With the last long weekend of summer underway, Canadian border agents have provided strategies on how to effectively handle busy border crossings.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued some tips for travellers looking to cross the border this weekend, as passenger volumes are expected to be heavier than usual due to the Labour Day holiday.
"The CBSA invests significant effort annually to plan and prepare for peak periods, such as the summer months," read a media release from the CBSA. "The Agency works with bridge and tunnel operators, airport authorities and travel industry groups to plan and review service requirements, enhancement opportunities, and required resources so that we can deliver together the best service to all travellers."
As the federal government has indicated that the ArriveCAN app will remain a way of life, for the time being, the CBSA has reminded border crossers that the app must be filled out within 72 hours of entry or reentry into Canada. The CBSA said over 1.4-million travellers successfully used the app last week.
The CBSA has provided the following suggestions to make crossing the border as hassle-free as possible.
* Use the ArriveCAN app. The app is required for all travellers who enter Canada regardless of circumstances.
* Have your travel documents out and ready to show the border agent upon request. You should also be ready to declare any goods you have received while outside of Canada. Have any receipts ready and do not wrap any gifts.
* Know your exemption limits. Residents can bring back tax and duty-free goods totalling $200 after being away for 24 hours, and goods totalling $800 after 48 hours. There are no personal exemptions for same-day cross-border shopping trips, so be prepared to pay tax on those purchases and possibly duty. Alcohol and tobacco allowances may also vary depending on your length of absence from Canada.
* Declare all plants, animals, and food brought over the border, along with any wooden products. Some of these items are on a restricted import list and can't be brought into Canada.
* Declare all currency and monetary instruments. There are no limits to how much you can bring over, but you must declare if you have at least $10,000. Failure to do so may result in all or part of the money being forfeited
* Do not bring cannabis or cannabis products over the border. While cannabis is legal in Canada and medical pot is legal in Michigan, federal law does not allow its importation unless you have a valid exemption from Health Canada. Criminal charges may be filed for those who try to bring cannabis over.
A complete CBSA border checklist can be found on its official website.
