Know what to expect at the Canadian border Welcome to the CBSA's dedicated cross-border travel hub. Here you will find important information and resources so you can know what to expect when you arrive at the Canadian border. Visit this section for travel tips, border wait times, information on traveller reporting requirements and much more. Know ahead of time what to expect at the Canadian border. Don't delay – plan your way!
Section 1: Don't delay – Plan your way! Features
- Learn more
- Reminder to summer travellers
Map of CBSA offices
Border wait times
Canadian residents travelling abroad
ID requirements for entering the United States (WHTI)
Section 2: Returning to Canada? Welcome home! Here's what you need to know before you arrive at the border:
- Have proper ID
Know what you can bring back…and what you can't.
Personal exemptions
Alcohol and tobacco
Food, plant, and animal products
Firearms
"I Declare" brochure
Travelling with children?
Features
- Learn more
- Border-proofing Children
Our officers watch for missing children and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you. If you have legal custody of the child(ren) or if you share custody, have copies of relevant legal documents, such as custody rights. If you are not the custodial parent or not the parent or legal guardian of the child(ren), carry a letter of permission or authorization for you to have custody when entering Canada. A letter would also facilitate entry for any one parent travelling with their child(ren). This permission should contain contact telephone numbers for the parent or legal guardian. If you are travelling as part of a group of vehicles, be sure that you are in the same vehicle as your child(ren) when you arrive at the border.
Trusted traveller programs
NEXUS
Section 3: Coming to Canada? Enjoy your stay!
- Visitors to Canada
Here is some important information to know before you arrive at the border. Being prepared will make clearing the border easier and quicker:
Have proper ID
Travelling with children?
Know what you can bring with you to Canada…and what you can't.
What you can bring with you
Firearms and other restrictions
Alcohol and tobacco
Food, plant, and animal products
Camping in Canada this summer?
- Reminder to summer travellers
Map of CBSA offices
Border wait times
Canadian residents travelling abroad
ID requirements for entering the United States (WHTI)
Section 2: Returning to Canada? Welcome home! Here's what you need to know before you arrive at the border:
Know what you can bring back…and what you can't.
Personal exemptions
Alcohol and tobacco
Food, plant, and animal products
Firearms
"I Declare" brochure
Travelling with children?
Features
- Border-proofing Children
Our officers watch for missing children and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you. If you have legal custody of the child(ren) or if you share custody, have copies of relevant legal documents, such as custody rights. If you are not the custodial parent or not the parent or legal guardian of the child(ren), carry a letter of permission or authorization for you to have custody when entering Canada. A letter would also facilitate entry for any one parent travelling with their child(ren). This permission should contain contact telephone numbers for the parent or legal guardian. If you are travelling as part of a group of vehicles, be sure that you are in the same vehicle as your child(ren) when you arrive at the border.
Trusted traveller programs
NEXUS
Section 3: Coming to Canada? Enjoy your stay!
Here is some important information to know before you arrive at the border. Being prepared will make clearing the border easier and quicker:
Have proper ID
Travelling with children?
Know what you can bring with you to Canada…and what you can't.
What you can bring with you
Firearms and other restrictions
Alcohol and tobacco
Food, plant, and animal products
Camping in Canada this summer?