Officials have issued new advice for Canadians travelling during the Easter long weekend
If you're hitting the road, travelling home, or going abroad during the Easter break this year, listen up! The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued fresh travel advice for Canadians heading out over the long weekend, and you'll want to take note if you're hoping to avoid any unnecessary travel chaos.
If you're driving into Canada, whether it's your destination or you're just heading home, one of the best things you can do is check border wait times before you hit the road.
The CBSA says early mornings are your best bet if you want to avoid long lines, and if you're travelling on Easter Monday — the busiest day — consider giving yourself some extra time (and pack some extra patience).
It's also worth checking out alternative ports of entry with shorter wait times or even trying a different route on your GPS. Apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze can suggest directions that are faster or shorter, so it's worth comparing before you commit to a specific route.
What's more, make sure to check the hours of operation for the border crossing you're heading to. Not all ports are open 24/7, and arriving at a closed gate is far from ideal.
Once you're in line, have your travel documents ready to go to speed the process up. And don't forget: if you're arriving by car, you're responsible for everything inside that vehicle.
Coming back with gifts or goodies? If you're a Canadian resident, you can bring stuff back without paying duties or taxes up to a certain value. Just make sure you know what that value is in Canadian dollars, and keep your receipts handy.
And here's a heads-up if you've been shopping in the U.S.: some items are now subject to a 25% surtax. That's on top of any regular duty or taxes, and it kicks in if you've gone over your exemption limit. These surtaxes apply to certain U.S. goods and even American-made vehicles, so double-check the CBSA's lists from March 4, March 13, and April 9 if that sounds like something that might affect you.
Travelling with Easter chocolate is all good, as long as it's for personal use and doesn't weigh a ton. Gifts are fine too, but try to leave them unwrapped or use a gift bag so border officers can inspect them if needed.
For anyone flying into Canada, there's a handy option called Advance Declaration. You can submit your customs and immigration info up to 72 hours before you arrive at select airports, which can save time once you land.
To avoid any major headaches, take a minute to check what items are restricted or banned before you pack. You definitely don't want to risk a fine or worse by bringing in something you shouldn't.
If you're travelling to the United States from Canada this Easter break for a longer trip, make sure you're aware of the latest changes to entry and exit requirements.
On Friday, March 21, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for the United States, warning travellers that anyone planning to stay in the country for more than 30 days must now register with the U.S. government.
The new registration rule, which took effect on April 11, was introduced through an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year. Failing to register could result in fines, penalties, or even misdemeanour charges.
What's more, earlier this month, Canada updated its travel advisory for the U.S. again, warning that U.S. authorities now "strictly enforce entry requirements."
The advisory warns Canadian travellers to "Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities."
It adds, "If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation."
If you're travelling abroad, check out The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's (CATSA) recent spring break travel advice for everything you should know before heading to the airport.
So whether you're heading out to visit family, soak up some sunshine, or just take a break from the daily grind, make sure you follow CBSA's travel advice and keep up to date with Canada's latest travel advisories.
Safe travels, Canada.
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