Welcome back to Canada! We would like to remind you of the importance of declaring all the goods you have obtained while outside the country. As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, it is crucial to inform the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) about the items you are bringing back. This will ensure a smooth process and help you avoid any complications.
The customs declaration process varies depending on how you entered Canada. If you arrived at one of Canada’s international airports, you can make an on-screen declaration using a primary inspection kiosk or through eGate. For those entering Canada in a private vehicle, such as a car, boat, aircraft, or bus, you can usually make an oral declaration to a border services officer.
Remember, it is essential to declare all purchased goods, gifts, prizes, awards, and items bought at duty-free shops that are still in your possession. If you have been outside Canada for a certain period, you may qualify for a personal exemption, which allows you to bring certain goods into Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. However, failure to declare goods or making a false declaration can result in the seizure of goods or fines.
If you caught a communicable disease or were in close contact with someone who had a communicable disease while outside Canada, please inform a border services officer or quarantine officer upon your return to Canada. Your safety and the safety of others are of utmost importance.
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure to declare all items you obtained while outside Canada.
- The customs declaration process varies based on your mode of transportation.
- Be honest and accurate in your declaration to avoid any issues.
- Failure to declare goods or making a false declaration can lead to consequences.
- Take necessary measures to protect yourself and others from communicable diseases.
Making Your Declaration and False Declarations
When entering Canada, it is essential to follow the Canadian customs declaration process to ensure a smooth entry without any issues. The process varies depending on the mode of transportation you used to enter the country. If you arrived at one of Canada’s international airports, you can conveniently make an on-screen declaration using a primary inspection kiosk or eGate. This involves scanning your travel document, taking a photo, and answering questions using a touch screen.
On the other hand, if you entered Canada in a private vehicle, such as a car, boat, aircraft, or bus, you can make an oral declaration to a border services officer. However, regardless of the method, it is crucial to be honest and accurate in your declaration to avoid any setbacks.
Making a false or incomplete declaration can have serious consequences. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) keeps a record of infractions, and repeat offenders may face more detailed examinations on future trips or become ineligible for certain programs like NEXUS and CANPASS. Additionally, false declarations can lead to the seizure of goods or fines. It’s always best to declare all the goods you have obtained while outside the country to comply with customs regulations and ensure a hassle-free experience.
The Consequences of False Declarations
Making a false declaration at the Canadian border can result in significant consequences. It is not worth the risk, as the CBSA has the authority to seize goods involved in a false declaration. Moreover, individuals making false declarations may be subject to fines and penalties. By being truthful and accurate in your declaration, you can avoid these potential issues and have a smooth entry into Canada.
| Consequences of False Declarations | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Seizure of goods | Goods involved in a false declaration may be confiscated. |
| Fines and penalties | Individuals making false declarations may be subject to monetary fines and penalties. |
| Ineligibility for programs | Repeat offenders may become ineligible for programs like NEXUS and CANPASS. |
By ensuring that you make an accurate declaration and comply with customs regulations, you can have a seamless entry into Canada and avoid any unnecessary complications.
Personal Exemptions and Protecting Your Valuables
As a returning Canadian resident, you may be eligible for personal exemptions, allowing you to bring a certain value of goods into Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. The specific amount and eligibility criteria for the exemption depend on the duration of your stay outside the country. To ensure compliance with customs regulations, it’s essential to understand the conditions and limitations associated with the personal exemption.
When traveling with valuable items like jewelry, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of the free identification service provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). By presenting your valuables to a border services officer, they can list them on a wallet-sized card, providing proof that you had these goods in your possession before leaving the country. This will help streamline the process of re-entering Canada with your valuable items.
Additionally, protecting yourself from diseases is crucial when traveling. Prior to your trip, it is highly recommended to visit a travel health clinic to receive any necessary vaccinations or medications. By taking these preventive measures, you can ensure a safe and healthy journey.
FAQ
Do I need to declare all the goods I obtained while outside Canada?
Yes, it is important to inform the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) about all the goods you have obtained while outside the country. Canadian citizens and permanent residents must declare the goods they are bringing back from outside Canada.
How do I make a customs declaration at a Canadian international airport?
If you arrive at one of Canada’s international airports, you can make an on-screen declaration using a primary inspection kiosk or through eGate. This involves scanning your travel document, taking a photo, and answering questions using a touch screen.
How do I make a customs declaration when entering Canada in a private vehicle?
If you enter Canada in a private vehicle, such as a car, boat, aircraft, or bus, you can usually make an oral declaration to a border services officer.
What happens if I fail to declare goods or make a false declaration?
Failure to declare goods or making a false declaration can result in seizure of the goods or fines. The CBSA keeps a record of infractions, and repeat offenders may face more detailed examinations on future trips or become ineligible for certain programs like NEXUS and CANPASS.
Am I eligible for a personal exemption when returning to Canada?
Canadian residents returning to Canada may be eligible for personal exemptions, which allow them to bring goods of a certain value without paying regular duty and taxes. The eligibility and amount of the exemption depend on the length of time you have been outside Canada.
How can I protect my valuables when traveling?
When traveling with valuables, such as jewelry, it is recommended to take advantage of the free identification service offered by the CBSA. This involves presenting your valuables to a border services officer, who will list them on a wallet-sized card as proof that the goods were in your possession before leaving the country.