News Release

National 2010

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Border Crossing Tips

Niagara Falls, Ontario, May 20, 2010 ―  The Canadian and American May long weekends mark the beginning of increased cross-border traffic for the Niagara–Fort Erie international bridges. The CBSA wants to remind travellers to be prepared in order to facilitate their entry into Canada by following a few easy steps. 

The most important thing to remember is to have proper identification readily available to show the officer for everyone in the vehicle including children. A passport is not mandatory for entry into Canada but it is a preferable piece of identification. Other acceptable identification includes an enhanced driver's licence, NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, a birth certificate with accompanying photo I.D. such as a regular driver's licence, a permanent residence card, a citizenship card or a certificate of Indian Status. 

Keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is now in effect. This is a U.S. law that requires all travellers to the United States to present a valid passport or another approved secure document at the border. The following forms of identification are acceptable for entry into Canada and the U.S. and meet the requirements of the WHTI: a passport, a NEXUS card, a FAST card and an enhanced driver's licence. 

Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate. If travelling with children have their identification ready to show (picture I.D., birth certificate, passport, etc.) and a letter of permission for a child who is travelling without their parents or with a non-custodial parent

Know your personal exemptions: after an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back $50 duty and tax free; after 48 hours, your personal exemption is $400; and after an absence of seven days, you are entitled to $750 tax and duty free. The following amounts of alcohol and tobacco can be imported free of duty and taxes only if you have been away at least 48 hours: a 1.5 litres of wine or a 1.14 litres of alcohol or a combination of wine and liquor not exceeding a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) or 24 cans or bottles of beer or ale (maximum of 8.5 litres);as well as 200 cigarettes (1 carton), 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. For additional information, check http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/menu-eng.html or obtain the pamphlet I Declare.

Have your receipts for purchases readily available and declare all purchases regardless if exemptions may apply as there may be serious consequences for undervaluing or not declaring purchases. There are no personal exemptions for same day travel. The Provincial Sales Tax and Goods and Services Tax are payable on purchases made during same day crossings and duties could also be applicable. If you are travelling with a larger group of shoppers or on a shopping bus be patient as it will take more time to cross, because CBSA officers must process all travellers. When possible, avoiding peak hours can help reduce waiting times usually around 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends.

Check border wait times. Due to construction at the Queenston–Lewiston Bridge Canada bound, significant delays could be encountered at this crossing while Rainbow and/or the Peace Bridges, in close proximity to Queenston, could be moving well or experiencing minimal delays.

Some of the available resources to check border traffic conditions are listed below:

• CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca
• Wireless Portal through your Web-enabled mobile device at wap.gc.ca or www.gc.ca 
• Calling 1-800-715-6722 or accessing the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Web site at http://www.niagarafallsbridges.com

If there are delays reported at the Queenston–Lewiston Bridge you may wish to consider rerouting to the Rainbow Bridge via I 190 to Robert Moses Parkway or Peace Bridge via I 190. 

The Whirlpool Bridge is a dedicated NEXUS crossing for NEXUS members only and never has any delays. Information about the NEXUS program can be found at www.NEXUS.gc.ca. 

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For media information

Jean D'Amelio Swyer
Communications Manager
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 905-354-2011
Cell: 905-933-5463