Alcoholic Beverages
Visitors to Canada who meet the legal age of the province or territory where
they enter may import 40 oz. (1.14 L) of liquor or wine or 288 oz. (24-12
oz. cans) of beer or ale. In Manitoba, the legal age is 18. All provinces
except Nunavut and the Northwest Territories allow visitors to import quantities
above the duty-free allowance, up to certain limits. Provincial and federal
taxes must be paid on the surplus, however, and the cost is high. Note:
In instances where the visit is for a short duration, Customs may limit quantities
to amounts that are appropriate to the nature, purpose and duration of the
visit. Visitors who enter Canada and then make a short trip abroad are not
entitled to claim free importation of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products
upon their return unless the duration of the absence is 48 hours or more.
After 48 hours, the visit is considered to be a new one and the usual allotment
applies.
Tobacco Products
Visitors who meet the minimum age set by the province or territory where they
enter Canada may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams (7 oz.) of manufactured
tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks duty free. In Manitoba, the minimum age for
importation of tobacco products is 18. Quantities above the duty-free allowance
are subject to federal and sometimes provincial taxes and the cost to import
them is high. Any shipment of more than six cartons of cigarettes must also
meet Canadian marking regulations. Note: In instances where the visit
is for a short duration, Customs may limit quantities to amounts that are
appropriate to the nature, purpose and duration of the visit. Visitors who
enter Canada and then make a short trip abroad are not entitled to claim free
importation of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products upon their return unless
the duration of the absence is 48 hours or more. After 48 hours, the visit
is considered to be a new one and the usual allotment applies.
Food
Visitors may import food for their own use without duty payment, provided
the quantity is consistent with the duration and nature of the stay in Canada.
Larger quantities that are not intended for consumption, but will be moved
in transit through Canada, may be documented on a temporary admission permit.
Certain fruits, vegetables and meat from countries other than the U.S. may
be prohibited. All importations of meat over 20 kg (44 lb.) must be inspected
by the Canadian Food & Inspection Agency.
Gasoline and Fuel
Visitors are allowed free entry of fuel up to the normal tank capacity of
their vehicles. Quantities above that amount may be subject to duty.
Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats from the United States must be accompanied by a certificate
signed and dated by a veterinarian stating that the animal has been vaccinated
against rabies within the last three years. The certificate must provide sufficient
description to identify the animal. Animal tags are NOT acceptable in lieu
of a certificate. Puppies and kittens less than three months old do not require
rabies vaccinations but must be in good health. Pets imported from countries
other than the United States may require quarantine.
Firearms and All Other Weapons
All Weapons - Including firearms, mace, tear gas, and pepper spray - must
be declared to customs upon arrival. Under Canadian law, visitors are
not allowed to import firearms and defensive sprays for personal protection.
Visitors who are at least 18 years old may import ordinary rifles and shotguns
that do not fall into the prohibited and restricted categories for hunting,
sporting use, competition, movement in transit or for protection against wildlife
in remote areas (excluding National Parks), provided the officer is satisfied
with the circumstances of the importation. The following weapons are prohibited
by law and cannot be imported for any reason: mace, pepper spray and teargas,
(unless labelled by the manufacturer as for use against animals and is contained
in a container that has a greater capacity than 224 gr or 224 ml); all fully
automatic weapons (even if they are subsequently altered not to fire automatically);
most assault pistols; combat shotguns, assault rifles and carbines; rifles
or shotguns that have been altered so that they are less than 26 inches (660
mm) long or have barrels less than 18 inches (457 mm) long; large capacity
magazines capable of holding more than five rounds for centre fire semi-automatic
rifles or shotguns and more than 10 rounds for semi-automatic handguns; compact
crossbows; push-dagger knives; switchblade knives and brass knuckles. Certain
other weapons are restricted and may only be imported for the purpose of attending
an approved shooting competition or target practice at an approved shooting
club or range. You will need an Authorization to Transport before you
can enter Canada. You must obtain this authorization in advance from the Chief
Firearms Officer of the Canadian province or territory you will be visiting.
This authorization will permit you to transport your restricted firearms between
specified places within Canada. Restricted firearms may not be imported for
hunting or personal protection. Chief Firearms Officers will not generally
issue authorizations to allow restricted firearms to be moved in transit through
Canada. Restricted firearms include semi-automatic firearms with barrels less
than 18.5 inches (460 mm) long, all handgunds that do not fall into the prohibited
category and semi-automatic weapons that are designed or adapted to be fired
when reduced to an overall length of less than 26 inches (660 mm)
Major Changes in the procedures for bringing firearms into Canada affect
the firearms declaration process, temporay licensing, associated fees and
subsequent export of your firearms. All visitors bringing firearms are advised
to contact the Canadian Firearms Centre before coming to Canada to ensure
they are in compliance with the most recent procedures.
Canadian Firearms Centre
Toll-free: 1-800-731-4000
e-mail: canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca
website: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Radar Detection Devices
Radar detectors are illegal in Manitoba. No person shall drive a motor
vehicle that is equipped, or equip a motor vehicle, with a device for detecting
radar speed; or have possession of a device for detecting radar speed determination
equipment in a motor vehicle; or permit a motor vehicle of which he is the
registered owner to become or to remain equipped with a device for detecting
radar speed testing equipment.
Duty-Free Exemption for Returning U.S. Residents
$800 Duty-free. After more than 48 hours in Canada, U.S. residents
may take back up to $800 fair retail value of merchandise for personal or
household use free of United States duty or tax, once every 30 days. Up to
100 cigars (non-Cuban), 1 L (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverage (if the resident
has attained the age of 21) and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) per person, may
be included in the duty-free exemption. Goods must accompany the resident
upon arrival in the United States. U.S. residents visiting Canada for less
than 48 hours may take back $200 worth of merchandise duty-free. The following
may be included, but the total fair retail value must not exceed $200: 50
cigarettes, 10 cigars (non-Cuban), 150 ml (4 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages
or alcoholic perfume. Products of Cuban origin are prohibited.
