Media Advisory

The CBSA Advises You to Be Prepared

Niagara Falls, Ontario, June 26, 2009 — The upcoming Canada Day and Independence Day long weekends mark increased holiday and cross-border traffic for the Niagara–Fort Erie international bridges. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers to be prepared in order to facilitate their entry into Canada by taking a few easy steps. 

Have proper identification.

Make sure that you are carrying proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you in the vehicle. A passport is not mandatory for entry into Canada but it is a preferable piece of identification. If you are a Canadian or American citizen or a permanent resident of either country, other acceptable identification includes the following:

• an enhanced driver's licence;
• a birth certificate with accompanying photo identification (such as a regular driver's licence);
• a permanent residence or green card;
• a citizenship card or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization; or
• a Certificate of Indian Status.

Keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is now in effect. This is a U.S. law that requires all travellers to the United States to present a valid passport or another approved secure document at the border. One of the following valid documents is now required to enter the United States by land or water:

• a passport;
• a NEXUS card;
• a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;
• an enhanced driver's licence/enhanced identification card; or
• a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (when this certificate is available and approved by the United States).

More information is available on the CBSA's Web site.

Know your personal exemptions.

After an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back $50 duty- and tax-free; after 48 hours, your personal exemption is $400; and after an absence of 7 days, you are entitled to $750 duty- and tax-free. The following amounts of alcohol can be imported free of duty and taxes only if you have been away for at least 48 hours:

• 1.5 litres of wine;
• 1.14 litres of alcohol;
• a combination of wine and liquor not exceeding a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces);  or
• 24 cans or bottles of beer or ale (8.5 litres maximum).

The following amounts of tobacco can be imported free of duty and taxes only if you have been away for at least 48 hours:

• 200 cigarettes (1 carton);
• 50 cigars or cigarillos;
• 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco; and
• 200 tobacco sticks.

For additional information, visit the CBSA's Web site.

Have your receipts for purchases readily available.

Declare all of your purchases regardless of whether exemptions may apply as there are serious consequences for undervaluing or not declaring purchases. There are no personal exemptions for same-day travel. The provincial sales tax and the goods and services tax are payable on purchases made during same-day border crossings and duties may also apply.

Check border wait times.

On account of construction at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (Canada-bound direction), significant delays may be encountered at this border crossing, while traffic on the Rainbow Bridge and/or the Peace Bridge, which are close to the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, could be moving well or experiencing minimal delays. Some of the available resources to check border traffic conditions are listed below:

• the CBSA's Web site.
• the Government of Canada Wireless Portal through your Web-enabled mobile device.
• calling 1-800-715-6722 or consulting the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission's Web site.

If delays are reported at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, you may wish to consider rerouting to the Rainbow Bridge via I-190 to the Robert Moses State Parkway, or to the Peace Bridge via I-190. 

The Whirlpool Bridge is a dedicated NEXUS border crossing for NEXUS members only.  Information about the NEXUS program can be found on the CBSA's Web site.

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For media information:

Jean D'Amelio Swyer
Manager, Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 905-354-2011
Cell: 905-933-5463
Jean.DAmelioSwyer@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca