Essential Tips for Those Visiting Family in the U.S. As the Christmas holiday season approaches, many Canadians will be crossing the border to visit family and friends in the United States. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) expects increased traffic and has shared valuable tips to ensure your journey is stress-free.
Plan Ahead for Busy Travel Days To avoid long waits at the border, the CBSA advises travelers to “check border wait times and expect delays.” Early morning crossings are often less congested, while December 26 and the weekend leading to New Year’s Day are typically the busiest times. If possible, explore alternative ports of entry and confirm their hours of operation before traveling.
Declare All Items with Confidence If you’re bringing gifts, food, or personal belongings for your holiday celebration, remember to declare everything you’re carrying when entering the U.S. The CBSA emphasizes that “all goods, including items in your vehicle, must be declared upon entry into Canada or the U.S.” Canadians can take advantage of personal exemptions for certain goods such as alcohol and tobacco, up to specific values, without incurring duties or taxes. Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to calculate potential charges for items purchased in the U.S.
Avoid Restrictions on Food and Poultry Products Holiday meals often include poultry, but restrictions apply to importing turkey and similar items into the U.S. The CBSA states, “homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought across the border.” To avoid complications, consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) before traveling with any food, plant, or animal products.
Travel Documents and Consent Letters for Children Ensure you have all necessary travel documents readily available to expedite your crossing. If traveling with children who aren’t your own or for whom you don’t have full custody, the CBSA recommends bringing a consent letter. “This letter from the parent or legal guardian should authorize you to travel with the child,” minimizing potential delays at the border.
Know the Rules for Traveling with Pets If you plan to bring a pet along for the holidays, ensure they meet entry requirements. The CBSA reminds travelers to review “Importing and travelling with pets” before departure. As of August 1, 2024, documentation requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada have been updated—check the guidelines in advance.
Make Use of Advance Declaration for Flights For those flying to the U.S., consider using Advance Declaration to submit your customs and immigration information up to 72 hours before arrival at participating airports. This proactive step can save you time and reduce holiday travel stress.
Contact HKS Law for Immigration Support Navigating border regulations during the holidays can be complex, especially when visiting family in the United States. At HKS Law, we’re here to make your travel and immigration process smooth and worry-free. Our experienced legal team is ready to provide tailored advice, ensuring you’re prepared for every aspect of your journey. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving a hassle-free holiday season. Whether it’s immigration concerns, travel documentation, or family-related matters, we’ve got you covered. Let HKS Law help make your Christmas holidays memorable for all the right reasons.
Legal Disclaimer The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create a lawyer-client relationship. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, laws and regulations are subject to change, and the application of these laws may vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your situation. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal counsel for advice tailored to their individual circumstances. HKS Law assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or reliance on the information provided herein. For personalized legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2024/11/travelling-for-american-thanksgiving-long-weekend-the-cbsa-gives-tips-for-a-smooth-trip.html
