This unofficial information is for general guidance only. The rules change often, so consult the authorities listed below for current information.

For more information visit Official CUSTOMS & EXCISE website of Canada:
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

Immigration Requirements
Whether you enter Canada by land, sea or air there are certain formalities at the border. There are numerous seaports and international airports. For those entering Canada from the U.S.A. by land, there are border crossings spread right across the thousands of miles of frontier between the two countries.

For short term visits to Canada you will need a valid passport, unless you are an American citizen or permanent resident arriving from the U.S.A. in which case you must provide proof of citizenship or residency upon request. Proof of citizenship consists of a passport, original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, current voter's registration card, U.S. military discharge papers, or certificate of citizenship or naturalization. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S.A., but not a U.S. citizen you must provide your 'green card' if requested. Persons under 18 years travelling without their parents should have a letter of authorization from a parent or guardian to travel into Canada. For citizens of certain countries Canada requires a visitors visa to be obtained from their nearest Canadian Consulate before entry into Canada, please check if this is required before your trip. If you intend to enter Canada to take up or obtain employment, attend an educational institution or take up permanent residence, and are not a Canadian Citizen or have current landed immigrant status - different regulations apply. Please consult your local Canadian Consulate before planning your journey.

CANADA CUSTOMS
There are certain restrictions on what you may bring into Canada aside from your own personal effects. There are regulations concerning pets and livestock, firearms, prescription drugs, plants and meat products, alcohol, tobacco, commercial samples and anything you may leave in Canada.

Bringing Goods Into Canada for Personal Use - Overview
Most of the items you bring into Canada for your personal use during your visit will be considered "personal baggage" by Canada Customs. Some examples are food, fishing tackle, cars, boats and motors, snowmobiles, fuel, sports equipment, television sets, musical instruments, computers, and cameras.

You are not allowed to carry a weapon, such as a firearm or mace or any other spray to be used against humans, for self-defense in Canada. Click here for more information on firearms.

Canada Custom's chief concern is to establish that you really are bringing the goods in for your personal use. If you are going to be carrying large amounts of consumable products, such as food or fuel, please contact a Canada Customs office before you begin your trip to determine what special measures you should take.

Gifts
You may bring bona fide gifts worth up to Canadian $60.00 each per person, unlimited gifts, for your friends in Canada without paying duty, provided these do not consist of tobacco or alcoholic beverages.

Restrictions on Items for Personal Use
Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 yrs. in most provinces; 18 yrs. in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec) may bring into the country either:
- 1.5 litres of liquor or wine; OR
- 24 cans or bottles at 355 milliliters each (12 ounces) of beer or ale

To include alcohol in your personal exemption you have to:
carry it in your personal luggage or checked baggage;
meet the minimum age requirement of the province or territory you enter;
not be claiming any other alcoholic beverages in your personal exemption; and
be returning after an absence of at least 48 hours if you are a Canadian resident.

1. Tobacco
To bring in tobacco products, you must be at least 18 years old, except in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario and British Columbia, where you must be 19 years old. Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring the following amounts of tobacco into Canada without paying duty:

UP TO:
- 200 cigarettes
- 50 cigars
- 200 grams (7 ounces) of loose tobacco
- 200 tobacco sticks
Any additional quantities are subject to duties, provincial fees and taxes. Some provinces may also limit the total amount of tobacco that may be brought into their jurisdiction.

2. Drugs for Medical Use
Prescription drugs should be clearly identified and carried in the original packaging with a label specifying both what they are, and that they are being used under prescription. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription and a contact number for your Doctor. Diabetics and others who have to bring syringes with them should carry some evidence of their need for using these.

3. Radio Communications Equipment
If you have an American operator's license, you may use your aircraft, marine or amateur radio while visiting Canada without a Canadian license. All other types of radio transmitting stations may only be used in Canada if accompanied by a letter of registration from Industry Canada's Radio Regulatory and Broadcasting Branch. Call (613) 998-3372 for more information.

4. Pets
All pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Owners of dogs and cats must bring a rabies certificate issued by a licensed American or Canadian Veterinarian clearly identifying the pet (breed, coloring, name) and certifying that it has been vaccinated against rabies some time during the previous 36 months prior to crossing the border. An exception is made for puppies or kittens that are younger than three months old but they must appear in good health.

