The Canada Border Services Agency warning of increased border traffic as the peak summer travel season is upon us.
The CBSA's Southern Ontario office is out with some tips on how to deal with the expected increased volume of traffic and border wait times.
Travellers are encouraged to follow these tips to cross the border faster:
Plan ahead - Check border wait times using the CanBorder App and cross at the least busy port of entry in the area. Historically, the holidays result in higher than normal volumes; plan your entry during non-peak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be busiest, plan around it.
NEXUS members can cross faster by using the Canada-bound NEXUS lanes - in the Southern Ontario Region, NEXUS lanes are available at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador, Blue Water, Peace and Queenston-Lewiston Bridges. The Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario is the only dedicated NEXUS crossing in Canada, only a few minutes from the Horseshoe Falls.
Be prepared - Have proper identification for you and everyone in the vehicle, including children, ready to present to the border services officer. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's license. If you are travelling with children that you either have or share custody of, have copies of all relevant legal documents, such as custody rights, on hand.
Declare all purchases, acquisitions, and/or gifts received when returning to Canada - refer to I Declare on the CBSA website for more information on your personal exemptions including alcohol or tobacco. Keep your receipts readily available including hotel receipts to verify the length of your stay outside Canada.
Know the contents of your vehicle - Travellers can consult the CBSA’s website for information on firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods.
Not sure? Ask the CBSA officer - The single best thing you can do to save time returning to Canada is to simply be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don’t hesitate to ask. The officers are there to help you.
For more information, visit the CBSA website at www.cbsa.gc.ca or contact the Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999.