travel to usa from canada for less than 24 hours

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• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents
• Know Before You Go
• When You Return

What to Expect When You Return

Complete the cbp declaration form 6059b.

You have several entry options once you return from your trip. All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products.

Here are your options:

• Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
• Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
• Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.

Keeping all your purchase receipts handy in an envelope in your carry-on bag will ease this process. If warranted, the CBP officer will calculate the duties to pay on your newly acquired goods.

Paying Duties

Personal exemptions that do not require the traveler to pay duty will be $200, $800 or $1600 depending on the countries you visited.

The duty-free exemptions ($200, $800, or $1600) apply if:

• The items are for your personal or household use or intended to be given as gifts.
• Merchandise is in your possession, that is, it accompanies you when you return to the United States. Items to be sent later may not be included in your duty-free exemption. (Exceptions apply for goods sent from Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
• Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.
• You are returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours. This time limit does not apply if you are returning from Mexico or from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• You have not used all of your exemption allowance, or used any part of it, in the past 30 days. For example, if you go to England and bring back $150 worth of items, you must wait another 30 days before you are allowed another exemption.
• The items are not prohibited or restricted as discussed in the section on Prohibited and Restricted Items. Before departing on your trip, check the latest information for the full list of prohibited and restricted items on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Cuba Sanctions website, as well as other related government resources.

Duty free exemption limits depend on the country or countries you visit and the length of stay. Learn which rates apply to the goods your purchase on your trip - call the CBP attaché at the country's U.S. embassy.

Your CBP Interview

To keep our borders secure and our nation safe, CBP must inspect everyone who arrives at a U.S. port of entry. The CBP officers are authorized to ask you questions about your trip and your personal background, including:

• Your citizenship
• The nature of your trip
• Anything you are bringing back to the United States that you did not have when you left.

Officers have legal authority to search you, your baggage or your vehicle. If asked to, place your opened baggage on the exam station. After the exam, you will be asked to repack and close your baggage.

CBP pledges to treat you courteously and professionally. If at any point you are unhappy with your treatment, ask to speak to a CBP supervisor. You may also call the CBP INFO Center at 877-227-5511. If calling within the United States, call 202-325-8000 or go to www.cbp.gov and click on Questions/Comments.

No PCR test needed for eligible British Columbians crossing U.S. land border on brief trip, says CBSA

Travellers must be vaccinated, away less than 24 hours and not attending social events.

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Eligible British Columbians can now take short shopping trips to the United States and return home without having to take a pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test, according to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

In a Wednesday news release , CBSA said testing will be waived for fully vaccinated B.C. residents who have to travel to the U.S. to access or buy goods and who are only out of Canada for less than 24 hours.

The exemption also applies to a person with a contraindication to vaccination and unvaccinated children under 12 years of age entering B.C. with one of their fully vaccinated parents, step-parents, guardians or tutors.

Anyone who makes social visits or attends events or functions while in the U.S. is not exempt.

The decision comes in the wake of mid-November flooding that hampered supply chains and washed out highways in British Columbia.

Border community exemptions

Unrelated to the flooding events, the federal government also allows fully vaccinated people entering Canada from the specific border communities of Hyder, Alaska, Northwest Angle, Minnesota or Point Roberts, Washington, to come into the country without doing a COVID-19 molecular test.

Both Hyder and Point Roberts are along the border of British Columbia.

According to an order in council from the Canadian government, habitual residents of Northwest Angle and Point Roberts entering Canada to access the mainland U.S. or to return to their place of residence are also exempt from testing.

So too are habitual residents of Hyder, Northwest Angle and Point Roberts entering Canada to carry out everyday functions with neighbouring communities as long as they do not travel elsewhere.

There is no 24-hour limit identified in this order and it is unique to these communities and their residents.

'A blessing'

Brian Calder, president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the news.

The town depends on Canadian dollars to keep its economy afloat, and 75 per cent of properties on the peninsula are Canadian-owned.

"It's a blessing for our community," said Calder, adding Point Roberts residents are very COVID-aware.

• Where provinces and territories stand on travel restrictions as Omicron concerns rise

According to Calder, Canadians can also come into Point Roberts now without time constraints and without having to test when leaving.

"They can stay anywhere from an hour to a week or whatever and on the return ... they don't have to be tested."

CBSA recommends all travellers check if they are  eligible to enter Canada  and meet all entry requirements  before heading to the border.

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Here are the new rules on the way for the Canada-U.S. border

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While the federal and provincial governments are still advising against non-essential travel, some changes to the rules at Canadian border entry points are being introduced tomorrow, Jan. 15.

For some, coming into the country will get a little easier under the revised measures, and for others, it will be more difficult.

The first change is that those who have had COVID-19 in recent weeks — which is many of us — will be able to cross in sooner after infection than they could previously.

Thus far, passengers have needed to show either negative results from a molecular COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel  or  positive results from a test taken 14 to 180 days ago.

(This is not only in acknowledgement of some natural immunity from previous infection, but also the fact that people who've had the virus may test positive for weeks after they are no longer ill or contagious.)

But, starting Saturday, this window will now be between 10 and 180 days ago, meaning those who have had COVID recently or happen to test positive while on a trip can come home sooner.

This is a tad more in line with the new rules from both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  and the Province of Ontario that mandate only a five-day isolation period following contraction, down from the two weeks and then 10 days that it used to be.

Another amendment is also being made for unvaccinated persons entering the country: certain entry exemptions will no longer be accepted.

(1/2) Starting January 15, 2022, the #GoC will begin removing entry exemptions for certain groups of travellers who aren’t fully vaccinated for #COVID19 . pic.twitter.com/QvSDx1lFbp — Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) January 12, 2022

Though unvaccinated foreign nationals are still banned from discretionary travel to Canada, certain groups have been permitted for "essential" reasons, such as international students 18 and older, professional and amateur athletes, those working in certain industries, those coming to reunite with family, non-Canadians who have a temporary work permit, and more.

But, these groups will no longer be permitted entry if not fully inoculated against COVID-19. The rule will also apply to some of those taking a connecting flight through Canada.

"As of Nov. 30, 2021, travellers need to be fully vaccinated to travel within Canada with very few exceptions. There is a limited period, until Jan. 14, 2022, during which individuals in specified exempt groups can continue to enter the country if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, as well as take a connecting flight to their final destination that is scheduled to depart within 24 hours of the departure time of their flight to enter Canada," the government's website reads.

