What travellers need to know when coming back to Canada
With many Canadians leaving the country for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding people to be prepared.
“The best thing travellers can do to expedite travel and make their journey quicker and get lines moving quicker is to be prepared when they travel,” said Angela Young, chief of operations for the CBSA, in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Monday.
One step that is mandatory for those coming into Canada is filling out the ArriveCAN app. Young noted it is one of the reasons people are experiencing delays when travelling.
“I really encourage people to get it done ahead of time. It’s mandatory to do ahead of time,” she said.
She noted ArriveCAN can be completed using a mobile app or on the computer, adding that you’ll either need to print out or take a screenshot of the confirmation to have ready at customs.
“[ArriveCAN is] pretty simple. It just collects all of the data about their journey and their trip and their itinerary, puts it all together,” she said.
As for personal exemptions when coming back into the country, Young said two to remember are the 24-hour exemption for $200, and the 48-hour or more exemption for $800.
She noted there are no exemptions for same-day travel.
“There are alcohol and tobacco limits and other limits within those exemptions,” she said.
“The most comprehensive way to check those would be to go on the website.”
Other travel tips from the CBSA include:
- Ensure you’re eligible to enter the country;
- Understand COVID-19 rules;
- Fill out your declaration in advance;
- Have your documents ready;
- Check border wait times; and
- Make the proper declarations.
Young suggests that travellers visit the Government of Canada’s travel and tourism website, as it is a “really nice one-stop shop so travellers can check all of the exemptions, requirements, public health requirements.”
- With files from CTV’s Joseph Bernacki.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.