OTTAWA,
ON, May 9, 2024 /CNW/ - Calling all hikers,
runners, cyclists, hunters, fishers, campers, horseback riders, ATV
riders and boaters! With the warmer weather returning,
the CBSA wants to remind you of your responsibilities when it
comes to crossing the border into Canada. Whether coming to Canada by land or water, following these
guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for
all:
- Be aware of all entry requirements for coming to Canada before leaving on your trip. For more
information, visit: Border Reminder Checklist.
- Report to an official port of entry, no matter how remote your
location. The minimum fine for failing to report to the CBSA upon
entry to Canada is $1,000. If you are a foreign national,
non-compliance with these reporting requirements may affect your
admissibility and ability to re-enter Canada in the future.
- Make sure you have all required identification and travel
documents in hand.
- Entering Canada through a
remote part of the country? There are special permits that you may
be eligible for:
- Remote Border Crossing Permit holders can cross the
Canada-United States (U.S.) border in the following
remote areas: Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods, the Canadian shore of
Lake Superior, Cockburn Island,
Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock
system) and the Northwest Angle Area.
- the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a long-distance hiking
and equestrian trail on the Canada-U.S. Pacific Coast. To enter
Canada via the PCT, you must
obtain permission from the CBSA and carry a digital or paper copy
of your entry permit with you at all times while in Canada.
Hunters:
- Firearms: You must declare any firearm you have with you
to the CBSA. Be sure to check the rules on importing firearms and
other restricted and prohibited goods, which includes certain
knives.
- Poultry and birds: Carcasses of hunted wild game birds
originating from the United States
are permitted into Canada with a
hunting permit. Check the latest Information for travellers:
Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States.
- Bear Hunters: Any bear bait imported for personal use
that contains raw animal products or by-products (meat, fish, eggs,
or milk products) is prohibited.
Campers: Bringing firewood from outside of
Canada is not permitted as it
could have invasive insects and/or diseases in it. Help protect our
forests; buy local and burn local.
Advice for all travellers entering Canada by water; including fishers and
boaters:
- Be aware of all entry requirements for coming to Canada by boat before leaving on your trip.
For more information, visit: Reporting requirements for private
boaters.
- Help us protect Canada from
invasive species:
- Ensure all boats, trailers, vehicles, and other conveyances,
are free of Zebra and Quagga mussels, whether they are alive or
dead.
- Ensure towed boats are cleaned, drained and dried.
- Check official federal, provincial or territorial government
websites for laws and regulations on bait for recreational
fishing.
- Organizing a boating event and you will be in Canadian waters?
You must contact the local CBSA office in your area as far in
advance as possible and request that arrangements be made to
accommodate the clearance of participants in your event.
Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best thing you can do
to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. Be
sure to follow all instructions they provide to you. If you are not
sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are
here to help! You may also contact Border Information Service (BIS)
line toll-free within Canada
at 1-800-461-9999 for more information.
Associated links
- Plan your trip across the border
- Residents returning to Canada
- Border reminder checklist
Search for related information by keyword: Border
crossing | Canada Border Services
Agency | Canada | Securing the
border | media | general
public | news releases
SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency