Planning a trip for Easter? The Canada Border Services Agency gives tips for a smoother trip

During the Easter long weekend, travelers are reminded of what to expect when crossing the border by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Nearly 6,600 border services officers keep dangerous goods out of Canada while ensuring that legitimate travel and trade can continue in an effective and safe manner. We kept more than 1,100 firearms and 24,400 prohibited weapons off our streets and seized more than 41,000 kilograms of illegal drugs while simultaneously facilitating the arrival of more than 60 million travelers in 2022.

Every year, the CBSA puts in a lot of effort to plan for and prepare for peak times, like holidays and summer. The Organization screens explorer volumes and stand by times and changes staffing levels to limit your handling times at our property ports of passage and in worldwide air terminals, where we work with air terminal experts in anticipating appearances.

To ensure a more enjoyable trip, CBSA encourage travelers to make use of the numerous resources and advice at their disposal:

• Check the wait times at the border and other entry points ahead of time. Land travelers are encouraged to cross at non-peak times, such as early in the morning. The busiest day of the holiday long weekends is typically the Monday, and border wait times are longer.
• Keep your travel papers close at hand. Whether you’re traveling by land, air, or water, bringing your travel documents with you can help reduce processing times.
• Advance Declaration saves time. Using Advance Declaration, travelers arriving at the international airports of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary, and Edmonton can submit their customs and immigration declaration to the CBSA prior to their arrival. In order to get to an airport kiosk or eGate faster, travelers who select this option have access to express lanes.
• While going with kids, it is suggested that the going with grown-up have an assent letter approving them to go with the youngster on the off chance that they share care or are not the parent or legitimate watchman. Line administrations officials are continuously looking for missing youngsters, and without a trace of the letter, officials might pose extra inquiries.
• Be aware of your exemption caps. Individual exemption limits should be kept in mind by Canadians returning home who make or pick up online purchases outside of Canada. The CBSA duty and taxes estimator can help you figure out how much you owe. Easter chocolate can be brought in as long as it is for personal use and does not exceed a certain weight!
• Prepare to make a statement. Upon entering Canada, all travelers are required to declare their possessions. Have your receipts promptly accessible for merchandise bought or got while beyond Canada. Consult the CBSA’s website for the rules regarding firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods if you are traveling with firearms.
• Introducing a food item in support of a religious practice? Before bringing any food, plant, or animal products into Canada, the CBSA strongly suggests that you consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the website of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
• You should be aware of the importable poultry products and byproducts. Imports of live birds, bird products, and by-products from states in the United States that have been affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza may currently be subject to conditions and restrictions. Know which poultry products are permitted to enter Canada and which are not, and be prepared to demonstrate the product’s origin at the border.
• Not certain? Ask a CBSA agent. Being honest and open with the CBSA officer is the best way to save time. Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not sure what to say. CBSA officers are available to assist!