With Canada Day celebrations around the corner, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is expecting higher traffic volumes throughout the weekend. The CBSA is planning for a possible increase in traffic at all border crossings, including the Emerson port of entry for the following dates and times: June 30 between 4pm and 9pm; July 1 between 2pm and 8pm; and July 2 between 12pm and 9pm. The CBSA reminds travellers that the Emerson port of entry is open 24/7 and has the greatest capacity to process large volumes of travellers.
A uniformed Border Services Officer will be available for interview at the port of Emerson on Thursday, June 28, 2012 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to provide travel tips for crossing the border. To set up an interview, please contact Sean Best, CBSA Communications at (204) 983-4665.
Tips for all travellers
All travellers entering Canada may want to take note of the following:
• Don’t forget to bring the proper travel documents for each person, such as a passport or NEXUS card.
• Make the most of your time: take advantage of our Border Wait Times service, and avoid entering during peak periods such as Friday or Sunday evenings. Generally, mornings are a much quieter time to cross.
• If you are bringing alcohol or tobacco products into Canada be aware of the limits and declare all amounts.
• If you are travelling with minors the CBSA has tips for caregivers.
• Canada’s Be Aware and Declare web site is a great source of information for travellers.
Tips for returning Canadian residents
• Take advantage of the new personal exemption limits in place, and keep the receipts handy for all your foreign purchases when returning to Canada.
The new limits of personal exemptions are:
• After being away for: 24 hours or more, you can bring back goods, tax and duty free, worth up to: $200 CDN
• After being away for: 48 hours or more, you can bring back goods, tax and duty free, worth up to: $800 CDN
• After being away for: 7 days or more, you can bring back goods, tax and duty free, worth up to: $800 CDN
Note that there are no personal exemptions for stays of less than 24 hours. If the value of the goods you have purchased abroad exceeds $200 after a 24 hour absence, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
• Other great travel tips for residents are available online.
The CBSA wishes all travellers a great summer and safe holidays.
