Crossing the Border

Crossing the border into Canada and back into the United States is a fairly simple and straightforward process as long as you provide proper PHOTO identification (which is something you normally carry with you) and your proof of citizenship. As well, you will be asked by a Canada Border Services or U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer a few questions to establish your citizenship and the purpose of your trip.

• Visitors who enter Canada from a country other than the U.S. require a valid passport and in some cases a visitor's visa. Visas are issued by Canadian Immigration offices, embassies and consulates.

ENTERING CANADA

• All travellers entering Canada are required to provide proof of citizenship.
• A passport is ideal, however the following documents will be accepted if presented in combination with a valid Photo ID such as a Driver’s Licence:
• Birth Certificate
• NEXUS Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Record of Landing
• Certificate of Indian Status (CIS)
• A Birth Certificate for Children without photo ID is acceptable.

RENTERING USA

• As of January 31, 2008, individuals entering the United States by land MUST present a government-issued Photo ID, such as a Driver’s Licence PLUS a Birth Certificate or a Citizenship Card
• Or one of the following:
• Valid Passport
• NEXUS Card
• Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card
• Enhanced Driver’s Licence
• Certificate of Indian Status (CIS)
• For those ages 18 and under only Proof of Citizenship such as a Birth Certificate is required.

For more detailed border crossing information contact:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection at (906) 632-2631 or visit www.cbp.gov
• Canada Border Protection Services Agency at (705) 941-3063 or visit www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

• To obtain the best rate of exchange we recommend using a credit card for purchases or exchanging your currency at your bank or financial institution prior to entering Canada. Once in Canada, currency can be exchanged at the Ontario Travel Information Centre by the International bridge plaza or at any bank.

GST (GOODS & SERVICES TAX)

• Canada currently levies a 5% sales tax on most goods and services purchased.

WHAT YOU CAN BRING INTO CANADA

• Duty free articles that may be brought into Canada are: wearing apparel and personal effects, sporting goods (up to 200 rounds of ammunition), up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 400 grams of tobacco, 40 imperial ounces of alcohol or wine or 288 imperial ounces of beer or ale (case of 24) per adult, cameras (with reasonable amount of film), reasonable food supply per person and a full tank of gasoline. Note: all articles above allowed quantities are subject to import duties.

FIREARMS

• Pistols, fully automatic weapons and firearms less than 26 inches in length are prohibited entry into Canada (exceptions are hand guns used by participants in bona fide marksmanship competitions).
• Most sporting rifles and shot guns can be admitted without a permit if visitors are sixteen years of age or older. A description of all guns and serial numbers must be submitted to Canada Customs. 200 rounds of ammunition can be admitted duty free.

U.S. RESIDENTS LEAVING CANADA

• After a 48 hour stay in Canada you may return to the U.S. with $800 U.S. worth of goods duty free per person. Goods include; 35 oz liquor, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars.
• Family members may combine their personal $800 exemptions.
• Under 48 hours the exemption is $200 U.S. per person per day.
• Morethan 48 hours the exemption is $800 U.S. per person.

VEHICLES AND DRIVING

• Seat belts are mandatory for anyone weighing over 40 lbs. and car seats are required for children less than 40 lbs.
• Radar detectors and studded tires are illegal in Ontario.
• Right turns are permitted on a red light after a complete stop unless otherwise posted.
• Speed limits and distances are posted in kilometres (1mile = 1.62 km).
• Liquid fuels are sold by the litre (1U.S. gallon = 3.8 litres).