Departure, Arrival and Customs

Canadians make many millions of trips every year out of the country, most of which happen without any trouble. Common sense and good judgment can go a long ways.

Before you leave (or even before you make travel plans), check the Government of Canada’s website for travel advice and advisories, listed by country.

Also before you leave, take time to research the laws and customs of the place you are travelling to, especially when they are very different from in Canada. Remember, you must follow the laws of the country you are in. Claiming not to know them is usually not a valid defence!

If you do get into trouble, contact the Canadian government office in that country (if there is one).

Last Reviewed: January 2023

You can take several steps to make sure you are prepared to travel outside Canada:

• Make sure your passport is valid
• Make sure you have all other necessary travel documents, such as visas or permits
• Research the laws and customs of where you are going
• Check the Government of Canada’s website for travel advice and advisories
• Make sure you have all necessary vaccines. For example, you cannot enter some countries unless you have a yellow fever vaccine.
• Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home
• Note the location of the nearest Canadian government office to where you are travelling
• Tell someone you are not travelling with of your travel plans, and if possible, give them a copy of your itinerary
• Know what you can and cannot travel with, including what you can bring into other countries and what you can bring back to Canada

The Government of Canada has lots of travel resources on its website, including publications with information for female travelers and about travelling with children.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

Customs is part of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which is a federal agency. The CBSA’s job is to monitor and control the movement of people and goods, including animals and plants, in and out of Canada.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

You must go through Canada Customs when you come back to Canada. You will have to declare what you are bringing into Canada and your eligibility to enter Canada (as a citizen, permanent resident, on a work visa, etc.).

Depending on how you cross the border (such as flying or driving) and where you cross, you may have to use the ArriveCAN app, kiosk or eGate, or paper form to submit your customs and immigration declaration. A CBSA agent may ask you questions about your declaration or search your luggage.

You must declare all goods you acquired while outside Canada and are bringing back, including gifts and duty-free items. Not being honest can lead to CBSA seizing the goods or penalties. If your behaviour amounts to a criminal offence, you can be charged under Canada’s Criminal Code.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

Yes.

Usually, you have to pay duties and taxes on goods coming into Canada. However, depending on how long you are outside Canada, you are allowed to bring back an amount of goods without paying duties and taxes on them. This is your “personal exemption”.

• If you have been away from Canada for less than 24 hours, there is no personal exemption. For example, if you go shopping across the border for the day, you will have to pay duties and taxes on the goods you buy.
• If you have been away more than 24 hours but less than 48 hours, you can bring back up to $200 worth of goods (in Canadian dollars) duty-free.
• If you have been away more than 48 hours, you can bring back up to $800 worth of goods duty-free.

There are also rules for bringing back alcohol and tobacco (including cigars, cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks).

Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information on personal exemptions.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

There are many things you cannot bring back into Canada, including:

• cannabis
• food, plants, animals and related products that pose a risk to Canada
• endangered species and anything made from the parts of endangered species (check that the souvenirs you buy do not contain these materials)
• most weapons, including guns
• cultural property (unless you have proper export permits)
• explosives, fireworks and ammunition (unless you have written authorization and permits)
• obscene material, hate propaganda and child pornography

See the Government of Canada’s website for more information on restricted and prohibited goods.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

Are you curious why you must declare if you are bringing back plant or animal products? Or are asked if you have visited a farm recently?

Plant and animal products from other countries can introduce new pests and diseases to humans, animals and plants (such as crops and forests) in Canada. A single exposure can spread and have a huge affect on Canada’s economy, including its exports to other countries.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

You must have the right paperwork to show at the border for your pet. If not, you may experience delays or your pet may not be able to come into Canada.

Answer a few questions on the Government of Canada’s website to learn more about what you need to travel with or import your pet.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

The prohibited item will be taken away from you by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). You may face other penalties as well, such as fines or even jail time.

As well as your own purchases, be very careful about bringing back any packages, envelopes, and parcels for other people from abroad. You never know what might be in them.

Last Reviewed: January 2023