Customs
United States Citizens
Although passports and visas are not required at this time for entry into Canada, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recently announced new official requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States when arriving from any part of the Western Hemisphere.
These new requirements will come into effect as follows:
For more information on the new requirements or on how to apply for a U.S. passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Visitors who are U.S. Residents
Although a passport is the ideal identification, you do not require a passport or visa to enter Canada. Just make sure you carry identification to establish your citizenship such as a Birth Certificate and least one ID card with photo. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should carry this certificate. Permanent residents of the United States must bring their "Green Card".
Although it is rare, immigration officials may prevent the entry of visitors:
• who appear to pose a health risk
• those they doubt will be able to support themselves and their dependents in Canada
• whose willingness and means to return to the U.S. is in doubt
As well, those admissible to Canada must not have a criminal record. This includes any convictions for driving while intoxicated.
If you have questions about your admissibility to enter Canada, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for consultation.
Visitors from the U.S. who are not American Citizens
Permanent residents of the United States (anyone with a Green Card) do not need to carry a passport or travel documents to enter Canada.
Temporary residents of the United States (anyone who carries a Temporary Resident Card, Form 1-688, or Employment Authorization Card, 1-688A or 1-688B) must carry a passport and may also require a visa depending on their country of citizenship.
Citizens of other countries who wish to enter Canada through the United States must also carry a valid passport and may require a visa, which they should obtain from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate outside Canada. Those in this category should check with an office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service before they enter Canada.
Visitors from Europe
European passport holders do not require a visa to visit Canada. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Canada. European visitors to Canada who wish to also visit the United States must possess valid passports to be admitted; residents of Portugal are further required to have a visa.
Visitors from Other Countries
International travellers may require a visa to enter or transit Canada. To see whether you require a visa, visit the Canada site for more information on visa requirements. International travellers who wish to find out about Canadian customs regulations should visit the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website.
Entry into Canada for Foreign Nationals with Criminal Convictions or Equivalent
As of June 28, 2002, the implementation of the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act changed the rules affecting the admissibility into Canada of foreign nationals who have criminal convictions in Canada or abroad or who have committed criminal acts outside Canada. These include offences that are considered criminal in Canada, such as driving while under the influence of a substance such as alcohol, even if the offence was not considered a felony or criminal offence in the country where it was committed.
For more information about these very important changes, please consult the Canadian Tourism Commission Website, your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
Travellers Bringing Children
Travellers visiting Canada with children should carry the following:
Please note: Divorced parents with shared custody rights should carry legal documents establishing their status. Unaccompanied children should carry a letter of permission from their parents or a legal guardian.
Declarations:
Personal: all goods purchased, received, or acquired abroad must be declared. Wearing apparel and personal effects in reasonable quantities for use by visitors are admitted free of duty. Persons aged 19 or over: up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 200g (8 oz) of tobacco, 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or 1.5 litres (51 oz) or 2 x 750 ml of wine, or in lieu, 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale.
Weapons: Revolvers, pistols, and fully automatic firearms are prohibited entry into Canada. Check with Canada Customs or the RCMP for details before bringing firearms into Canada.
Fruits, Vegetables, Meats: Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 620 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC, V3L 5A8, (604) 666-7042 for permits and information.
Plant Material: Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 103-620 Royal Avenue, Box 2527, New Westminster, BC, V3L 5A8, (604) 666-2891 for permits and information.
Pets: Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Import Service Centre, Toll Free 1-888-732-6222 (Canada/US) or (604) 666-7042 (outside Canada/US) or www.inspection.gc.ca for information.
For more information on customs regulations, contact:
Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
Canada Customs
Regional Information Unit
333 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5R4
phone: 1-800-461-9999
Taxes
Provincial Sales Tax: 7% on retail purchases; 10% on liquor; and 8%-10% on accommodation. Federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) 6% may apply to various goods and services you purchase during your stay in Canada.
On March 19, 2007, the Government of Canada confirmed their intention to eliminate the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program.
For more information, visit Changes to GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program
Driving Laws
International driving licenses are acceptable. Road signs are posted in metric (km/hr) with a maximum highway speed up to 110 km/hr (66 mi/hr). Seat belts are mandatory at all times for drivers and passengers (children under 5 may use an infant restrains system). Motorcycle helmets are also mandatory at all times (excluding a person who practices the Sikh religion). Laws regulating consumption of alcohol while driving are strictly enforced and bear severe penalties under the criminal code.
Liquor Laws
Minimum age for consumption of spirits, beer and wine in British Columbia is 19. Government liquor stores are located throughout BC and are closed Sundays and statutory holidays. Licensed premises may serve alcohol from 11:00am - 4:00am. Many communities have Beer & Wine stores which are open seven days per week. Please note: Driving motorized vehicles, including boats, while impaired (blood alcohol content of more than .08) is illegal in BC.
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