With the arrival of spring comes increased traveller volumes. At the Emerson border crossing, Victoria Day is the busiest day of the year. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is expecting higher traffic volumes throughout the weekend. The CBSA reminds travellers that the Emerson port of entry is open 24/7 and has the greatest capacity to process large volumes of travellers.
A uniformed Border Services Officer will be available for interview at the port of Emerson on Thursday, May 16, 2013 and Friday May 17, 2013 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to provide travel tips for crossing the border. To set up an interview, please contact Sean Best, CBSA Communications at (204) 983-4665.
Tips for all travelers – Know before you go!
All travellers entering Canada may want to take note of the following:
- Don’t forget to bring the proper travel documents for each person and have them ready for inspection when you arrive at the officer
- Make the most of your time: take advantage of our Border Wait Times service, and avoid entering during peak periods. Mornings are generally much quieter.
- Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco.
- Declare all purchases made (including duty-free purchases), and have your receipts totaled and readily available upon your return to Canada.
- Note that there are no personal exemptions for stays of less than 24 hours. If the value of the goods you have purchased abroad exceeds $200 after a 24 hour absence, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
After being away for 24 hours or more, you can bring back goods, tax and duty free, worth up to $CAN200, 48 hours or more:$CAN800, seven days or more: $CAN800.
- If you are travelling with minors the CBSA has tips for caregivers.
- The spring weather, many travellers may attempt to import fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Many fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are inadmissible to Canada. To know whether a product is admissible, they must have a Pest Control Product Number (PCP) or a fertilizer registration number on the packaging. If they do not have this, they are inadmissible to Canada. All soil and many plants are also inadmissible. The Be Aware and Declare website is a great source of information for travellers.
- Other great travel tips for residents are available online.
Should travelers have any questions regarding crossing the border, they can call the Border Information Services (BIS) line at: 1-800-461-9999 or visit the CBSA website for more information.
The CBSA wishes all travellers a great summer and safe holidays.
