American residents may take home $800 (U.S. funds) worth of merchandise duty-free if they have been in Canada more than 48 hours. This includes one carton of cigarettes and one liter of alcoholic beverages. If they have visited Canada for less than 48 hours, or make more than one trip to Canada within 30 days, there is a $200 (U.S. funds) individual exemption. Any alcohol or tobacco bought in Canada or at a Duty Free Store on trips of less than 48 hours is subject to duty. Canadian citizens may take home $50 (Canadian funds) worth of merchandise (except tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) if they have been in the United States for 24 hours or more. If the absence is 48 hours or more, Canadian citizens may take home $200 (Canadian funds) worth of merchandise. If there is a seven day absence or more, Canadian citizens may take home $750 worth of merchandise (information obtained from Canada Border Services Agency at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca).

IMMIGRATION: Immigration regulations require each person to be inspected when crossing over the border between Canada and the United States.

U.S CITIZENS RETURNING TO THE U.S.: Heightened security now requires that each person crossing into the United States present identification that has a photograph attached. A United States citizen must present a valid passport for entry into the United States unless returning from an adjacent country, territory or island (excluding Cuba). Due to heightened security it is strongly recommended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that U.S. citizens also present their passports even when returning from travel only to Canada or Mexico. If you do not have a U.S. passport, a U.S. citizen may be required to prove citizenship by presenting: (1) a U.S. state or federal government- issue birth certificate or record (note: hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable); or Certificate of Citizenship; or Certificate of Naturalization (note: notarized photocopies or notarized fax copies are acceptable (except for Certificates of Naturalization), but affidavits of citizenship and voter registrations are not); AND (2) a photo identification document, like an unexpired driver’s license or military ID.

CANADIAN VISITORS TO THE U.S.: Citizens of Canada are exempt from Visa and passport requirements. To enter the U.S., a Canadian citizen must be able to establish both identity and citizenship. Documents that may establish citizenship are: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, and passport. Although the Immigration officer may accept an oral declaration of citizenship, it is recommended that a Canadian citizen carry a document that establishes citizenship. Under current procedures, all travelers may be required to present photo-identification.

VISITORS TO THE U.S. IN GENERAL: All visitors, regardless of citizenship, arriving from outside the Western Hemisphere are required to present a passport. In general, a nonimmigrant visitor must have a valid nonimmigrant visa and a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the initial period of stay in the U.S. Even though certain individuals may be exempt from the visa and passport requirements, the burden of proof is on the visitor to establish eligibility to enter the U.S with sufficient documentation to establish identity and citizenship. (information obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at www.cbp.gov).

VISITORS TRAVELING TO CANADA: Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada from the U.S. You will, however, need: (1) proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a) your U.S. passport or (b) certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county or state in the U.S. where you were born. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver’s license or Social Security card is NOT valid proof of citizenship. (2) photo identification, such as a current, valid driver’s license. All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called a “Green Card.” If you are a dual U.S./Canadian citizen you should always present yourself as a Canadian citizen when entering Canada. However, U.S. citizens should use their U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States. Single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.) Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays at the port of entry (information obtained from the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips_canada.html).