Smoother Border Crossing into Canada this Victoria Day Weekend

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 15, 2012) - With the arrival of spring comes increased traveller volumes. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to providing the best possible service, which includes helping you know what to expect when you arrive at the Canadian border.

For information, including identification requirements for entry into Canada, visit the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca, and select Travel Tips. Looking for a smoother landing? Our video, Arriving by Air: Welcome home. Welcome to Canada, is also available on the CBSA's YouTube channel.

Make the most of your time

Up-to-date information on our 23 busiest land ports of entry, including border wait times, can be found at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf. You can also receive updated Border Wait Times on Twitter.

Join NEXUS to take advantage of simplified and expedited border clearance for low-risk, pre-approved members. NEXUS members avoid long lineups using automated, self-serve kiosks at airports, designated NEXUS lanes at specific land border crossings, as well as the benefit of advance reporting when travelling by sea.

Declare all purchases made abroad

Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco. Declare all purchases made (including duty-free purchases), and have your receipts totaled and readily available upon your return to Canada.

The CBSA reminds all travellers that recently announced changes to personal exemption limits come into effect on June 1, 2012. For more information, consult our fact sheet on New Personal Exemption Limits Effective June 1, 2012.

Firewood, firearms and fireworks

The importation of certain goods is restricted or prohibited in Canada. To avoid the possibility of penalties, including seizure or prosecution, make sure you have the information you require before attempting to import these items into Canada. For more information, consult our fact sheets specific to firearms, firewood, and fireworks. Additional information on restricted or prohibited goods can be found in our online publication I Declare.

Additional questions or inspection

We understand that travellers may feel anxious when crossing the border and want you to know that secondary referrals should not be viewed as an indication of wrongdoing. They are a normal part of the cross-border travel process, which any returning resident or visitor to Canada may experience. For information on what to expect and what we ask of you, consult What to Expect: Secondary Services and Inspections.

Recreational boater reporting requirements

The CBSA reminds all recreational boaters that reporting requirements were modernized in 2011, in an effort to make it easier for you to comply with current regulations when entering Canadian waters. Certain private boaters may present themselves to the CBSA by calling the Telephone Reporting Centre from their cellular telephones from the location at which they enter Canadian waters. For more information, consult Simplified cell phone reporting for private boaters on our Web site.

Client Service feedback

Your feedback is important to us; it has a direct influence on the development and review of our policies and programs. If you have questions, would like clarification, or have feedback about the service you received, please ask to speak with the supervisor on duty before leaving our service area.

You can also submit your comment, complaint, or compliment by completing our online feedback form, which can be found on the Comments, Complaints, and Compliments page of our Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the CBSA, follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.