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January 2010

The CBSA Welcomes Travellers to Canada

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Planning on travelling to Canada for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? Here’s what you need to know to facilitate your entry and make your experience a pleasant and memorable one.

Have Proper Identification

Citizens of the United States do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, they should carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. Permanent residents of the United States are required to present a Permanent Resident Card (i.e. green card) when entering Canada.

Keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is now in effect. This is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, to present a valid passport or other approved, secure document when returning to the United States from Canada. For document requirements please visit www.getyouhome.gov or contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Foreign nationals from other countries entering Canada are required to present a passport and a valid visa if one is required. For more information on Canadian entry requirements, please visit:  www.goingtocanada.gc.ca.

Admissibility to Canada

Canada’s admissibility requirements will not change during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The same policies and procedures that apply today will be in effect during the Games. All persons seeking entry into Canada must report to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and must demonstrate they meet all requirements to enter and/or stay in Canada.

Foreign nationals can be refused admission or removed from Canada for a number of reasons. A criminal conviction — including a conviction of Driving Under the Influence — could make a person inadmissible to Canada. For that reason, be prepared to discuss your criminal history with a border services officer when arriving in Canada. Visitors to Canada are encouraged to visit the CBSA or Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web sites to ensure they are admissible to Canada.

What Can I Bring Into Canada?

You must present and declare all goods upon entry into Canada. It is the traveller's responsibility to know what goods are allowed into Canada, such as food products, alcohol, tobacco and currency. Some goods may be prohibited and/or restricted and may require permits, such as firearms and weapons. Before travelling to Canada, check our Web site for important information.

If you are a Canadian resident, be aware that Canadian legislation places very strict guidelines on temporary importations of vehicles, such as rental cars, into Canada. If you rent a vehicle in the United States and drive to Vancouver, you may be told that your vehicle is inadmissible and turned away at the Canadian border. To learn more about the conditions under which a vehicle can be temporarily imported into Canada, please refer to D Memorandum D2-4-1 (publications and forms section) on the Canada Border Services Agency Web site.

Check Border Wait Times

We recognize that this will be a busy period and encourage all travellers to build extra time into their schedules. To help expedite your clearance at land border crossings, we recommend checking our on-line border wait time service, which is updated regularly; travelling at non-peak travel times; and having your documentation and any necessary paperwork ready.

More Information

For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency's Web site. Within Canada call the Border Information Service at 1-800-461-9999. From outside Canada call 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. Long distance charges will apply. Agents are available Monday to Friday (08:00 – 16:00 local time / except holidays). TTY is also available within Canada: 1-866-335-3237.