If you're driving from Seattle, you'll need to clear Customs at the Peace Arch crossing (open 24 hr.; often there's a wait) in Blaine, Washington. You'll pass through Canadian Customs (tel. 800/461-9999 within Canada or 204/983-3500) to enter Canada, and U.S. Customs (tel. 360/332-5771) on your departure. Duty-free shops are located in Blaine at the last exit before the border going into Canada. On the Canadian side, the shops are a little more difficult to find -- they're on the right, just after the speed limit drops to 35kmph (22 mph).
If you fly directly into Vancouver International Airport from another country, you'll go through Customs in the International Terminal. Once you clear passport control, you and your luggage will go through Customs before you leave the terminal. (Even if you don't have anything to declare, Customs officials randomly select a few passengers and search their luggage.)
Visitors arriving by ferry from the U.S. pass through U.S. Customs before boarding and Canadian Customs upon arrival.
For an up-to-date country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement" Web page of the U.S. State Department at www.travel.state.gov.
Documents for U.S. Citizens--Bring your passport if you've got one. A passport is the easiest and fastest way to enter Canada and return to the U.S. Note: Under the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, as of December 31, 2006, all travelers to and from Canada will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. Other documents that the U.S. government anticipates will be acceptable for land and border crossings under this new initiative are SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST program cards (international frequent traveler programs). This means that you will no longer be able to enter Canada using a driver's license and birth certificate.
For the latest information on passports and entry requirements for U.S. citizens, check the Web page of the U.S. State Department at www.travel.state.gov. Naturalized citizens should carry their naturalization certificates. U.S. citizens don't require visas to enter Canada.
Permanent U.S. residents who are not U.S. citizens should carry their passports and Resident Alien Card (U.S. form I-151 or I-551). Foreign students and other noncitizen U.S. residents should carry their passports or a Temporary Resident Card (form 1688) or Employment Authorization Card (1688A or 1688B), a visitor's visa, I-94 Arrival-Departure Record, a current I-20 copy of IAP-66 indicating student status, proof of sufficient funds for a temporary stay, and evidence of return transportation. Note: With changing security regulations, it is advisable for all travelers to check with the Canadian consulate before departure to find out the latest in travel document requirements. You will also find current information on the Canada Border Services Agency website, www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca; follow the links under "FAQ."
If you're bringing children into Canada, you must have proof of legal guardianship. Lack of it can cause long delays at the border. Children under 18 not accompanied by a parent or guardian must have a permission letter signed by a parent or legal guardian allowing you to travel to Canada.
Visitors arriving by ferry from the U.S. must fill out International Crossing forms, which are collected before boarding.
Documents for Commonwealth Citizens--Citizens of Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand don't need visas to enter Canada, but they do need to show proof of commonwealth citizenship (such as a passport), as well as evidence of funds sufficient for a temporary stay (credit cards work well here). Naturalized citizens should carry their naturalization certificates. Permanent residents of commonwealth nations should carry their passports and resident status cards.
Foreign students and other residents should carry their passports or temporary resident cards or employment authorization cards, a visitor's visa, arrival-departure record, a current copy of student status, proof of sufficient funds for a temporary stay, evidence of return transportation, and possibly a visitor's visa. Note: With changing security regulations, it is advisable for all travelers to check with the Canadian consulate before departure to find out the latest in travel document requirements. You will also find current information on the Canada Border Services Agency website, www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca; follow the links under "FAQ."
Customs Regulations
Your personal baggage can include the following: boats, motors, snowmobiles, camping and sports equipment, appliances, TV sets, musical instruments, personal computers, cameras, and other items of a personal or household nature. If you are bringing excess luggage, be sure to carry a detailed inventory list that includes the acquisition date, serial number, and cost or replacement value of each item. It sounds tedious, but it can speed things up at the border. Customs will help you fill in the forms that allow you to temporarily bring in your effects. This list will also be used by U.S. Customs to check off what you bring out. You will be charged Customs duties for anything left in Canada.
A few other things to keep in mind:
If you bring more than US$10,000 (about C$12,500) in cash, you must file a transaction report with U.S. Customs.
Never joke about carrying explosives, drugs, or other contraband unless you want to have your bags and person searched in detail, plus face arrest for conspiracy. Remember, Canada is a foreign country. The officials don't have to let you in.
Some prescription medicines may be considered contraband across the border. If you're bringing any, it's best to check with your doctor and bring a copy of your prescription, or contact the Canadian Customs Office (tel. 800/461-9999 within Canada or 204/983-3500).
If you're over 18, you're allowed to bring in 40 ounces of liquor and wine or 24 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer and ale, and 50 cigars, 400 cigarettes, or 14 ounces of manufactured tobacco per person. Any excess is subject to duty.
Gifts not exceeding C$60 (US$48) and not containing tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or advertising material can be brought in duty-free. Meats, plants, and vegetables are subject to inspection on entry. There are restrictions, so contact the Canadian Consulate for more details if you want to bring produce into the country, or check the Canada Border Services Agency website, www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
If you plan to bring your dog or cat, you must provide proof of rabies inoculation during the preceding 36-month period. Other types of animals need special clearance and health certification. (Many birds, for instance, require 8 weeks in quarantine.)
If you need more information concerning items you wish to bring in and out of the country, contact the Canadian Customs Office (tel. 800/461-9999 within Canada or 204/983-3500). You can also find information on the Canada Border Services Agency website, www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
What You Can Take Home From Canada--Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for at least 48 hours are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, US$800 (about C$1,000) worth of merchandise duty-free. You'll be charged a flat rate of 4% duty on the next US$1,000 (about C$1,250) worth of purchases. Be sure to have your receipts handy. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is US$200 (about C$250). With some exceptions, you cannot bring fresh fruits and vegetables into the United States. For specifics on what you can bring back, download the invaluable free pamphlet Know Before You Go online at www.customs.gov (click on "Travel," then click on "Know Before You Go Online Brochure"). Or contact the U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/287-8867) and request the pamphlet.
Citizens of the U.K. returning from a non-E.U. country have a Customs allowance of: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 250 grams of smoking tobacco; 2 liters of still table wine; 1 liter of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22% volume); 2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other liqueurs; 60cc (ml) perfume; 250cc (ml) of toilet water; and £145 worth of all other goods, including gifts and souvenirs. People under 17 cannot have the tobacco or alcohol allowance. For more information, contact HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152), or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk.
The duty-free allowance amount in Australia is A$900 or, A$450 for those under 18. Citizens 18 and older can bring in 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco, and 1,125 milliliters of alcohol. If you're returning with valuables you already own, such as foreign-made cameras, you should file form B263. A helpful brochure available from Australian consulates or Customs offices is Know Before You Go. For more information, call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to www.customs.gov.au.
The duty-free allowance for New Zealand is NZ$700. Citizens over 17 can bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco (or a mixture of all three if their combined weight doesn't exceed 250g); plus 4.5 liters of wine and beer, or 1.125 liters of liquor. New Zealand currency does not carry import or export restrictions. Fill out a certificate of export, listing the valuables you are taking out of the country; that way, you can bring them back without paying duty. Most questions are answered in a free pamphlet available at New Zealand consulates and Customs offices: New Zealand Customs Guide for Travellers, Notice no. 4. For more information, contact New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).
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