A Visit To Canada: Border-Crossing Tips For US Citizens

When people travel out of the country, the incidence of violence, danger, and offenses usually happen. As a matter of fact, offenses against the law happen everywhere especially if the person traveling abroad is not aware of the important things to consider and the rules of that specific destination.

This is why it is indispensable to take into consideration some of the factors such as the necessary documents and abiding by the regulations so as to obtain a hassle-free border-crossing travel. For those who may wish to take a trip to Canada, here are some guidelines that should always be taken into account.

Proof of Citizenship or Identification

At the present, you'll be required to have a driver's license or any government issued photo ID and an official proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. You'll need these in case you don't have a passport. However, they will be obliging everyone crossing the borders to present a valid Canadian passport starting on July 1, 2009. But for the meantime, the previous alternatives will suffice.

Children who are 15 years old or younger and are not traveling with both parents should present a signed letter of consent from the non-traveling parent plus a copy of documents showing legal custody. The letter should state that the child is permitted by the other parent to go out of the country and must include the contact information of the non-traveling parent. You may also want to bring a certified copy of your child's birth certificate.

Be Patient and Polite

When you reach the border, expect a bunch of questions and interrogations from the border guards as you hand over the necessary documents. Give specific and clear answers in an audible but polite manner. Border guards are extremely professional and are just doing their job so cooperate and do not inquire as to why something should be asked or done.

Prohibited Items

Canada is not in favor of bringing endangered species or items made from endangered species as you cross over the border. Moreover, everyone coming into and out Canada is obliged to delay any fruits, vegetables, meats, or any agricultural and animal products they transport into the country. This should be firmly executed to protect the country's agriculture, livestock, and the Canadian people from foreign diseases and pests.

There are actually specific items that are not permitted to enter Canada. You may want to research first on what specific products are not allowed. There are very definite rules as well as requirements to follow. For example, you are not allowed to transport a banana across the border except if it has a label on it or is still wrapped in its original packaging.

Likewise, carrying items such as tobacco and alcohol has a specific limit. Canada, as well as USA, is very strict with regards to rules about smuggling these products. As long as you bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes and 2 liters of alcohol, you would not need to pay any additional duties. Basically, the rule allows you to carry these items only for personal consumption and never for resale.

Restrictions on Guns and Firearms

Canada's laws on firearms are considerably different from those in the United States. So make sure that you know the applicable laws if you are thinking of bringing your firearm into the country. Surprisingly, Canada allows adults over the age of 18 to bring firearms into the country given that they present the appropriate permits and documents. The firearms that are allowed but still subjected to strict regulations on safe transportation and storage are those guns associated to sports and hunting.

Indeed, planning and having a great vacation in Canada is not that daunting and difficult. As long as you know how to abide by their rules and regulations, there would not be any hassle at all.