Cameron Miranda
Canada has laws to protect its borders and security, and there are several things to be aware of when visiting the country. All visitors must complete a declaration, and provide proof of citizenship and identity. US citizens should get a passport to enter Canada, and may also need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation. There are also rules about what can and cannot be brought into the country, including limits on alcohol and tobacco, and restrictions on bringing fresh fruit and guns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification documents | Canadian passport, Certificate of Canadian citizenship, Certificate of retention, Certificate of naturalization, Registration of birth abroad certificate, Permanent resident card, NEXUS or FAST program membership card, Status card, Enhanced Driver's License, Enhanced Identification Card, Birth certificate, Driver's license, Government-issued photo identification, US passport |
| Import laws | No fresh fruit, limited amounts of duty-free alcohol and tobacco, gifts over $60 CAD are taxed, no cannabis leaving the country |
| Driving laws | Distracted driving laws in all provinces and territories, no smoking in a car with a minor (under 16), hazardous winter driving conditions |
| Currency | US currency accepted in some places but not others, tourist attractions and malls may offer a better exchange rate |
| Tax | Federal sales tax on all goods and services, individual provinces may have additional taxes |
| Inadmissibility | Rehabilitation process for those with a past criminal conviction |
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What You'll Learn
Identification and citizenship requirements
Persons entering Canada must provide proof of citizenship and identity. A valid Canadian passport is recommended for all visits abroad, including visits to the US, as it is the only universally accepted identification document and proves that you have a right to return to Canada. International transportation companies such as airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding.
Other acceptable documents that support identity and/or citizenship include:
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
- Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border. Permanent residents (immigrants living in Canada who are not yet Canadian citizens) need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada.
Indigenous Peoples from the US with family in Canada may now qualify for temporary border mobility measures. The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act. Although both CIS and SCIS cards can be presented at the border to confirm status and right of entry (including expired CIS cards), travellers are encouraged to obtain a new SCIS.
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Items prohibited from crossing the border
When crossing the Canadian border, there are several types of items that are prohibited from entering the country. These include:
Weapons and Firearms
Most weapons, such as tasers, brass knuckles, and pepper spray, and certain knives are prohibited in Canada. All weapons and firearms must be declared when entering the country. Certain weapons may be allowed with the appropriate permits.
Food, Plants, and Animals
Certain restricted food types, plants, and animals are prohibited from being brought into Canada. This includes endangered species and products made from their parts. Soil is also prohibited, and camping gear and recreational equipment must be clean and free of soil and pests. Fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, may be restricted or prohibited, especially if they are not commercially packaged or properly documented.
Medication
Only medication that is prescribed for personal use and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration is allowed. All medication must be declared, kept in its original packaging, and be limited to the amount needed for the duration of the trip.
Money and Monetary Instruments
Any monetary instruments, such as stocks, bonds, or cheques, valued at $10,000 or more, must be declared to a border services officer.
Vehicles
Vehicles imported into Canada may be subject to modification requirements to meet American standards. This includes cars, vans, and sport utility vehicles.
Other Prohibited Items
Other items prohibited from crossing the Canadian border include drug paraphernalia, obscene material, hate propaganda, and child pornography, and counterfeit articles. Native American artifacts and other cultural artifacts may require an export permit.
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Driving laws
Driving Side and Passing
Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left.
Stop Signs and Red Lights
Full stops at stop signs and red lights are mandatory. Failing to stop at a red light could result in a ticket. In most places, right-hand turns are allowed at red lights unless otherwise indicated by a sign. However, in Montreal, turning right on a red light is prohibited.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are expressed in kilometres per hour (km/h) and are regularly followed and enforced. The statutory speed limit is often 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h in rural areas, but it can vary by province and road. Speed limits on highways are typically between 80 and 100 km/h, and minimum speed limits on highways are often set at 60 km/h. Speeding penalties can vary by province and are more severe in construction zones.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Seat Belts
The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers. Children under 18 kg must be in a car seat, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in substantial fines.
Cell Phone Use
Driving while using a cell phone is prohibited unless it is hands-free.
School Buses
If you see a halted school bus, you must stop or drive slowly.
Insurance
Having insurance is a requirement for all drivers in Canada. The mandatory minimum liability insurance varies by province or territory, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your destination. If you are driving a rented car, the rental agreement will suffice for registration and insurance.