"If they remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they will not be allowed to take a plane or train beyond their original connection, except to depart Canada before February 28, 2022. As such, all travellers are strongly advised to make plans to get vaccinated as soon as they can, in order to travel freely in and outside the country."

New permanent residents, refugees, eligible international students under 18, agricultural and food processing workers, foreign marine crew members, truck drivers and a few select others will continue to be exempt to this vaccination mandate on a case-by-case basis.

Here's everything you need to know about travelling internationally from Toronto https://t.co/IXpj4o3Vcx #Toronto #Travel — blogTO (@blogTO) December 23, 2021

Border and lockdown restrictions have continued to shift with the ever-changing COVID situation, like when those embarking on short trips of less than 72 hours were able to cross back into Canada without any sort of test requirement — a modification that lasted only a few weeks before it was switched back again .

The CDC recently issued a memo deeming Canada to a "very high risk"  destination and advising Americans not to travel north of the border given how the health crisis is unfolding here at the moment.

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Vaccinated B.C. residents can travel into the U.S. for 24-hour trips without Covid-19 test; Point Roberts rules remain the same

The Canadian government retracted its Covid-19 test exemption for Canadians making trips into the U.S. under 72 hours starting December 21, but the next day announced a testing exemption for B.C. residents making trips that are no more than 24 hours.

On December 17, Canada’s health minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced Canada would resume requiring a negative PCR test for all fully vaccinated Canadians returning to the country who take less than 72-hour trips beginning December 21. The long-awaited test exemption for fully vaccinated Canadians making 72-hour trips went into effect less than a month earlier on November 30.

Canada revised the 72-hour testing exemption because of the spread of the Omicron variant in the country and globally, according to a Public Health Agency of Canada news release.

But the Canadian government quickly made an exception to the new rule for B.C. residents impacted by the devastating flooding in mid-November that disrupted supply chains. On December 22, the government allowed a testing exemption for fully vaccinated B.C. residents who need to travel into the U.S. to buy goods and services and are gone no more than 24 hours.

B.C. travelers are not allowed to attend social gatherings while taking 24-hour trips into the U.S.

Children under 12 years old may enter the U.S. for 24-hour trips with a fully vaccinated adult, and a person who is unable to receive the Covid-19 vaccine because of medical reasons may also enter, according to the Canada Border Services Agency.

People entering Canada from Point Roberts and other exclave communities such as Hyder, Alaska or the Northwest Angle, Minnesota are not required to have a negative Covid-19 test to enter Canada, regardless of their length of stay or residence, according to the Canadian Order In Council that spells out the restrictions.

Canadians who need to take a pre-entry PCR test before returning to Canada will now need to take the test outside of Canada. Previously, Canadians could take the test in Canada if they were returning to the country in less than 72 hours, the time limit needed to take the test for it to be accepted.

The Canadian government began advising against all nonessential travel outside of Canada on December 15. In the news release, the Canadian government recognized the challenge stricter border measures caused for families and said the restrictions would continue to be evaluated.

Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers still need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Canada.

A small number of travelers entering Canada are still being randomly tested at the border. According to government data, 29,671 people were randomly tested at land borders between November 28 and December 11. Of those, only 0.43 percent of travelers tested positive for Covid-19.

“There is still a lot we don’t know about the Omicron variant, but we do know it is spreading fast,” Duclos said. “Because we can never be too vigilant when it comes to the safety and health of Canadians, we are updating our travel and border measures and are also working hand in hand with provinces and territories to help slow down the spread of the variant in communities across the country.”

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The must-have app you need if you're travelling

CTVNewsOttawa.ca Staff

Canada’s border services agency is issuing a reminder that all returning travellers must use the ArriveCAN app, regardless of how long or short the trip.

New rules that kicked in on Monday mean vaccinated Canadians making cross-border trips to the U.S. for less than 72 hours don’t need a negative PCR test to return home.

But everyone still must use ArriveCAN to come back. Those who don’t may have to quarantine, a rule that has ensnared some surprised travellers making brief cross-border trips to go shopping or pick up packages.

The CBSA issued a reminder Wednesday that all travellers must submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN, including proof of vaccination and a quarantine plan, before arriving in Canada.

Foreign nationals who don’t submit information through ArriveCAN may be denied entry into Canada.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons registered under the Indian Act won’t be denied entry, but they:

• won't be eligible for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption
• may face additional delays at the border for public health questioning
• may be subject to fines or enforcement action

Travellers without a smartphone or mobile data can submit their information by signing up online . Those with smartphones should ensure they have the most up-to-date version of the app.

An Ottawa couple is warning other travellers crossing back into Canada, regardless of how long their trip is, to make sure they use the ArriveCan app. 

Carmen Graham says, “We took our car from Ottawa to Ogdensburg, NY which is only about an hour, and we crossed the border and came back, all within three hours, and now we are in quarantine at Christmas time.” 

Carmen and Ron Graham took the short trip on Nov. 30 to pick up a couple of parcels that had been there since the start of the pandemic. 

Their trip took a turn when they got back to the Canadian border, Carmen Graham explains.

"We gave our passports and our immunization records…the (border agent) asked us a couple of questions, 'He said, did you fill out ArriveCan?' We said we hadn’t."

The Grahams were told they would need to isolate for 14 days.

"A combination of frustration, anger, and I am almost depressed."

The Canadian Border Service Agency is issuing in a reminder that all returning travellers must use ArriveCan. Those who don’t may have to quarantine. 

"We have talked to a lot of people and it seems as if nobody knows if you are going less than 72 hours across the border, ArriveCan needs to be filled out.” 

The fully vaccinated retired couple say the two-week quarantine is an inconvenience, but they say their concern is for families with work or school commitments.

“I cant imagine someone who works, or anybody else getting stuck in my situation. I don’t want anyone else to make the same mistake I did," said Carmen Graham.

For more information, you can visit visit www.canada.ca/arrivecan .

With files from CTV News Ottawa's Leah Larocque

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Crossing the border this summer:  The CBSA provides tips this Victoria Day long weekend to help ensure a smoother trip for all travellers

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

Crossing the border this summer: The CBSA provides tips this Victoria Day long weekend to help ensure a smoother trip for all travellers

May 18, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds all travellers crossing the border this upcoming Victoria Day long weekend of what to expect at the border during the busy summer months, whether returning home to Canada or visiting.

This summer, travellers are returning to a border that is managed differently, with evolving COVID-19 requirements, which can mean delays during peak periods. The CBSA is working to mitigate long border wait times, but there are also things that travellers can do to make the process easier for themselves and other travellers.

Travellers can help reduce wait times at the border by coming prepared and by completing their mandatory  ArriveCAN  submission within 72 hours before arriving at the border.

The CBSA invests significant effort annually to plan and prepare for peak periods, such as the summer months. The Agency works with bridge and tunnel operators, airport authorities and travel industry groups to plan and review service requirements, enhancement opportunities, and required resources, so that we can deliver together the best service to all travellers.

The CBSA has also established modern processes to improve the traveller experience and manage volumes, like the International-to-Domestic and the International-to-International programs that significantly decrease connection times, as well as the  Primary Inspection Kiosks , and the advanced CBSA declaration option .

Key tips for all travellers:

• Ensure you are eligible to enter Canada  Foreign nationals must meet the entry requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and provide appropriate travel and immigration documentation . The final determination on entry is made by a border services officer at the port of entry.
• Understand the rules around COVID-19. There are still border measures in place for COVID-19. They vary depending on who is travelling--foreign nationals, returning residents or Canadian citizens. Answer a few questions to find out which requirements apply to you and if you can enter Canada.
• Travellers must ensure they have the most up-to-date version of the ArriveCAN app (consult the Google Play Store or the App Store for iPhone.)
• Travellers should print or take a screenshot of their ArriveCAN receipt and bring it with them when they travel.
• Travellers without a smartphone or without mobile data can submit their information by signing in online through a computing device. If travellers are unable to enter their information themselves, they can have a friend or family member enter the information for them.
• Have all your documents ready . Travellers should have the following ready to present to the border services officer: their ArriveCAN receipt; passport or travel documents , proof of vaccination; and identification for all persons in the vehicle.
• Plan ahead and check  border wait times . Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to plan to cross during non-peak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest, with longer border wait times.
• Entering Canada by water. Unless exempt, all travellers entering Canada by water, must report their arrival to the CBSA without delay. All travellers, including those with a right of entry (Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act ), must submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN before, or when, entering Canada at a marine port of entry.
• Be prepared to declare.  Travellers returning to Canada should be ready to declare all goods purchased and/or received while outside the country. It is recommended that gifts not be wrapped as we may need to examine them more in-depth. Have your receipts readily available from purchases made outside of Canada.
• Residents can bring back tax and duty free goods valued at CAN$200 after being away for 24 hours, and goods valued at CAN$800 after 48 hours. There are no  personal exemptions  for same-day cross-border shopping trips, so be prepared to pay tax on those purchases and possibly duty.
• Declare any  foods, plants, or animals   such as raw poultry products and by-products that are not fully cooked, to the border services officer. There are currently restrictions on imports of live birds, bird products and by-products from states affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the United States. Also declare all wood and wood products (including. firewood and wooden souvenirs). Be sure to check the
• Automated Import Reference System  to help determine all specific import requirements.
• Declare all money or currency of CAN$10,000 or more. It is not illegal to bring such amounts into Canada, but it must be declared on arrival.
• Cannabis. Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. Transporting cannabis across the border in any form, including any oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption  authorized by Health Canada  remains a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
• Advance Declaration. Air travellers landing in Toronto (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR) may use ArriveCAN (Web version) to complete their customs and immigrations declaration in advance of their arrival in Canada. This feature will be expanded to other airports in the future.
• Know the contents of your vehicle. Travellers can consult the CBSA’s website for information on firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods.
• Use the latest technology. Upon arrival at selected major airports in Canada, travellers can use a primary inspection kiosk to verify their travel documents, confirm their identity and complete an on-screen declaration.
• Children. When travelling with children , it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child. Border services officers are always watching for  missing children , and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions, to help them identify the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult.  

For more information, visit the CBSA website or call us at 1-800-461-9999.

Associated links

• The Canada Border Services Agency reminds boaters of entry and reporting requirements - Canada.ca
• Before You Travel: For fully vaccinated foreign nationals
• Before You Return: For Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act
• Border reminder checklist
• COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
• COVID-19: Vaccinated travellers entering Canada
• Our Missing Children program

For more information or to schedule an interview with a CBSA representative, please contact: Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency [email protected] 1-877-761-5945

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Duty Free Limits for Canada

Our personal exemptions section provides you with duty free limit and personal exemption information for bringing goods into Canada from the United States.

Planning on exceeding your duty free allowance? Use our  Canada Customs Duty Rates, Tariffs and Taxes   Chart to see how much duty you will have to pay to bring goods back to Canada from the U.S. that exceed your duty free allowance. You can also use our Canadian Duty Calculator to calculate duty and tax payable on 1,000's of other items.

Personal exemptions allow you to bring goods of a certain value into Canada from the United States without having to pay the regular duties that apply to those goods (except for minimum duties that may apply to certain tobacco products). In other words, these items are Duty Free.

Even if you do not qualify for a personal exemption, you may bring goods of any value back to Canada as long as you pay the applicable duties and any provincial or territorial assessments that apply, with the exception of  Restricted Items  and certain  Food, Plant and Animal Items . See our  Duty & Tax Tips  section for more information.

What are your personal exemption amounts?

NOTE: Canadian Duty free allowances increased to the following amounts on June 1, 2012 .

Less than 24 Hours - $0 CAD

There is no duty free allowance for absences of less than than 24 hours.

24 Hour Exemption – $200 CAD

If you are absent from Canada for more than 24 hours, you may claim up to $200 CAD worth of goods duty free as your personal exemption and all goods must be with you when you arrive.

If the total value of goods you bring back to Canada exceeds $200 CAD in total, you cannot claim this exemption and you will have to pay duties and taxes on the value of  all goods you bring in to Canada, not just the amount that exceeds your allowance. 

You can NOT include tobacco or alcoholic under this exemption.

48 Hour Exemption – $800 CAD

If you are absent from Canada for more than 48 hours, you may claim up to $800 CAD worth of goods duty free, and must have the goods with you when you arrive at the border.

If the total value of goods you bring back to Canada exceeds $800 CAD in total, you can still claim this exemption and you will only have to pay duties and taxes on the value of goods that exceeds $800 CAD. 

You may include some tobacco and alcohol products under this exemption, and should review the section below called “Alcohol and Tobacco” for more details.

