News Release

Greater Toronto Region

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) March Break travel tips: Make your return to the GTA effortless!

Mississauga, Ontario, March 1, 2013 — As the March Break approaches, many Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents will escape to southern destinations for fun in the sun with their families. CBSA officers at GTA airports remind you that when you return home, being informed and prepared will help you cross the border with fewer delays. Here are a few helpful tips:

• A passport is the preferable piece of identification for entry into Canada. Other acceptable identification includes an enhanced driver's licence, a birth certificate with accompanying photo ID such as a regular driver's licence, a permanent resident card, a citizenship card or a certificate of Indian status, and a NEXUS card.
• Souvenirs can be a fun way to remember your trip abroad, but certain goods are prohibited from entering Canada, including some food, plant and animal products. Be aware of what goods are prohibited from entering Canada by consulting the I Declare brochure, available at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
• If you share custody of children and the other parent is not travelling with you, or if you are travelling with minors for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, we recommend you carry a consent letter to provide authorization for you to take them on a trip and enter Canada. For more tips on travelling with children, consult our fact sheet.
• Whether you are leaving or returning to Canada, declare all money or monetary instruments equal to or over CAN$10,000.
• Consider applying for NEXUS for you and your family, and save time when entering Canada or the U.S. NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States. Enrollment can take time so apply now for your summer travel plans.
• The Automated Border Clearance (ABC) at the Toronto Pearson International Airport is now operational.  The ABC technology is a secure and innovative service which helps make travel easier for returning Canadian citizens and residents.  Terminal 3 now has 20 ABC kiosks available for the use of citizens and permanent residents of Canada. 
• Located minutes from the heart of downtown Toronto, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has convenient flights to southern destinations like Myrtle Beach. Additionally, passenger air carrier partners fly from Hamilton International Airport to many sun destinations including Mexico and Cuba while Waterloo International Airport has non-stop flights to the Dominican Republic.
• CBSA clients can subscribe to the E-mail Border Alert Service at any time by visiting www.cbsa.gc.ca and selecting Border Alerts.
• We know you are mobile and now we are too. Stay connected with us at www.cbsa.gc.ca/mobile. For even more travel tips, watch the CBSA's travel tips video on YouTube.

The CBSA wishes you happy travels and a safe return to Canada.

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For media information:

GTA Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
905-803-2800