The arrival of March Break will mean more traffic at the border with the U.S.
With Ontario schoolchildren off this coming week, along with some of their parents, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) anticipates an increase in cross-border travel.
"As you prepare for your travels, knowing what you need to enter Canada will help ensure a smoother border crossing experience while also giving CBSA officers more time to focus on stopping dangerous goods and inadmissible people," read a release from the CBSA.
The Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, as well as the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, will likely report busier crossings during March Break, so the CBSA has provided tips to help make the process less stressful.
The CBSA recommends travelling during non-peak times, such as early morning. Southwestern Ontario residents also have the luxury of multiple crossing options. The CBSA has a real-time webpage showing wait times.
The final Sundays of school breaks and Mondays during long weekends tend to be extremely busy at the border.
Have your travel documents and paperwork ready before arriving at the window, including passports, permanent residency cards, and any other documents.
If you are travelling with children who aren't yours or for whom you do not have legal custody, be sure to bring a letter from the custodial parent authorizing travel.
For purchases made in the U.S. or elsewhere, have all receipts ready upon return to Canada and be ready to declare any items. If you aren't sure what's allowed and what's not, ask. The CBSA also urges shoppers to be aware of exemptions.
Prohibited weapons or firearms are not permitted at the border.
Despite recreational cannabis use being legal in Canada and in the State of Michigan, marijuana products for recreational use may not be brought over, whether they contain the chemicals CBD, THC, or not.
If you must have cannabis for medical purposes, you will have to have a valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada. The CBSA won't accept prescriptions from a doctor.
Smuggling cannabis over the border is a crime. Penalties are severe and may include a ban against crossing and serious criminal charges.
Be sure to review the up-to-date list of any prohibited or restricted goods to avoid delays, seizures, or fines.
Information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.
