Canada has one of the most advanced customs organizations in the world, and our borders and the processes we have in place to manage them are critical to our ability to provide Canadians and visitors to Canada with the security and opportunity they expect. Visitors entering Canada must clear Canada Customs border security upon entry.

Entry into Canada
American visitors travelling by air require a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Effective January 31, 2008, American visitors crossing the border by land (car, bus, train) or sea require either a valid passport or both of the following: a government-issued ID with photo, such as a driver’s license and proof of citizenship to re-enter the United States.

For more information on travel security and border procedures, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security web site.

Bringing children into Canada
Children 15 years of age and under are now required to show proof of citizenship (a certified copy of their birth certificate is acceptable). They are not required to show photo ID. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should travel in the same vehicle as the children when arriving at the border. Customs officers are looking for missing children and may ask questions about the children who are travelling with you.


Returning to the United States
Every 30 days, returning U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $800 (retail value) in merchandise duty-free, provided they have been out of the U.S. for 48 hours. This amount can include:

• one carton of cigarettes
• 100 cigars (not Cuban)
• two kilograms of smoking tobacco
• one litre of liquor, provided the buyer is 21 years of age

If the length of the stay is less than 48 hours, $200 in merchandise may be taken back to the U.S. duty-free (including up to five ounces of alcohol and 50 cigarettes). The following items are not permitted into the U.S.:

• Cuban or Iranian products
• fruits and vegetables
• uncooked grains

Goods bought in Canada but manufactured in the U.S. are duty-free and not included in the basic exemption. Original handmade crafts and works of art are also exempt; however, a receipt of purchase may be required.
For further information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit www.customs.ustreas.gov or call (905) 676-2606.