Are you travelling this Easter? The CBSA has tips for a smooth trip

The CBSA is reminding travellers that it can be extra busy at the border over the Easter long weekend.

Those driving into Canada should expect delays. The best time to cross the border is early in the morning. The busiest is on the Monday of the long weekend.

You should have your travel documents handy. Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If you are a resident of Canada, personal exemptions allow you to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco, back to Canada without paying regular duties and taxes.

If you’ve purchased goods in the U.S. and are bringing them into Canada, you may have to pay a 25% surtax in addition to regular duties and taxes. For residents of Canada, this surtax applies only to goods exceeding your personal exemptions limit.

Visitors to Canada may also bring gifts as long as the gifts are unwrapped or in gift bags in case border services officers need to inspect the contents. You can bring in Easter chocolate as long as it’s for personal use and doesn’t exceed a certain weight.

When flying into Canada, use Advance Declaration and make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at participating airports.

When travelling with children who are not your own or for whom you don’t have full legal custody, we recommend you have a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child.

Review the restricted and prohibited goods to avoid the possibility of penalties, including fines, seizure or prosecution. Leave behind firearms, weapons, narcotics and cannabis.