If you are traveling with your pet(s) to Canada via airplane, please be advised that the airline may ask for a health certificate from your veterinarian before allowing your pet(s) to board the airplane. It is advised that you contact the airline you will be traveling with to ensure whether or not a health certificate is required. Seeing-eye Dogs are allowed into Canada without restriction. Canadian law also guarantees that anyone using seeing-eye dogs may bring them into restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

5. Endangered Species
A CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit is required for any endangered species brought into Canada, including those kept as pets, and for any items made from them, such as coats, handbags or shoes. For further information on how to obtain one of these permits, please call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (703) 358-2104.

6. Plants
There are many measures in place to prevent plant pests from entering Canada and causing serious damage to crops and forests. As as rule, it is probably better not to bring any live plants, bulbs, seeds, or other propagative material with you into Canada. If you do, you should first contact one of the CFIA Import Service Centres listed on this page. You should also check with the nearest office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture before your departure to determine whether there are any special requirements for or restrictions on taking plants from your area with you.

7. Restrictions on Bringing Firearms Into Canada
Canada has strict laws governing the cross-border movement, possession, and use of firearms. All goods, including firearms must be declared to Revenue Canada Customs at the first point of entry.

A visitor may import a non-restricted firearm, such as a sporting rifle and shotgun, ONLY for the following purposes:
sporting or hunting use while in Canada;
bona fide competition use;
transport through Canada to another country;
protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada (excluding National Parks) if the Customs Officer is satisfied that the circumstances warrant the firearm's importation.

No special documentation is currently required to import non-restricted firearms. Only non-restricted firearms may be brought in for hunting purposes. These non-restricted firearms are sporting rifles and shotguns that are at least 660 mm (approximately 26 inches) long, have barrels that are at least 470 mm (approximately 18.5 inches) long, and do not otherwise fall into a restricted or prohibited category.

Most handguns are classed as restricted firearms and may be imported only for use at approved shooting competitions. An Authorization to Transport is required. The form may be obtained by calling toll-free (800) 731-4000.

Requests for an Authorization to Transport restricted firearms (e.g. most handguns) through Canada to other parts of the U.S., including Alaska, or another country are normally denied. Before leaving for Canada, visitors who require an Authorization to Transport should discuss their options with a firearms officer for the Canadian province you intend to enter.

Certain handguns and all automatic weapons are classed as Prohibited firearms and are banned from entering Canada. Severe penalties and confiscation apply to the possession of illegal firearms in Canada.

The Government of Canada is actively reviewing possible changes to the rules for the importation of firearms. Before importing a firearm, you should check with a Firearms Officer. For more information, call (800) 731-4000 or contact any Revenue Canada office and ask for the fact sheet I am a Gun User Visiting Canada.

Hunting and Fishing
For the most part, you will be dealing with the Provincial or Territorial authorities relating to your hunting or fishing vacation. To learn more about the regulations, license requirements, and your responsibilities (limits for a fish catch, etc.), contact the respective tourism information office in the province you will be visiting. Click here http://www.canadatourism.com - there are links to all of the provinces and territories.

Most local stores specializing in hunting and fishing, as well as your hunting lodge or fishing camp, will have all the regulations for you. Two things to remember anywhere in Canada:
1. Hunting is not permitted in National Parks
2. Fishing is permitted in National Parks provided you obtain a special fishing license

Transporting Goods Through Canada
Goods "in transit" (but not handguns) may be brought through Canada by Americans seeking a convenient route to other parts of the mainland U.S. or Alaska. To facilitate your border crossings, you should carry three copies of a list of all the goods you are bringing with you, including values and serial numbers if applicable. Consumable goods, such as alcohol, tobacco and food should be packed in containers that can be corded and sealed by Canada Customs at the time of entry.

NEED MORE INFORMATION??…… go on reading……

1. DUTY FREE TOURIST EXEMPTIONS
Canadians Returning to Canada: Your "duty free" limits are $50.00 after 24 hours absence (no booze or tobacco!), $200.00 after 48 hours absence (maximum 40 ounces or 1.14 litres booze and 200 cigarettes; and all these items: 1 carton of cigarettes, 400 grams of tobaco, 50 cigars, 400 tobacco sticks, perfume and gifts) and $500.00 after 7 days absence (same booze and tobacco limits). The $50.00 and $200.00 and $500 exemptions can be claimed as often as you wish. Limits are in Canadian dollars including booze and cigarettes. You cannot pool exemptions and must declare all items acquired abroad even if you did not buy them. Undeclared goods can result in the seizure of the goods and your vehicle and the penalties for the return of seized goods and vehicles can be very high.

