Niagara Falls, Ontario, May 14, 2013 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to simplify your return to Canada this summer. The Victoria Day long weekend traditionally marks the beginning of heavier traffic volumes at the Southern Ontario border crossings. Additional staff will be available to process the anticipated higher volumes of travellers. The CBSA has some helpful tips to simplify your return to Canada during the peak summer period.
Have proper identification readily available
Ensure that you have proper identification (ID) readily available for yourself and everyone travelling with you. A border services officer will scan your documents, so presenting a preferred form of identification could get you on your way more quickly.
Passports are the preferred form of identification for entry or re-entry into Canada. Other acceptable forms of ID include: enhanced driver's licences; birth certificates with accompanying photo ID such as regular driver's licences; permanent resident cards; citizenship cards or certificates of Indian status; or NEXUS cards or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) cards when travelling by land or boat.
Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification. If travelling with children, have their identification ready to show and a letter of permission for any child who is travelling without their parents or travelling with non-custodial parents along with parental contact information. For more tips on travelling with children, consult our fact sheet.
NEXUS members can cross faster by using one of the following Canada-bound NEXUS lanes:
Ambassador Bridge 6 a.m. to midnight Monday to Friday; and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during weekends and holidays as well as an additional NEXUS lane Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
Windsor–Detroit Tunnel from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekends and holidays as well as an additional NEXUS lane Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
Blue Water Bridge from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily including holidays and weekends; additional lane from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to Sunday;
Peace Bridge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Victoria to Labour Day Weekend from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; as well as an additional NEXUS lane Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; third lane opened as needed
Queenston–Lewiston Bridge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Whirlpool Bridge is a dedicated NEXUS crossing for NEXUS members only, open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco. Remember there are no personal exemptions for same-day cross-border shopping trips so be prepared to pay HST on those purchases and possibly duty.
call Argo today to speak with a customs broker in Canada!