by Joyce M. George-Knight

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

When planning a visit to Canada, pack your patience. This is especially true if you are traveling on a weekend or holiday, as the wait can be an hour or more. Border crossing can be a lengthy process. By having necessary items in hand, it can be painless and more expedient. As of border rule changes effective June, 2009, a valid passport is required to pass into Canada, USA and Mexico.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canadian Border Processing Center issue Nexus cards for travel between U.S. and Canada. The advantage to having such a card is that it allows travelers access to a Nexus designated lane thereby eliminating lengthy waits, since the background and identification checks are performed at the time of application. They may also be obtained online at http://cbp.gov. The cost is $50 per person and each rider is required to have their own Nexus card. It should be noted that while Nexus cardholders are not routinely stopped, riders should carry passports with them.

It is no longer necessary to obtain a proof of insurance coverage for Canadian travel, but you should always have your proof of insurance card in the automobile. For children ages 15 or younger who are not traveling with both parents, a signed permission statement from the non-traveling parent allowing the traveling parent to take their child into Canada is required as well as copy of legal custody documents. Said permission statement needs to include non-traveling parent's contact information in case Immigration needs to reach that parent. You must also have a certified copy of your child's birth certificate.

There are specific food, plant and pet items that are not allowed into Canada. Check Canada Border Services to obtain specifics you may be seeking. There are very specific requirements for pets and foods. For example, a banana will not be allowed across the border unless it has a label on it or is wrapped in original packaging. Fruits, plants and meats have definite rules to follow.

Plans in advance for the possible lengthy border wait will make the time pass more easily. Suggested items to bring include a book or something to read, games to play, project to work on, a video for the children and music. For young children, a potty-chair or the like, will save tears.

As for once you reach the border officer's station, have necessary documents in hand and ready to turn over to officer. Answer questions asked in an audible voice, giving specific answers. (E.g., What are you bringing into Canada?) If your car has been selected to be searched, for whatever reason, you will be asked either to hand the border officer your keys, while you remain in the car, and he/she will open trunk and perform search or you will be directed to move into a parking space where another border officer will direct you.

Border officers are extremely businesslike and try to move people along the best they can. Cooperate, answer concisely, do not inquire as to why something is being asked or done.

As for Duty-Free purchases, check with Canada Border Services for answers to questions you may have.

Exchanging money costs money. Anywhere you exchange U.S. Dollars for Canadian Dollars you will be charged a fee. If U.S. money is worth more, you will receive the difference or if U.S. money is worth less, you will receive even less back minus the charge. The exchange percentage charged or given varies from place of exchange. Keep in mind that when you return to the U.S. and exchange the money, the same process will take place in exchanging monies.

Your sense of humor and patience, plans for a fun-filled journey into a foreign country, and necessities are all packed and you are ready to go. Bon Voyage.

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