7 Day Exemption – $800 CAD

If you are absent from Canada for more than 7 days, you may claim up to $800 CAD worth of goods duty free.  With the exception of tobacco and alcohol products, you do not need to have the goods with you when you arrive at the border.  

You may include some tobacco and alcohol products under this exemption, and should review the section below called “Alcohol and Tobacco” for more details. 

To calculate the number of days you have been absent, do not include the date you left Canada but include the date you returned. Dates matter, not times. For example, you are considered to have been absent for seven days if you left Friday the 7th and returned Friday the 14th.

What are Duties?

The term “duties” includes excise taxes and GST/HST. It does not include provincial or territorial sales tax. However, the CBSA has working agreements with some provinces and territories that allows them to collect provincial and territorial taxes, levies and fees on goods that have a value higher than your personal exemption.

Are personal exemptions subject to any terms or conditions?

You should be aware that the following terms and conditions apply to personal exemptions:

• You are not allowed to combine your personal exemptions with another person’s or transfer them to someone else.
• You are not allowed to combine your 48-hour exemption ($800 CAD) with your 7-day exemption ($800 CAD) for a total exemption of $1600 CAD.
• Children are entitled to a personal exemption as long as the goods they are declaring are for the child’s use.
• Personal exemption claims must be made in Canadian dollars, which requires you to convert the amount you paid for goods in the U.S. (including sales tax) into Canadian dollars at the applicable rate of exchange.
• Generally, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. This includes souvenirs, prizes and gifts.
• Goods brought in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify as a personal exemption and are subject to full duties.
• Goods you include in your 24-hour exemption or 48-hour exemption have to be with you on your arrival in Canada. Goods you claim in your 7-day exemption may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation, except for tobacco and alcohol.

Alcohol and Tobacco

You can include limited quantities of alcoholic beverages in your personal exemption. These items must accompany you on your arrival. Please note that alcohol and tobacco exemptions are not available unless you have been outside Canada for more than 48 hours .

The provincial or territorial minimum ages for the importation of alcohol are:

• 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec; and
• 19 years for Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

You are allowed to import only one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

• 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
• 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor;
• a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
• 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounces) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.

You may be able to bring in more than the free allowance of alcohol, as long as the quantities are within the limit set by the province or territory where you will enter Canada. If the value of the goods is more than the free allowance, you will have to pay both customs and provincial/territorial assessments. For more information, check with the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority before you arrival back in Canada.

You are allowed to bring in all of the following amounts of tobacco into Canada without paying duty:

• 200 cigarettes;
• 50 cigars or cigarillos;
• 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco; and
• 200 tobacco sticks.

If you include cigarettes, tobacco sticks or manufactured tobacco in your personal allowance, a partial exemption may apply. You will have to pay a special duty on these products unless they are marked“CANADA – DUTY PAID ? DROIT ACQUITTÉ.” You will find Canadian-made products sold at a duty-free shop marked this way.

If you bring in more than your personal allowance, you will have to pay regular duties and assessments on the excess amount, which can be very substantial.

While you are outside Canada, you can send gifts free of duty and taxes to friends in Canada under certain conditions. To qualify, each gift must not be worth more than $60 CAD and cannot be a tobacco product, an alcoholic beverage or advertising matter.

If the gift is worth more than $60 CAD, the recipient will have to pay regular duties on the excess amount. It is always a good idea to include a gift card to avoid any misunderstanding. While gifts you send from outside Canada do not count as part of your personal exemption, gifts you bring in your personal baggage do.

Helpful Numbers:

For more information, call Border Information Services (BIS) at one of the following telephone numbers.:

Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-461-9999 Outside Canada: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long-distance charges will apply)

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Rules on Cross-Border Shopping Between Canada & the USA

by Tammie Painter

Published on 26 Jan 2018

Whether you're looking for a bargain or in search of something special, you may want to cross the U.S.- Canada border to shop. You'll need your passport , passport card or NEXUS card and, of course, a way to pay for your purchases. Before you load up your shopping bags, though, you'll need to understand what and how much you can bring back across the border.

Limits for Canadian Residents

Canadian residents can shop in the United States duty free as long as they are in the U.S. for more than 24 hours. If you're in the U.S. for less than 24 hours, none of your purchases are duty free and you'll need to pay a tax on the goods. For stays that range from more than 24 to less than 48 hours, you can bring back CA$200 worth of goods duty free. Alcohol and tobacco purchases are not included in the CA$200. The duty-free exemption bumps up to CA$800 for stays of 48 hours or more. In this case, limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco may be included in the CA$800. Canadian residents living in the same house may not combine their exemption limits.

Limits for U.S. Residents

If you're a U.S. resident visiting Canada for less than 48 hours, you can bring back $200 worth of goods duty-free. For stays longer than 48 hours, the duty-free limit rises to $800, but this $800 limit can only be used once every 30 days. If you return for another shopping trip in less than 30 days and have already purchased $800 worth of goods, your limit drops to $200. People who live in the same house can combine their duty-free limits, but they must travel together.

" id="alcohol-&-tobacco-rules-for-crossing-the-border " class="title"> Alcohol & Tobacco Rules for Crossing the Border

For Canadian residents staying in the U.S. less than 48 hours, all alcohol and tobacco brought back will be taxed. For stays longer than 48 hours, Canadians can bring back either 1.5 liters of wine, a total of 1.14 liters of liquor and wine or 8.5 liters of beer duty-free. They may also bring back either 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco. If the value of the tobacco and alcohol exceeds the $800 duty-free limit, you must pay tax on your purchases. U.S. residents can bring back 1 liter of alcohol duty-free on their return from Canada. They may also bring back 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars as long as the cigars are not from Cuba. To bring alcohol into the U.S., you must be 21 years or older. In most cases, Canadian and U.S. residents can bring back more than these amounts, but the excess will be taxed.

Duty Free, Not Tax Free

If you pop into a duty-free shop thinking you can purchase anything you like tax free, think again. "Duty free" means the items in the shop have not been taxed by the country the shop is in. If your purchases from the duty-free shop exceed your monetary, alcohol or tobacco duty-free limit, you will have to pay your home country's tax on the items. Keep in mind that duty-free purchases are intended for use outside of the country the shop is in. For example, if you purchase liquor at a Canadian duty-free shop, you must wait until you are in the U.S. to have a drink.

For a purchase to qualify for a duty-free exemption, it must be for your own use or for use within your household. Items purchased for commercial use or as a gift for someone outside of your household may be subject to taxation. If the value of your purchases exceeds the duty-free exemption, you may be taxed on the entire value of the purchase, not just on the amount that exceeds the limit.

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Shopping across the border—How much you can bring back to Canada

With the inflation of prices in Canada, many Canadians are going across the border for events, concerts, groceries, and general cross-border shopping trips for better deals.  

But how much are you actually allowed to bring back into Canada? What’s the duty-free limit these days? Are there things that you aren’t allowed to bring back to Canada? Luck for you, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about how much you’re able to bring back to Canada from a shopping trip across the border.    

Back to Canada: What you can bring  

Depending on your home province, what you’re allowed to bring back and how much you can bring back varies. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful infographic so you can shop across the border with ease!  

Declaration, documents and duties

Always declare everything! According to Canada Border Services Agency , m any travellers fail to declare:  

• Processed or canned foods
• Homemade food
• Cooked or cured meats
• Handmade crafts, including wooden items
• Soil or plants used for homeopathic or medicinal purposes
• Bait for recreational fishing

Want to reduce time going through the border? Make sure you have all the required documents on hand; here’s a list from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency .   

Don’t be surprised by duties. Instead, get an early estimate by visiting the Canada Border Services Agency’s duty and taxes estimator in advance.  

Happy cross-border travels, Suki

Sources : Government of Canada – Travellers: what you can bring into Canada and Bringing Consumer Products into Canada  

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated for freshness and/or accuracy.

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We have 1 partners in the yukon, 48 thoughts on “ shopping across the border—how much you can bring back to canada ”.

If I am in the US for 48 hours can I bring four new tires mount on rims on my car?

Hi Kevin, Thanks for your query. While tires are not specifically in the prohibited list, you may have to pay applicable duty or taxes, depending on your place of residence in Canada ( http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html ). To confirm if you’re allowed to bring tires mounted on rims, please call the Border Information Service at 1800-461-9999 within Canada or 204-983-3500 from outside Canada. Hope this helps you find the information you’re looking for. Happy travels, Shweta

Crossed over for a beach vacay and had a peice of wood from a bundle in the box of our truck from a beach fire. It was a big NO NO! Got pulled aside and questioned about our little peice of firewood. Not like we cared about bringing it back to Canada, it was just forgotten about. We had to walk it back to the states and “get rid of it”

Hi Jode, Thank you so much for sharing your cross-border experience with us. While travellers are allowed to bring in finished wood products or wooden souvenirs back to Canada, they’re required to be free of bark, insects and evidence of insect activity ( http://ow.ly/OFIR305uABs ). Chances are, your piece of firewood contained harmful insects or evidence of insects, and therefore was not allowed across the border. I’m glad you were able to get rid of the wood, and I’m sure that this will be helpful information for all our readers! Happy cross-border travels, Shweta

The ban on raw poultry products was only from certain states, not all of the US. The biggest issue was, lots of times poultry in the meat dept., they couldn’t tell you what state it came from, as they would get it from their meat distribution center. However….the ban has been lifted as of about a month or so ago, at least according to the CBSA officers I talked to. I cross about once a month to gather items for my business and was informed that poultry was good to go now.

Hi Scott, Thank you so much for the information; you’re absolutely right about the ban of poultry products from certain states. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the ban is only related to poultry products originating from states like Indiana. While the rules at the border may be relaxed, the information related to these prohibited items and avian flu is still up on Government of Canada’s website ( https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/what-you-can-bring-home-to-canada ), so we’ve included it in this article to help Canadian travellers make informed decisions when crossing the border. We’ll keep a close eye on related alerts and will regularly update this page for accuracy. Meanwhile, thanks again for sharing your experience. I’m sure this information will be helpful for travellers who visit the US frequently!. Happy cross-border travels, Shweta

Well for one, the link provided is broken, and there is nothing under the Travel banner that says anything about no poultry or Avian flu. Zika virus….but otherwise, natta

Hi Scott, Sorry about that. Here’s the correct link and we’ve edited the broken link in our last comment too! https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/what-you-can-bring-home-to-canada Thanks, Shweta

Hi, I am going to USA for 5 days for an official trip and carrying my office laptop with me. While returning back to CANADA along with this office laptop I am also bringing an another personal laptop(which is new one bought by my sister in USA) which is worth of CAD 470 dollar. is there any charges for this ? where I can check the information related to this ? do I need to mention this to Border Services agency? could you please help..

Hi Pradeep, As per the duty-free limits for Canadians, since you’ll be returning after 48 hours, you’re permitted to bring in a maximum of $800 (CAD) worth of goods without paying regular duty and taxes. This limit also includes alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. If you plan to purchase or bring anything else across the border besides the laptop, you’ll only need to pay additional duties or taxes if the total value of goods purchased exceeds $800(CAD). Head to CBSA’s duty and taxes estimator ( http://ow.ly/rkPA307UOfX ) and select your province along with the product category to get an estimate of the additional duties you may need to pay. It’s important to note that the duty-free limits only apply to new purchases, so they shouldn’t impact the items you already own that you’re carrying into the US. However, the Government of Canada advises that even if items are allowed into Canada, they should still be declared on your declaration card. Hope this answers your question! Happy cross-border travels, Shweta

Hi, I am traveling to US for 5 days and carrying my office laptop with me. while coming back to my country of residence CANADA I also bringing a new laptop with me and its cost is CAD 470 is there a additional fee/charges I need to pay at the Canadian border agency ? could you explain as I have 2 laptops what I need to do here ? do I also need to inform while going to US or coming back about these laptops in the declarations forms ?

Will be in arizona for 2 weeks, bringing back pecans from the Green Valley orchard, is there a limit on how much pecans one can bring home.

Hi Robert, Since you will be returning to Canada after 48 hours, you can bring in $800 (CAD) worth of goods without paying any duties and taxes. This limit also includes alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes. If you’re planning to bring back pecans, they fall under the category of nuts, and may require additional documentation such as valid permits or a certificate from country of origin. Check out this guide by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for more details http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990 . Bon Voyage, Shweta

I was told the I could go to Platsburg for the day and purchase my groceries duty free. Is this true?

Hi Christine, If you’re a Canadian resident travelling to the US and returning in less than 24 hours, you may be charged with applicable duty and taxes. For more accurate information, head to the duty and taxes estimator on Canada Border Services Agency website ( http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html ) and select your place of residence and relevant category and product. Happy cross border shopping, Shweta

Hi there, That’s a great question! The deductible usually depends on the type of policy purchased. If you chose a specific deductible at the time of purchase, that amount would be applied when you make a claim. As mentioned in the example above, we would also apply a $15,000 deductible in the event that an honest mistake was made when submitting a medical health questionnaire. If you’ve purchased your policy recently and are unclear about your deductible or other policy details, feel free to connect with our Customer Service team. You can call us toll-free on 1855-929-8846 or email us at [email protected] . Happy travels, Shweta

Hi Marie-France, You’re right. We should have highlighted it as ‘Best destinations to see cherry blossoms on the west coast’. Since the author was based in Vancouver, we decided to focus on events based in and around the city and also included some international events for people interested in travelling abroad for hanami or blossom viewing. Thank you for the addition of Sakura in High Park ( http://www.sakurainhighpark.com/ )! Happy cherry blossom travels, Shweta

I’m crossing the border at Windsor into states. Shopping in Sault Michigan and crossing into Soo Canada .Staying a week then returning to Windsor via Detroit border with the goods I’ve purchased at beginning of trip. Can I do that.

Hi, How many dollars of candies (without taxes..) can i bring back in Canada after less than 24h ?

Hi Amélie, There are no personal exemptions for cross-border shoppers returning after less than 24 hours, so you might be charged with applicable duty and taxes for all goods purchased in the US (including alcohol). To get an idea of how much you might have to pay based on your place of residence, head to the Canada Border Service Agency’s Duty and Taxed Estimator http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html Happy cross border shopping, Shweta

If you purchase clothing at a Thrift Store or Second Hand Store, are these items duty-free or are they also taxable at the border coming back into Canada?

Hi Tanis, Since the Government of Canada has not specified any specific rules regarding used clothing, the same duty-free limits may be applicable. If the used clothing has been purchased from a thrift store, second hand store or flea market, remember to save the receipt to show value. Ultimately, a border services officer will determine what or how much you can bring back, including applicable duty and taxes. Happy cross border travels, Shweta

bonjour j’habite au Quebec et j’aimerais acheter un campeur porté usagé fabriqué au Canada mais qui est en vente présentement chez un concessionnaire dans l’état de New York. est ce que j’aurai une taxe de douane à payer ?

Bonjour Dominique, Selon le gouvernement du Canada, lorsque vous importez des biens ou un véhicule à des fins d’usage personnel au Canada (même temporairement), vous devez répondre à tous les critères d’importation et payer les taxes et les frais de douane appropriés. Pour obtenir plus d’information au sujet de l’achat et l’importation d’un véhicule depuis les États-Unis, je vous invite à consulter https://voyage.gc.ca/retour/douane/importation-vehicule Bonne route, Marie

if i pick up a package from across the border and bring it back over, will i have to pay the duties on it everytime i go over and pick another one up?

Hi Kyle, Based on your absence from the country and personal exemption, you might have to pay duty and taxes every time you cross the border. Ultimately, a border services officer will determine if and how much you have to pay on every visit. Hope this answers your query. For more information, feel free to contact Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999 within Canada. Happy travels, Shweta

i am traveling to usa with my wife for 10 days can i combine the max allowed ex 800+800 = 1600

Hi Pascal, That is a great question! According to Government of Canada, you cannot combine your personal exemptions with those of another person or transfer them to someone else. It also specifies that you cannot combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) with your seven-day exemption (CAN$800) for a total exemption of CAN$1,600. However, there are some exceptions for parents travelling with children or infants. For more information, check the Conditions on your personal exemptions section here https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/what-you-can-bring-home-to-canada . Happy cross border shopping, Shweta

Salut. Je voulais savoir si les achats pour entreprises doivent aussi être sujets à ces règles. Je dois acheter une machine pour mon commerce de détail qui se fabrique et vend seulement aux usa. Est ce que je dois payer des frais de douanes ? Merci.

Bonjour Carlo, Les règles pour les achats commerciaux sont différentes des règles pour les achats à des fins personnels mais en gros, oui ces achats sont sujets au droit de douane. Je vous invite à consulter le site de l’Agence des services frontaliers du Canada à cet effet. Vous y trouverez un guide étape par étape pour tout ce qui concerne l’importation de marchandises commerciales au Canada. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/guide-fra.html

Durant la périodes des fêtes j’aimerais faire un aller retour au USA et j’aimerais avoir une idée des frais que j’aurai a payer en declarant mes achats. Par exemple quelques items d’épicerie et aussi des biens (tissus, ruban, vetement etc) taxes et autre frais ?? pouvez vous m’aider merci je suis du quebec

Bonjour France, En ce qui concerne les taxes et frais de douanes à payer, tout dépend de ce que vous achetez et le prix payé pour chacun des articles. Je vous invite donc à utiliser l’outil Estimateur des droits et des taxes du gouvernement du Canada (lien ci-dessous). Vous n’avez qu’à inscrire votre province de résidence, le type de produit et la valeur approximative de celui-ci, et vous obtiendrez le montant approximatif à payer. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-fra.html Merci et bon magasinage 🙂

Hi there, For same day shoppers, all goods brought in from the US (including alcohol) can be charged with applicable duty and taxes. Head to the duty and taxes estimator to get an idea about the amount of duty and taxes you might have to pay based on your place of residence and the items you’re planning to bring into Canada. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html Happy cross border shopping, Shweta

I have been to the States since November and I am returning to Ontario in December for 6 weeks. I will come back to the States in February 2018. I made a purchase of $1,800 US in December but will bring only $900 worth of products with me. Do I need to declare the whole purchase.

Hi Lise, Good question! According to the Government of Canada: “You must declare all goods you acquired while outside Canada, including purchases, gifts, prizes and awards that you have with you or are being shipped to you.” So in your case, you should only have to declare your $900 purchase. Check out I Declare: A Guide for residents returning to Canada, for more details ( https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-eng.html#_s12 ). Have a great trip, Sarah

Hi – great site here. Here’s my question: if I bring back something (one thing) worth more than my exemption, do I pay duty on the entire amount is worth? Or only the difference between what it is worth, and my exemption ?

Hi Alfred, Glad you enjoyed our site. The duty-free limits show you the permissible limits based on your return date. If you’re bringing in anything beyond these limits, the duty and taxes estimator will help you get an idea of how much you might need to pay. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html will Hope this solves your query, Happy cross border shopping! Shweta

Hi Brittany, Great question! According to Government of Canada, even young children and infants are entitled to a personal exemption. As a parent, you can make a declaration on behalf of your children as long as the goods you are declaring are for their use. Hence the limit you mentioned will apply to them as well as long as your purchase is for them. Hope this answers your question. Have fun shopping in US! Shweta

Doit-on dire que nous n’avons rien à déclarer si nous n’excedons pas ce qui est permis?

Bonjour Estelle, Je vous invite à consulter le site Web de l’Agence des services frontaliers du Canada pour trouver la réponse à votre question. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-fra.html#_s8b pour avoir la réponse exacte à votre question. En gros, toute marchandise importée au Canada doit être déclarée.

Bonjour, si je vais au USA pour une durée de 24-48 heures, puis-je ramener de l’alcool dès lors que je paie les taxes à la frontière? Si oui quelle est la quantité maximale que je peux ramener?

Bonjour Jean-Michel, Pour toute questions relatives aux douanes et à l’import d’alcool au Canada, je vous invite à contacter directement l’Agence de services frontaliers du Canada qui saura vous donner une réponse précise selon votre situation. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-fra.html#_s8f Merci et bonne fin de journée!

So I purchase some hiking shoes online and plan to pick it up over the border and go for a hike while I’m over the border. Essentially it’ll be used once I return back (less than 24 hours). Do I need to declare this?

Hi there, Yes, according to the CBSA website, “you must declare all goods you acquired while outside Canada, including purchases, gifts, prizes and awards that you have with you or are being shipped to you,” so declaring your shoes would be your best bet. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/declare-eng.html Happy hiking! Linnea

Hi, I live in US and I’m planning to go to Canada to meet my brother who just arrived in Ontario on student visa. Can I gift him my 2 year old/used microwave?? Unfortunately, I do not have any receipt saved for it as it was not my plan. Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!

Hi there, Are you driving up to Canada? The short answer is yes, you can absolutely gift him your used microwave. According to the Government of Canada, “You’ll have to pay duty on any item you bring that hasn’t been used. You do not have to pay duty on: …. appliances, such as a stove or refrigerator” https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/border-entry/bringing-goods.html Hopefully this helps! Cheers, Linnea

Hi. My adult daughter wants a bottle of bourbon not available in Ontario. Can I drive across the border, buy one and return in an hour or two, of course declaring it and paying associated fees?

Hi Robin, Thanks for your comment! According to the Government of Canada’s website ( https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/what-you-can-bring-home-to-canada#alcohol ), you can bring back any amount of goods, as long as you’re willing to pay the duty, taxes and any provincial or territorial assessments that apply. This rule applies even if you don’t qualify for a personal exemption (in this case, bringing alcohol across the border after less than 48 hours). You should have all purchases made abroad and your receipts readily available. Be prepared to make a full and accurate declaration, including the amount of goods you are bringing with you, in Canadian dollars. If you want to find out exactly how much you’d have to pay, I’d recommend calling the CBSA toll-free at 1-800-461-9999. Hope that helps! Linnea

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Travellers Paying duty and taxes

The Canada Border Services Agency collects duty and taxes on imported goods, on behalf of the Government of Canada.

What are duty and taxes?

Duty is a tariff payable on a good imported to Canada. Rates of Duty are established by the Department of Finance Canada and can vary significantly from one trade agreement to another.

No duty is payable on goods imported for personal use, if it is marked as "made in Canada, the USA or Mexico", or if there is no marking or labelling indicating that it was made somewhere other than Canada, the USA or Mexico.

More information on duties payable on all goods imported into Canada is provided in the Canadian Customs Tariff .

Most imported goods are also subject to the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) or, in certain provinces and territories, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Personal exemptions

You may qualify for a personal exemption when returning to Canada. This allows you to bring goods up to a certain value into the country without paying regular duty and taxes.

Are you eligible?

You are eligible for a personal exemption if you are one of the following:

• a Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada;
• a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country; or
• a temporary resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada.

Children are also entitled to a personal exemption as long as the goods are for the child's use. Parents or guardians can make a declaration to the CBSA on behalf of the child.

What are your personal exemptions?

The length of your absence from Canada determines your eligibility for an exemption and the amount of goods you can bring back, without paying any duty and taxes. (The exception is a special excise duty that may apply to certain tobacco products. Refer to Tobacco Products section .)

Absence of less than 24 hours

• Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers.

Absence of more than 24 hours

• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$200.
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are not included in this exemption.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$200, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
• Goods must be in your possession and reported at time of entry to Canada.
• A minimum absence of 24 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Saturday the 16th to claim the exemption.

Absence of more than 48 hours

• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 .
• You may include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, within the prescribed limits. Refer to sections Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$800, duties and taxes are applicable only on amount of the imported goods that exceeds CAN$800 .
• A minimum absence of 48 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Sunday the 17th to claim the exemption.

Absence of more than 7 days

• You must have tobacco products and alcoholic beverages in your possession when you enter Canada, but other goods may follow you by other means (such as courier or by post). However, all of the goods you are bringing back must be reported to the CBSA when you arrive. See Unaccompanied Goods section.
• A minimum absence of seven days is required. When calculating the number of days you have been absent, exclude the day you left Canada but include the day you returned. For example, we consider you to have been absent seven days if you left Canada on Friday the 7th and return no earlier than Friday the 14th to claim the exemption.

What conditions apply?

• You cannot combine your personal exemptions with another person's or transfer them to someone else.
• You cannot combine your personal exemptions. For example, if you are absent from Canada for 9 days total, you cannot combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) with your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) for a total exemption of CAN$1,600.
• In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. Such goods include souvenirs that you purchased, gifts that you received from friends or relatives living outside Canada or prizes that you won.
• Goods you bring in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify for the exemption and are subject to applicable duties and taxes. In all cases, goods you include in your 24-hour exemption (CAN$200) or 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) must be with you upon your arrival in Canada.
• Except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, goods you claim in your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation.
• You must always report the value of the goods you are importing in Canadian funds. Foreign currency amounts including any foreign taxes must be converted to Canadian dollars at the applicable exchange rate recognized by the CBSA.

For more information on personal exemptions, consult I Declare .

Alcohol and tobacco limits

Alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholic beverages are products that exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume. Certain alcoholic and wine products that do not exceed 0.5% by volume are not considered alcoholic beverages.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more , you are allowed to import one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

You must meet the minimum age of the province or territory where you enter Canada. Minimum ages are established by provincial or territorial authorities: 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec and 19 years for the remaining provinces and territories.

The CBSA classifies "cooler" products according to the alcoholic beverage they contain. For example, beer coolers are considered to be beer and wine coolers are considered to be wine.

The quantities of alcoholic beverages you can import must be within the limit set by provincial and territorial liquor control authorities that apply where you will enter Canada. If the amount of alcohol you want to import exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply. Contact the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority for more information before you return to Canada.

Tobacco products

You can speed up your clearance by having your tobacco products available for inspection when you arrive.

Whether they are stamped or unstamped, if you bring in tobacco products that exceed your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the regular duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the excess amount.

Note: You must be 18 years of age to bring tobacco products into Canada under your personal exemption.

Stamped Tobacco Products – Personal exemption amounts

If you wish to import cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks duty free as part of your personal exemption, the packages must be stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". You will find tobacco products sold at duty-free stores marked this way.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you may import all of the following amounts of cigars and stamped tobacco into Canada free of duty and taxes.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Special duties rate

A special duty rate applies to cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks that are not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté".

For example, if you claim a carton of 200 cigarettes as part of your personal exemption and it is not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté", you will be assessed at a special duty rate.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Import limits

In addition to your personal exemption amounts, there are limits on the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported if it is not packaged and not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One  unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following:

Using our Duty and Taxes Estimator

The CBSA's Duty and Taxes Estimator provides an estimate only and applies strictly to goods imported for personal use. The final amount of applicable duties and taxes may vary from the estimate and will be determined by a border services officer when you arrive at the border.

It is important to note that personal exemptions, tariff classification, applicable rates of duty and taxes and other circumstances that may affect the amount of duties and taxes owed on imported goods are subject to change from time to time, depending on the applicable legislation, regulations and policies.

Where specific products within a category of goods have different rates of duty, the highest rate has been used to produce the estimate.

Use the Duty and Taxes Estimator .

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What you can bring to Canada

When you arrive in Canada, you must inform the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) of all the goods you have with you that you obtained while you were outside Canada.

On this page

Making your declaration, goods to declare, personal exemptions.

• Restrictions and prohibited goods

False declarations and the seizure of goods

Public health

Travelling with money and valuable items.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada must declare the goods they are bringing back from outside Canada. The customs declaration process may differ depending on how you are travelling.

Entering Canada by commercial airline

If you arrive at one of Canada’s international airports, you can make an on-screen declaration by using a primary inspection kiosk or through eGate, where you will:

• scan your travel document
• have your photo taken
• answer questions by using the touch screen

For more information, visit Declare your travel information at an airport kiosk or eGate: Save time at Canada’s main airports.

You can reduce your time at the kiosk by submitting your declaration before you enter Canada at a participating airport. To do so, use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN travel app up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada.

Early usage data shows that travellers using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature report through the kiosk 30% faster. Travellers who make their customs and declaration information in advance can take also advantage of Advance CBSA Declaration express lanes at the airport where available.

To sign up, visit Use ArriveCAN for a faster border experience.

Entering Canada in a private vehicle

In most cases, you can make an oral declaration to a border services officer when you arrive in a private vehicle such as a car, boat, aircraft or bus.

You must declare:

• purchased goods
• gifts, prizes or awards
• goods bought at a duty-free shop (Canadian or foreign) that are still in your possession
• the value of any work, including repairs, done outside Canada on items that you are bringing back

You may need to pay duty and taxes on these items. When you shop outside Canada, use the duty and taxes estimator to help estimate the amount of duty and taxes you will need to pay when you return to Canada.

Based on the length of time you are outside Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption that allows you to bring goods of a certain value into Canada without paying regular duty and taxes.

If you aren't sure if you should declare something, always declare it. Border services officers will help you identify your personal exemptions and if duties and taxes are owed.

Your eligibility for an exemption and the amount of goods you can bring back without paying any duty or taxes depend on the length of time you have been outside Canada.

In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. You do not need to pay duty on goods for personal use that are marked as made in Canada, the United States or Mexico.

Estimate duty and taxes

Personal exemptions mini-guide

Sending goods into Canada

While you are outside Canada, you can send gifts worth no more than Can$60 to someone in Canada free of duty and taxes. These goods do not count as part of your personal exemption, but they cannot be a tobacco product or an alcoholic beverage.

If you have sent goods home from outside Canada, ask the border services officer about claiming these goods when you return to Canada. Otherwise, you may have to pay the regular duty and taxes on them.

Unaccompanied goods

Restricted and prohibited goods

You may not be allowed to bring certain goods into Canada. Prohibited goods include:  

• food, plants, animals and related products that pose a risk to Canada
• endangered species and anything made from the parts or endangered species (these can be found in some souvenirs)

You may need a permit or written authorization to bring other goods into Canada, including

• health products and prescription drugs
• antiques or cultural objects that have historical significance to their country of origin
• explosives, fireworks and certain types of ammunition

All weapons and firearms must be declared when you enter Canada.

Bringing food, plant and animal products into Canada

If you fail to declare goods that you bring into Canada or make a false or incomplete declaration, the goods may be seized or you may be fined.

You may have the option to pay a fine to have some seized goods returned to you. Fines can range from 25% to 80% of the value of the seized goods.

Undeclared goods that will not be returned to you include:  

• tobacco products
• alcoholic beverages

If you catch a communicable disease, such as a virus, or if you were in close contact with someone with a communicable disease while out of the country, you must inform a border services officer or a quarantine officer upon your return to Canada.

Tell your doctor if you have been ill while travelling or become ill after your return to Canada.

Returning to Canada with an illness

Any time you enter or leave Canada, you must declare any money or monetary instruments, such as stocks, bond or cheques that you are carrying valued at $10,000 or more.

If you are planning to travel outside Canada with highly valuable items that you acquired in Canada or that you lawfully imported, you can take them to a Customs and Border Services Agency (CBSA) office before you leave to have them identified on a wallet-sized card as valuables that were in your possession before leaving the country.

Take the card with you when you travel and show your card to the border officer if you are questioned about these items when you return to Canada.

Travelling with $10,000 or more

Directory of CBSA Offices and Services

Related links

• Return or travel to Canada
• Travelling and money
• Travel documents
• Border information for international travel (CBSA)