Americans Entering Canada: Each American resident entering Canada for a visit of at least 24 hours, may bring, Duty Free, as part of their baggage allowance: 40 oz. of liquor or 24 cans/bottles of beer and all these items: 1 carton of cigarettes, 400 grams of tobaco, 50 cigars, 400 tobacco sticks, perfume and gifts. Alcohol and tobacco may not be declared as gifts.

Hints: Stop at Customs on your way out for the "I Declare" brochure and identification cards for valuable items. Keep receipts for gas, food and lodging to prove the length of your absence. Keep a detailed list of your purchases abroad for presentation to Customs on your return.

2. DUTIES AND TAXES
Goods valued in excess of your exemption are subject to customs duty and GST. Rates of duty differ for various commodities and depending on the country of origin of the goods. Customs duty is a percentage of the price of the goods and GST is charged on the total of the purchase price plus the Customs duty. Contact Customs for rates of customs duty on particular commodities and preferential rates of duty on goods in excess of your exemption limits.

3. IMPORTING GOODS THROUGH THE POST AND BY COURIER
Parcel post shipments under $20.00 (Cdn) are duty free but subject to duty and GST on the full value if over $20.00 value. Canada Post will collect any duty owing and will charge a $5.00 processing fee. Courier shipments from the USA (UPS, PUROLATOR, FEDEX, etc.) are not much faster and are more expensive. In addition to courier charges, you may have to pay a fee for customs brokerage. Also, you'll probably have to go further to pick up your parcel if you're not home when the courier attempts delivery.

4. IMPORTING MOTOR VEHICLES
Be careful - both Customs rules and Transport Canada rules apply. Contact the appropriate authorities before you attempt to import any vehicle:

New Vehicles - New vehicles can be imported but must conform to Canadian specifications. Do not assume a USA-built vehicle is OK, check with Transport Canada. Customs duty will apply and GST will be charged on the total of the purchase price and the customs duty.

Used Vehicles Imported From A Country Other Than The U.S.A. - As a general rule, Canadian residents cannot import a used vehicle unless it is at least 15 years old. There are no Transport Canada requirements if the vehicle is 15 years old. If the age requirement is met, the vehicle can be imported subject to payment of customs duty and GST (see above). If the vehicle is more than 25 years old, there is no customs duty but the GST applies. The authorities for the removal of the duty on 25 year old vehicles and their parts are Statutory Concessions 2440 (vehicles) and 2441 (parts) found in Schedule 2 of the Customs Tariff 1994. Check with customs authorities in the country of export regarding possible export formalities.

Used Vehicles Imported From The U.S.A. - Used motor vehicles may be imported from the USA. The vehicle must have been registered in the U.S.A. but not necessarily manufactured there. Transport Canada equipment requirements apply if the vehicle is not 15 years old; do not assume a vehicle produced in the USA conforms to Canadian requirements. If eligible, the vehicle can be imported subject to payment of customs duty and GST (see above). The rate of customs duty varies depending on whether the vehicle was manufactured in the USA. If the vehicle is more than 25 years old, there is no customs duty (see above) but the GST applies. Check with U.S. Customs regarding possible export formalities.

Value for Duty of Imported Vehicles - Customs duty is calculated on the purchase price, if reasonable. Alternatively, Customs will use an objective source of information such as the Red Book.

Provincial Sales Tax and Registration - Imported vehicles will probably be subject to PST when registered in Canada - check with your local authorities. Imported vehicles will not be registered by provincial authorities without the proper Customs forms.

Hints: Check with Transport Canada regarding equipment requirements. Ensure you have a proper Bill of Sale and previous registration documents. Make available proof of vehicle age (photocopy of registration document) if you intend to claim duty-free entry of parts for a vehicle more than 25 years old.

5. Other requested information
Firearms - Regulations regarding bringing in firearms to Canada. Read before you try and bring one in.

6. Sources of Information

For Customs information, contact your local Customs office. In Ottawa, the office is at 2265 St. Laurent Blvd., K1G 4K3, the telephone number is (613) 993-0534. Ask for copies of the brochures "I Declare", "Importing a Motor Vehicle Into Canada" and "Personal Importations by Mail".

For information on equipment requirements for imported vehicles, contact Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate, Transport Canada, 344 Slater Street, Ottawa, K1A 0N5, telephone (613) 998-2174.