Helpful Tips for an Easier Border Crossing: CBSA Releases a

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 19, 2013) - As the holiday travel season fast approaches, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to remind travellers to plan ahead for their arrival at the border. The CBSA's website offers travellers helpful tips for crossing the border.

Quick Facts

Crossing the border can be a simple, streamlined experience if travellers are well prepared before arriving in Canada. These few simple tips can help ensure a smoother crossing at the border:

Always make sure that you and your passengers are carrying proper identification when entering Canada. A passport is the preferred document for crossing the border, as is a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver's Licence;
Always declare purchases and items received while outside of Canada. If you are a Canadian resident, you may have a duty-free allowance, depending on how long you've been outside of Canada;
- Interested in knowing how much you may need to pay? Why not try our duties and taxes estimator?
Plan ahead - be sure to check the CBSA's border wait times web page for up-to-date wait times at the 26 busiest land ports of entry. Border wait times are also available on twitter @CBSA_BWT.

The CBSA highly recommends that all travellers visit the travel tips section of the CBSA website. There you will find in-depth information on the tips discussed above and others, frequently asked questions, a border reminder checklist, and a new "Top 10" travel tips video for returning Canadians.

Travellers who are informed about the border crossing process can expect to have a smoother crossing. Welcome to Canada!

Quotes

"Our Government is working hard to ensure the prosperity and security of Canadians. An efficient border is a key element of our approach and the travel tips are a great everyday example of how the CBSA is providing the right information at the right time to those who need it."

- Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"During this busy travel season, our CBSA officers are working tirelessly to ensure the experience at the border is as smooth and efficient as it can be. To help with that effort, I encourage anyone coming to Canada over the holidays to visit the CBSA website for the most up to date travel tips and advice, and to plan accordingly."

- Luc Portelance, President, Canada Border Services Agency

Duty and Taxes Estimator: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/mobile/est-cal-eng.html

Travel tips video: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/tt-cv/2013-12/menu-eng.html

CBSA border wait times: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html

Contact Information:

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Line
613-957-6500

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