What Can I Bring Across the Canadian Border?

Crossing the Canadian border is usually a straightforward experience. The biggest hassle is the long lines. It helps if you know what and what not to bring across the border.

Passport

As of January 2008, U.S. citizens must carry and present a valid passport when crossing the Canadian border. If you're in a car, your car is subject to search, but this is not a guarantee.

Alcohol

Canadian customs regulate how much of certain things, such as alcohol, can cross the border duty-free. If you're over the legal drinking age in the province you are traveling to, 1.1 liters of liquor or wine and 24 12-ounce beer cans are allowed.

Tobacco

Limits apply to tobacco too. You are allowed 200 pre-rolled cigarettes, 50 cigars and 7 ounces of unrolled tobacco if you are over 18.

Plants and Food

If you're traveling with plants, bulbs or seeds, you must declare them and have them examined at the border. Only fruits and vegetables for your own consumption are allowed to cross the border.

Animals

To bring a pet dog or cat into Canada you must have documentation from a veterinarian that describes your animal and assures that a rabies vaccination has been issued in the past 36 months.

References

• U.S.-Canada border laws
• U.S.-Canada border laws