CBSA provides pointers for Canada Day travel

It’s summer, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) expects heavier traffic at border crossings starting this weekend.

With Canada Day weekend upon us, and the U.S. Independence Day holiday later next week, people are planning vacations. This will likely mean busy border crossings in Windsor and Sarnia.

The CBSA has provided tips to help simplify and speed up border crossings.

In southwest Ontario, there are multiple border options, and the CBSA suggests checking ahead for wait times and looking at more than one point of entry. Travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night, may also work.

Have all the proper travel documents ready when you approach the inspection booth. If you’re flying into Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, you may also have the option of advance declaration via the ArriveCAN app.

For children, parents or guardians who are not travelling together should bring a letter authorizing the person to bring children over the border. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.

Bringing cannabis over the border is strongly discouraged, despite it being legal for recreational use in both Canada and the state of Michigan. This includes any oils or products with or without the ingredient THC. A valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. A doctor’s prescription or note will not be accepted.

Those caught smuggling cannabis over the border may face serious fines and criminal penalties, including a potential ban on crossing the border.

Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready.

Complete information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.