Effective June 1, 2009
U.S. Citizens will be required to present one of the following documents for entry:
Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
NEXUS, SENTRI or FASY enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.
Monday to Thursday you can expect to wait approximately 10 minutes at the Canadian Customs Inspection Station. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, this wait time can increase from 20 minutes to 1 hour at peak times. Be prepared to show the appropriate documents as listed above, and be prepared for your vehicle to be inspected by customs officials. Click here for border crossing wait times.
You may be detained by Canadian customs if:
Personal belongings or baggage may be brought with you when entering Canada, such as clothing, camping or sports equipment, cameras, vehicles. You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration card. These items are for your personal use only, and may not be used by any resident of Canada or business based in Canada. No tax or duty will be charged on personal baggage items brought with you upon re-entry to the US, however, Customs may request a security deposit on your goods which will be returned upon leaving Canada.
You may bring gifts into Canada tax and duty free, only if the gifts are valued at less than $60 Canadian. Gifts over $60 will be charged duty of the excess amount.
If you are over the legal drinking age of the province you are entering, you may bring alcoholic beverages and tobacco products with you. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. You may bring:
Obscene or hate materials, weapons, or items generally harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada. If you are bringing weapons, dairy or meat products, plants, animals, vehicles, or anything you are unsure about contact Canada Customs beforehand for guidance.