this holiday

With many people looking forward to getting away for the holidays, the Canada Border Services Agency has some tips to ensure crossing the border is stress-free.

Border crossings at Windsor and Sarnia will likely be busy starting Friday as Christmas vacation begins for many. So that you're not dealing with unnecessary delays when travelling to or returning to Canada, the CBSA's Southern Ontario region has some suggestions.

• Give yourself plenty of time to cross the border and reach your destination on time. Check the border wait times on the official CBSA website or by downloading the CanBorder app to your mobile device. Your best bet is to try to cross at non-peak hours, and if you're crossing on Boxing Day, be prepared for a long wait.
• Have your travel documents (passport, passport card, NEXUS, etc.) and receipts in your hand when you approach the window, and declare ALL purchases and gifts you received. It is recommended that you don't wrap your gifts until you reach your destination. For complete information on how to declare and what personal exemptions you may have, check out the "I Declare" page on the CBSA website. You should also be familiar with any restrictions regarding carrying food items.
• Be sure that any children you travel with have valid documents. CBSA officers are trained to watch for missing children and they may ask you questions about your children. Travellers who share custody of their children should bring a letter signed by the other parent or partner authorizing travel. It should include contact information in case the officer feels the need to follow up.
• If you have a valid NEXUS card, use it. The Ambassador Bridge, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Blue Water Bridge all have dedicated NEXUS lanes which can save you time. You can also use your NEXUS card in certain regular lanes as a travel document when the NEXUS lanes are not open. For complete information about the NEXUS trusted-traveler program, visit the NEXUS page.
• Make sure you know exactly what's in your vehicle. Ignorance is not an excuse. Refer to the prohibited and restricted items section of the CBSA website for information on firearms and other prohibited objects.

With cannabis now legal, there are certainly concerns about bringing it over the border. The CBSA suggests one simple rule - don't bring it in or take it out. Despite pot consumption now being legal in both Canada and the state of Michigan for recreational purposes, it is still a crime to carry it over an international border. For guidelines on cannabis, go to the cannabis page on the CBSA site.

If you are not sure what you should declare or what your exemptions are, just ask the officer. If you believe you were searched unfairly or have concerns about your treatment, ask to talk to the superintendent on duty.

The Border Information Service provides general answers to questions about crossing the border.