Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Fact Sheet: Visiting Canada During the Holidays?

Business Editors

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2000

A visit to Canada begins with a stop at customs.

This can be done quickly and with minimal disruption if visitors keep in mind the following general tips:

 --  Most American visitors are allowed into Canada after answering a
     few simple questions. In some cases, customs officers may conduct
     a more detailed interview or search of your vehicle and your
     possessions.

 --  You may be required to show identification such as a birth
     certificate or a passport. This is especially important if you
     are travelling with children. If you are travelling with children
     who are not your own, they should have their own identification
     and you need a note from their parents or guardians granting you
     permission to have the children with you.

 --  You can bring with you no more than 40 ounces (1.14 litres) of
     liquor, or 52 ounces (1.5 litres) of wine or wine coolers or 24
     containers of beer (355ml. or 12 oz. each), and no more than 200
     cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarellos, 200 tobacco sticks, and 200
     grams of manufactured tobacco without having to pay duty.

 --  When you arrive at customs, if you are not sure if you should
     declare an item, declare it first and then discuss it with the
     officer.

 --  Generally speaking, you are allowed to bring personal goods for
     your trip into Canada. This may include camping and fishing
     supplies.

 --  Handguns cannot be brought into Canada except by means of a
     special permit and only under specific conditions. Long guns
     cannot be brought into Canada except under special circumstances
     such as hunting in season or for use in competitions. All guns
     must be declared or will be subject to seizure. Weapons such as
     mace or pepper spray cannot be brought into Canada under any
     circumstances. For more information, please see our pamphlet
     Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada.

 --  You may qualify for a rebate of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
     or of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) you pay on accommodation and
     purchases you make while in Canada. For further information on
     the rebate program, please ask our officers for our brochure Tax
     Refund for Visitors to Canada.

 --  You may also bring bona fide gifts worth up to $60 Canadian each
     for your friends or relatives in Canada without paying duty
     providing these do not consist of alcoholic beverages or tobacco
     products.

 --  Please do not wrap these gifts until after you have cleared
     customs as an examination may be required.

      Welcome to Canada and have a pleasant stay!

For more information, you can visit our Web site at http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca