Travelling this holiday season? See CBSA's tips for a smoother trip

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued holiday travel guidance for passengers entering Canada, highlighting processing statistics from January 1 to October 31, 2025, when it processed than 70 million travellers, according to the agency's year-in-review.

With the winter travel season now in full swing, the agency is advising travellers to have travel documents readily available at the border. 

When travelling with children who are not their own or for whom they don't have full legal custody, the agency recommends carrying a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian.

Travellers are reminded to declare all items upon entry into Canada and those arriving by land are responsible for everything inside their vehicle.

Gifts should be left unwrapped or in gift bags to facilitate inspection if needed, the agency said. 

Current restrictions prohibit bringing poultry products, including turkey, from the United States. 

Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.

Canadian residents can use personal exemptions to bring goods including alcohol and tobacco up to certain values back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. 

Travellers should know the value of goods in Canadian dollars and have receipts available.

Land border crossers can check wait times online to plan their route. 

Early mornings typically have shorter wait times, while the Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be busiest. 

The CBSA Directory of Offices and Services lists hours of operation for alternative ports of entry.

Air travellers can use Advance Declaration to submit customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arrival at participating airports.

Cannabis remains prohibited from crossing the border in any form, including oils containing THC or CBD, without a Health Canada permit or exemption. 

A medical prescription does not constitute Health Canada authorization.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.