FollowCrossing from the US into Canada is not as fast and simple as it once was. Border security has tightened and the interview process to get into Canada has become lengthier. Have you ever wonder what they ask you when you are about to cross? Here are a few things that they don’t tell you at the border.
The first question that the border patrol asks is if you are bringing across alcohol, tobacco, or firearms. Here is what you have to declare and what is prohibited.
Declaration. You have to declare how much tobacco and alcohol you are bringing across. You can bring in 24 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer or one 40-ounce liquor or 1.5 liters of wine free of duty and taxes. For tobacco, you can have 1 carton of cigarettes, 50 cigars, a 200g can of tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. You must be 19 to import alcohol or tobacco into Canada (which is the legal drinking age).
You must obtain a gun permit for each gun. You can bring in a hunting rifle or shotgun and pay a permit fee of $25 that is valid for 60 days. You can bring in 200 rounds of ammo for hunting. You may not bring in a handgun without prior written approval from the Canadian government. Refer to www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca for more information.
What is Prohibited?
• Radar detector
• Live minnows, worms (night crawlers), or leeches
• Dog Food
• Fire wood
• Potatoes
• Military-style attack rifles
• Large capacity cartridge magazine that exceeds 5 rounds for center fire rifles
Once you answer those questions they want to know where you are going in Canada and how long you will be there. The might ask you for the name and number of who you are going to visit. If you raise a red flag then be prepared to go inside and have them ask you to explain your itinerary. They are very concerned if you are planning on coming into the country and taking jobs away from Canadians. Make sure you can prove how you earn a living and bring your Visa paperwork if you are planning on working in Canada.
Enjoy your trip across the border, but be prepared for a 5-10 minute question session from the border patrol agent.
You may want to have a passport cover to keep your documents in order and handy. Another great item to have on hand for reference is The Border Guide. This handy ebook will definitely ensure that you are well prepared to cross the border into Canada.
Enjoy your trip!
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