In most instances, American citizens have no trouble crossing the border into Canada. Bring documents proving you are an American citizen or permanent resident. This means bring identification such as a birth certificate or passport and photo ID such as a driver’s license. Permanent residents of the U.S. should also bring their Green Card.
Automobile Travelers: June 23, 2009 – All U.S. citizens traveling to Canada via air will require passports to return home to the U.S.
When being interviewed by a Customs Officer, be sure to declare ALL goods you are bringing into Canada. If you are traveling with your own children and you are accompanied by your spouse, ensure you bring their birth certificates. If you are traveling with a child other than your own or without your spouse, have the child’s identification as well as a letter of permission, including name and contact information for that child’s parents or from your spouse in case Customs Officers want to verify you have permission to bring the child into Canada. Canada Citizenship and Immigration has useful information about visiting our country at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp
Important Notice for U.S. Residents: If you or anyone in your party has a felony or misdemeanor conviction, you may not be allowed into Canada. Your admissibility to Canada depends on the nature of the offense as well as how long ago it occurred. If this applies to you or to someone traveling with you, it is imperative that you contact Canada Immigration well in advance of your arrival. You will likely have to complete some paperwork and Canadian Immigration authorities will then advise you of the likelihood of being allowed into Canada. Contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp or the Canadian Consulate in Detroit, MI at www.detroit.gc.ca regarding any forms you may be required to fill out. You may also want to call the Immigration Officer at the Fort Frances, Ontario Port of Entry at 807-274-3655 to discuss your situation.
Residents of the United States who visit Canada are allowed to bring in a “reasonable” amount of personal goods duty free. The amount you bring in should be in line with how long you plan to visit. Below are the limits you are allowed for regulated items.
ALCOHOL
If you meet the age requirements of the province or territory where you can enter Canada (19 years old in Ontario) you are allowed to bring in, free of duty and taxes, either 1.5 liters of wine, or 1.14 liters (40 oz.) of liquor, or 24 12 oz. cans or bottles of beer or ale.
TOBACCO
If you meet the age requirements of the province or territory where you enter Canada (19 years old in Ontario) you are allowed to bring the following amounts of tobacco without paying duty: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 7 oz. of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. You may bring additional quantities, but you must pay duties and taxes on the excess amount.
BEEF
Americans are allowed to bring beef products into Canada for personal consumption only – up to 11 pounds per person.
You cannot bring certain foods or goods into Ontario including: Live bait such as minnows or leeches, stun guns, mace, handguns or restricted weapons such as fully automatic firearms, potatoes, dog food, firewood or radar detectors.
The regulations regarding allowable food products can change. If you have any concerns about what you plan to bring, please call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to see if any products have been added to or taken off the list above. Visit www.inspection.gc.ca
Customs Border Services has an informative website you can visit prior to your arrival at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/menu-eng.html
PETS
Residents from the U.S. are allowed to bring their dog or cat to Canada. Animals older than 3 months of age require a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued within the previous 36 months. Animals under 3 months of age do not require a certificate but must appear to be in good health.
