Make Your Return to Canada Easier This Thanksgiving Day Long Weekend

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 6, 2011) -

Editors Note: There is a photo and a video associated with this press release.

The Canadian Thanksgiving Day long weekend traditionally sees an increase in traveller volumes and border wait times at Canada's ports of entry. With this in mind, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to offer the following tips:

Bring the correct travel documents.

• Canadian adults and children returning home are encouraged to carry proper identification to assist in confirming their legal right to enter Canada. A passport is not mandatory for entry into Canada, but it is a preferable piece of identification. U.S. citizens do not need to carry a passport to enter Canada; however, they should carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, as well as photo identification.
  
  
• Other acceptable identification includes an enhanced driver's license, a birth certificate with accompanying photo ID such as a regular driver's license, a permanent residence card, a citizenship card, a certificate of Indian Status or a NEXUS card when crossing the Canada–U.S. border.
  
  

Planning on doing some shopping?

After returning from a trip outside Canada, Canadian residents may qualify for a personal exemption, depending on the length of time they were away. Please be advised that Canadian residents who have been absent from Canada for less than 24 hours are not eligible for a personal exemption and will be required to pay applicable duty and taxes on all goods they bring in. You are also reminded to always keep your receipts close at hand.

Personal exemption limits are as follows:

• After each absence of 24 hours or more – You can claim up to CAN$50 worth of goods without paying any duty and taxes. You must have the goods with you when you arrive in Canada, and you cannot include tobacco products or alcoholic beverages in this exemption. If the goods you bring in are worth more than CAN$50 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, you have to pay full duty and taxes on all goods you bring in.

• After each absence of 48 hours or more – You can claim up to CAN$400 worth of goods without paying any duty and taxes. You must have the goods with you when you arrive in Canada. Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, a partial exemption may apply to cigarettes, tobacco products and manufactured tobacco.

• After each absence of 7 days or more – You can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without paying any duty and taxes. Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, a partial exemption may apply to cigarettes, tobacco products and manufactured tobacco. With the exception of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, you do not need to have the goods with you when you arrive.

And don't forget!

Souvenirs can be a fun way to remember your trip abroad, but certain goods are prohibited from entering Canada, including some food, plant and animal products. Be aware of what goods are prohibited from entering Canada by consulting the I Declare publication, available on the CBSA Web site.

Visit our Web site for more information, including entry requirements into Canada for non-Canadians, and to download a copy of I Declare, a detailed publication describing what to expect when bringing goods into Canada.

Canadians returning home and visitors to Canada are reminded that they can plan their border crossing to avoid peak times and that they should check Canada-bound border wait times on our Web site and on Twitter.

Want to save time at the border? Why wait?

Consider joining NEXUS to take advantage of simplified and expedited border clearance for low-risk, pre-approved members!

About the CBSA

The Canada Border Services Agency ensures the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from Canada.

We work with vigilance at the border, within Canada and abroad, providing the services necessary to help keep our nation safe and prosperous. Born of the rich history that is our legacy, we are proud to protect and serve Canadians and we are confident in our ability to meet new challenges. We are united in our resolve to carry out our diverse mandate and enforce the laws of Canada with impartiality and fairness. As leaders and innovators in border management, we value our strong domestic and international partnerships and are dedicated to working together on critical safety, security and trade issues. We rise to the challenges we face each day, and take pride in knowing that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of Canadians while contributing to global security and commerce.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20111006-CBSA_800_1006.jpg

To view the video associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlzMFayuDrU