Visitors from the United States
United States citizens or permanent residents can cross the U.S./Canada border without delay or difficulty. At present no passport is required*, but native born U.S. citizens should carry papers to establish identity (i.e. birth certificate along with a photo I.D. or a voter’s card along with a photo I.D.). Naturalized citizens should carry a naturalization certificate (green card).
All visitors to Canada that have been convicted of any crime, even a DUI, may be detained at border. To travel without proper authorization, could result in refusal at the port entry. Those with a past criminal record will require a Temporary Resident Permit. This permit is simply a document that permits the visitor to enter Canada hassle-free. This permit can take one to five months to obtain. For more information please contact Canada Border Crossing Services at (204) 488-6350.
| * | Beginning January 1st, 2007, U.S. residents will require a passport, NEXUS card or FAST card to re-enter the U.S. via air. |
| Beginning January 1st, 2008, U.S. residents will require a passport, NEXUS card or FAST card to re-enter the U.S. via land. | |
| Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/home.xml for the most current information on these requirements. |
Visitors from Other Countries
All persons visiting from countries other than the United States must be in possession of a valid passport. Some citizens will require a visa for entry. It is the responsibility of visitors to ensure that they have the required documents.
Inquiries should be directed to: Immigration Division, Canada Employment and Immigration Commission, Ottawa or the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in his/her country.
Tourist Baggage
Necessary clothing and personal effects used by the visitor are admitted duty free. Up to 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200 cigarettes and 200 grams of tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks; 1.14 litres of spirits or wine or 24, 12-oz. cans of beer or ale or 288-oz. of beer per person over the age of 19, may also be included. This does not apply to merchandise or articles for other persons or for sale. All goods must be declared.
Gifts
Gifts, excluding tobacco, alcoholic beverages and advertising material brought or mailed to Canada by non-residents may be allowed free entry if the value of the gift does not exceed $60 Canadian. Gifts valued over $60 are subject to duty on the excess value.
Meeting and Conventions
Most printed matter (brochures, programs, badges) and souvenir gifts of nominal value to be used during the convention are admitted free of duty when imported by an official of the convention or his agent.