The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advises travelers that it anticipates higher volume of travelers over Black Friday at its ports of entry.

During peak hours, the Emerson port of entry in southern Manitoba will be operating at maximum capacity. The CBSA shares the following tips to facilitate your border crossing. Travelers are encouraged to:

  • Plan your border crossing – Consult the Travel Tips section of our website, check border wait times at the Emerson border crossing using the CanBorder App and cross at the least busy port of entry in the area. Historically, Black Friday weekend results 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.
  • Know your purchases and keep travel documents handy – Know your personal exemptions and restrictions and make sure that each passenger has the correct travel document. Have your travel documents and receipts in hand when you arrive at the border. It is recommended you travel with a passport as it is the only universally recognized travel document.
  • Declare all purchases, acquisitions, and/or gifts received when returning to Canada – refer to I Declare on the CBSA website for more information. If you are bringing gifts, it is recommended they not be wrapped as we may need to examine them more in-depth.
  • Know the contents of your vehicle – Travelers can consult the CBSA’s website for information on firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods.
  • Become a NEXUS member – NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travelers into Canada and the United States. NEXUS members receive expedited border clearance in the land, air, and marine modes, and a NEXUS membership is valid for five years. Additionally, you may take advantage of NEXUS expedited benefits when going through Canadian Air Transport Security Authority at key airports across Canada.
  • Use the Automated Border Clearance (ABC) kiosks at Canadian airports – ABC is a self-service kiosk eligible travelers can use to help expedite their entry into Canada. Canadian citizens with a valid Canadian passport and Canadian permanent residents (PR) with a valid PR card returning to Canada, and U.S. citizens may use the ABC kiosk.
  • 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.

The CBSA notes that last Black Friday weekend, officers in southern Manitoba processed over 12,720 travelers. For more information, visit the CBSA website or contact the Border Information Service at 1‑800‑461-9999.