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 to Canada DO NOT need a passport to cross in either direction. Visitors may be asked to verify citizenship and should therefore carry any one of the following documents: birth certificate, naturalization certificate, Green Card or passport. Photo identification is also required so visitors should carry their driver’s license or other photo ID with them.

Beginning January 1, 2007 travellers crossing the border by air or sea will be required to show a passport or PASS card to re-enter the U.S.  For travellers crossing the border over land the new requirement takes effect January 1, 2008. PASS cards are a new form of identification for American travellers that are less expensive and faster to obtain than traditional passports. For more information about travel documents required to re-enter the U.S., visit the U.S. State Department Travel web site.

Visitors from other countries can check the Canadian Government web site for specific information, or call:
from outside Canada: 1-800-992-7037
from within Canada: 1-888-242-2100

Bringing children into Canada
If you are travelling with children, you should carry identification for each child. 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.

Toronto Visitor Guide
For everything you need to plan your trip to Toronto, check out our latest digital publication: Spring/Summer 2006 Toronto Visitor Guide