Travelling this Thanksgiving long weekend? See CBSA’s tips for a smooth trip

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding Canadian travellers that it can be extra busy at the border over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

In a press release, the agency said it is planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months.

“We monitor traveller volumes and take measures to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security,” the agency says.

Top travel tips

Here are some tips from the CBSA that can help your client’s plan for their trip:

Check border wait times and expect delays. “Early mornings are the best time to cross the border to avoid wait times,” says the CBSA, noting that the Monday of holiday long weekend tend to be the busiest.

Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.

Check the port of entry's hours of operation on the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services.

If using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.

Have your travel documents handy. “This will speed up processing times at the border,” says CBSA.

Be prepared to declare. “Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If arriving by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle,” says CBSA.

Bringing poultry products, including turkey: Be sure to review current restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.

Travelling with children? When travelling with a child who is not your own or for whom you don't have full legal custody, CBSA recommends you have a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. “We are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions,” the agency says.

Travelling with pets? Pets must meet specific requirements to enter Canada. Review importing and travelling with pets before leaving.

Will you be going to the U.S. with a dog? As of August 1, 2024, there are updated documentation requirements for all dogs entering the U.S. from Canada. For more information, visit Dogs travelling to the United States.

Flying into Canada? Use Advance Declaration and make customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at participating airports.

Fireworks: Consult Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks to ensure that the fireworks you are bringing in are authorized, says CBSA.

Firewood: Firewood from outside of Canada is not permitted as it may contain diseases or invasive insects. “Buy local and burn local,” says CBSA.

Entering Canada by boat? Report to the CBSA without delay. Review reporting requirements for private boaters before making travel plans.

Goods purchased abroad: If you are a Canadian resident, personal exemptions allow you to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. “Make sure you know how much you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts readily available for the officer,” says CBSA.

Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help estimate the amounts owed on goods purchased abroad.

Restricted and prohibited goods: “Make sure you review the necessary information before attempting to bring certain items into Canada. If not, you risk having your goods seized or facing fines and prosecution,” says CBSA.

Cannabis: “Don't bring it in. Don't take it out,” says CBSA. “While cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution.” A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer.

“The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask!” says the agency.

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