Summer is officially here, and the kids are out of school, so more people are expected to cross the border.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) anticipates an increase in cross-border travel starting this weekend.
"Knowing what you need to enter Canada will help ensure a smoother border crossing experience and give CBSA officers more time to focus on stopping dangerous goods and inadmissible people," read a release from the CBSA.
The CBSA has offered a series of tips and helpful hints to make crossing the border during the summer less of a hassle.
The CBSA says crossing when the border isn't busy, such as early morning or late at night, is a good first step. Southwestern Ontario residents also have the luxury of multiple crossing options, such as the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor-Detroit Tunnel in Windsor, and the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia.
The CBSA has a real-time webpage showing wait times.
When you approach the inspection booth, be sure to have your travel documents, including passports, permanent residency cards, and receipts, ready.
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 that authorizes travel. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.
For purchases made outside of Canada, 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.
Recreational cannabis may be legal in both Canada and the State of Michigan, but you may not bring marijuana products for recreational use across the border, regardless of the presence of CBD, THC, or not.
If you must have it for medical purposes, you must carry a valid permit or exemption from Health Canada. A doctor's prescription will not be accepted.
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 for cross-border travellers can be found on the official CBSA website.