Winter Driving
Driving in winter conditions can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Snow, black ice, and white-out conditions can create hazardous situations. If you plan to drive in Canada during the winter, be sure to check the weather and road conditions in advance and prepare accordingly. Winter tires or snow chains may be necessary, especially when driving through mountains or in certain provinces like British Columbia and Quebec.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence in Canada and can result in criminal charges, heavy fines, deportation, driver's license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or arrest. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%, but some provinces have lower limits of 0.05%.
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Tax on goods and services
When it comes to the laws about visiting Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding tax on goods and services. Firstly, it's important to understand that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) collects duties and taxes on imported goods on behalf of the Government of Canada. These duties and taxes may include the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) or, in certain provinces and territories, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
When entering Canada, you must declare all the goods you acquired while outside the country, including purchases, gifts, prizes, and awards. This declaration can be made orally to a border services officer when arriving in a private vehicle, such as a car, boat, aircraft, or bus. Alternatively, if you arrive at one of Canada's international airports, you can make an on-screen declaration using a primary inspection kiosk or through eGate. It is important to note that certain goods, such as weapons and firearms, must be declared, and prohibited goods, such as endangered species, cannot be brought into the country.
In terms of exemptions, there are personal exemptions that allow individuals to bring goods up to a certain value into Canada without paying regular duties and taxes. For example, Canadian residents returning from a trip outside the country are eligible for a personal exemption. This exemption is also available for former and temporary residents of Canada, as well as children, as long as the goods are for their personal use. The value limit for this exemption is CAN$200, excluding tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. If the value of the goods exceeds CAN$200, duties and taxes will be applicable on the entire amount. For goods worth more than CAN$800, duties and taxes are only applicable to the amount exceeding this limit.
It is worth noting that the length of absence from Canada also determines eligibility for exemptions and the amount of goods that can be brought back without incurring duties and taxes. For instance, a minimum absence of 24 hours is required for the CAN$200 exemption, while a minimum of 48 hours is required for the CAN$800 exemption. Additionally, certain goods, such as tobacco products, may have quantity limits and special excise duties.
Finally, as a tourist in Canada, you may be eligible for a tax rebate on certain purchases. This rebate applies to the GST or HST paid on eligible purchases. To claim this rebate, individuals must keep their receipts and visit designated refund locations.
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Gun laws
Canada has strict gun laws, and any visitor bringing a firearm into the country must declare it at the border. This can be done in writing via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form, which costs $25, or orally to a customs officer. If you have a Canadian firearms licence, you do not need to complete the form, but you must still make an oral declaration. Failure to declare a weapon can result in it being seized and never returned, as well as fines and jail time.
There are three classes of firearms in Canada: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Non-restricted firearms include most ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns, which can be brought into Canada temporarily for sporting, hunting, and competitions. They can also be used for personal protection against wildlife in remote areas, but not for personal protection in other contexts or for the protection of property. To bring a restricted firearm into Canada, you must obtain an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit in advance from a Provincial Chief Firearms Officer. Prohibited firearms include assault-type weapons, fully automatic or converted automatic guns, certain military-style weapons, and handguns with a barrel length of less than 4.1 inches. These are not allowed into Canada under any circumstances.
If you are transporting firearms in a vehicle, they must be unloaded and kept out of sight in a locked part of the vehicle, such as the trunk. Antique firearms are not considered firearms for licensing and registration purposes and do not require any paperwork, but they should still be declared at the border. If you plan to borrow a gun while in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance.
It is important to note that gun laws in Canada may vary by province or territory, and hunting is governed by federal, provincial, and territorial laws. Firearms are forbidden in many of Canada's national and provincial parks, game reserves, and adjacent areas. Always check the specific laws and regulations for the area you will be visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to provide proof of citizenship and identity. A valid passport is the most universally accepted form of identification, but other documents such as a birth certificate, driver's license, or government-issued photo ID are also accepted.
All goods must be properly declared at the border. Certain items, such as fresh fruit, are prohibited, while others, such as alcohol, tobacco, and firearms, are restricted and may be subject to duty and taxes. Gifts valued at over $60 CAD are also subject to duty and taxes.
Distracted driving laws are in effect in all Canadian provinces and territories, which means cell phones must be used hands-free when driving. It is also illegal to smoke in a car if there is a minor (under 16 years old) present. Speed limits are posted in metric (kilometers).
Canada adds a federal sales tax on all goods and services, and most provinces have their own additional tax as well. This can result in up to a 15% increase in the cost of goods and services.
Cannabis is legal in Canada for adults for both medical and recreational purposes. However, as an international traveler, it is important to be aware of the laws governing its use. It is illegal to take cannabis purchased in Canada back to the United States.
