Crossing the Border

by: Rodney Schlafer

While preparing for an upcoming trip I took time to reviewed current regulations for crossing the border.  On this particular trip – children will travel with us – so I need to ensure we have the correct information. 

NOTE:  if you are traveling into Canada with a minor and both legal guardians are not present a notarized letter with contact information is required.

DOCUMENTATION (driving into Canada):

• Passport

OR

• Birth certificate and one other form of identification
• Minors require birth certificate and if traveling without legal guardian or with only one parent a notarized letter is required.

What You Can Bring Into Canada*

• Residents of the United States who visit Canada are allowed to bring in a "reasonable" amount of personal goods duty free. The amount you bring in should be in line with how long you plan to visit. Below are the limits you are allowed for regulated items.
• Alcohol: If you meet the age requirements of the province or territory where you enter Canada (19 years old in Ontario), you are allowed to bring in, free of duty and taxes, either 1.5 litres of wine, or 1.14 litres (40 oz) of liquor, or 24 x 355 millilitres (12 oz) cans or bottles (8.5) litres of beer or ale.
• Tobacco: If you meet the age requirements of the province or territory where you enter Canada, you are allowed to bring the following amounts of tobacco without paying duty: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams (7 oz) of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. You may bring in additional quantities, but you must pay duties and taxes on the excess amount.
• Beef: Americans are allowed to bring in beef products into Canada for personal consumption only - Up to 5 kg (approximately 11 lbs.) per person.
• The regulations regarding allowable food products can change. If you have any concerns about what you plan to bring, please call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to see if any products have been added to or taken off the list above. Call (807) 475-4473 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca.

What is prohibited from being brought into Canada*  You cannot bring certain foods or goods into Ontario including: Live bait such as minnows or leeches, stun guns, mace, handguns or restricted weapons such as fully automatic firearms, potatoes, dog food containing bovine meat by-products (eg. beef or sheep by-products), firewood or radar detectors.

Bringing a Firearm into Canada* You may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun and up to 200 rounds of ammunition into Ontario as a visitor, but you must be 18 years of age or older to do so and the firearms must be for hunting or competitions use.You must be at least 18 years of age to bring firearms into Canada.You must either have a Canadian Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or you have to register your firearms at the Canadian border. You are able to complete pre-registration forms before you cross the border which will make it easier and less time consuming. The permit fee is $50.00 (Cdn) per person for a temporary registration permit and the permit is valid for 12 months. Call toll-free 1-800-731-4000 to get a Firearms Declaration Form.

• Easiest way to obtain a Canadian PAL (possession and Acquisition License) prior to importing guns into Canada. If you have a PAL, you do not have to fill out registration forms and there is only a one time fee.
• You cannot import prohibited firearms. Fully automatic weapons, all hand guns and guns of less than 66 cm (26 inches) in length are prohibited by law.
• Restricted firearms such as pistols or revolvers may be temporarily imported if you have an Authorization to Transport (ATT) in advance from a Canadian Chief Firearms Officer.
• Seasonal residents may import restricted firearms, but must have a Possession and Acquisition License or a valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate in addition to an ATT.
• For more info on importing firearms into Canada:
  Canadian Firearms Centre, 284 Wellington Centre. Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8.
  Ph: 1-800-731-4000.
  canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca or
  http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca

*This information was found on www.canadawelcomesyou.net .

Remember to be prepared when crossing the border, have documentation ready and know what you are bringing with you.  If you follow the guidelines above you should have no problems. 

Good luck and good fishing!

Rodney

rod@allcanada.com

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