Crossing the Border
VISITORS TO CANADA
When you enter Canada, a Canadian border services/customs official may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada, however it is recommended that proof of citizenship or naturalization, or a certificate of Indian status, as well as a photo ID be available for presentation. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card)with you. For more information on admissibility into Canada, refer to the fact sheet, Managing Access to Canada, available at cbsa.gc.ca.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Do I need a passport?
Beginning xxx, 2007, Canadian citizens will require a passport to cross the border and enter the United States.
2. Are my driver’s license and car insurance good across the border?
Both countries accept a valid driver’s license of the other country. Proof of insurance is required if there is an accident. Laws vary from province to province and state to state. Make sure you have you vehicle registration with you. Use of seatbelts is mandatory in most US states.
3. Can my pet cross the border?
Cats and dogs are welcome in both countries provided they are in good health and have a current rabies vaccination certificate, if they are over three months old. Other animals are subject to restriction.
4.Should I exchange my money for the other country’s currency?
Yes, and you will get the best rate at a currency exchange or bank close to the border.
5. Can I bring my gun across the border?
You are allowed to transport non-restricted firearms into the US for legitimate purposes such as sporting or hunting use during hunting season, use in competitions, in-transit movements and personal protection against wildlife. (The same rules apply to US citizens entering Canada). If you are importing restricted firearms, you need an authorization to transport.
Under no circumstances are you allowed to import prohibited firearms/weapons. This also includes Mace or pepper spray for personal protection.
All firearms and weapons must be declared to Customs. A firearm declaration will be completed at the border at a cost of $50.00 Canadian.
For more information please contact: Canadian Firearms Centre 1-800-731-4000 (toll free within Canada and the US) www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca.
6. What does “Duty” mean?
Duty is a charge imposed on certain goods brought into a country to protect national industries. A certain amount of merchandise is allowed in duty free, depending on how long you have been out of the country. Contact Customs to find out duties on goods that are in excess of your duty free allowance.
7. Can liquor be brought across the border?
Yes, liquor may be brought into both countries. The regulations and amounts allowed without paying duty are listed. Liquor brought into the country you are visiting must be for personal use and not a gift. You must meet the age requirements set by the province where you enter Canada. For Manitoba, the age requirement is 18 years.
8. What are the benefits of duty free shops?
By purchasing your allowance of duty free merchandise at a duty free shop you avoid paying ALL taxes and duties including normal excise tax and sales tax. The savings is usually 30-60% off the prices you would normally pay elsewhere. Liquor, cigarettes, perfumes and imported gifts are great values. All goods purchased at a duty free store and not consumed or left in the US must be declared upon return to Canada.
9. Can I purchase at a duty free store going in both directions?
Yes, you may purchase duty free items for use in the country you are visiting and you may purchase items to take home, if you meet the minimum stay requirement.
All goods purchased at a duty free store and not consumed or left in the US must be declared upon return to Canada.
10. What will customs officials ask at the border?
When visiting the other country, you may be asked where you live, your citizenship, the purpose of your trip, and how long you intend to stay. You may be asked if you have any goods that will be left behind.
There may be specific questions about alcohol, tobacco and firearms. If you have made a duty free purchase, just state how much you have brought.
When returning home, you may be asked what you have purchased. Oral declarations are the general rule, however, a written declaration may be required.
If you have specific questions please contact Customs and/or Immigration Officials.
U.S. Customs
Box 7407
Washington, D.C. 20044
Revenue Canada (Customs-Excise)
Public Relations Branch
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0L5
ACIS
(Automated Customs Information Services)
1-800-461-9999(toll free in Canada)
11. What are the hours of operations at the customs entries into the Pembina Valley Region?
