When crossing the Canadian border, specific documents are imperative. Without these documents, entry into the country will be denied. Additional documents may also be necessary, and it's advisable to translate essential documents into English or French to ensure clarity for Canadian officials.
Crucial Paperwork for entry into Canada:
- A Canadian immigrant visa (if applicable)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each accompanying family member
- Valid passport or travel document for each accompanying family member
- Two copies each of:
- A comprehensive inventory of all personal or household items being brought
- A list of items arriving at a later time along with their monetary value
- Keep these documents on your person; do not pack them in your luggage.
Before arrival, it's advised to prepare two copies of a detailed list (preferably typed) of all goods intended for entry into Canada. This list should:
- Indicate each item's value, make, model, and serial number (if applicable)
- Be divided into two sections: items accompanying you and items arriving later along with their value
- Present this list to the border services officer upon arrival, even if you aren't bringing goods at that moment.
Streamline the process by completing form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Documents) before your journey and submitting it to the officer upon arrival.
Inform a Canadian official upon arrival if carrying more than CAN $10,000. Failure to do so could lead to fines and seizure of the funds. Funds can take various forms:
- Cash
- Cheques
- Bankers' drafts
- Travelers' cheques or money orders
- Securities in your name, such as stocks, bonds, debentures, and treasury bills
Learn about the obligation to disclose funds before departure or upon arrival in Canada.
Health Records: Childhood immunization is standard in Canada to prevent serious infections or diseases. Carry official documents detailing vaccination history when traveling. If vaccinations are outstanding, contact a doctor or local public health clinic immediately.
Immunization records are necessary for enrolling children in Canadian schools.
Other potential documents include:
- Marriage certificates
- Driver's license, possibly including an International Driver's Permit and auto insurance reference
- Adoption, separation, or divorce papers
- Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
- Former employer reference letters
- Trade or professional certificates and licenses
- Car registration documents for vehicle imports
- School records, diplomas, or degrees for accompanying family members
- Educational and professional qualification list for your resume
Photocopy all documents in case of loss, keeping copies separate from originals.
Customs Declaration Card: Completing a Customs Declaration Card might be necessary before entry into Canada. Fill it out even if you aren't a Canadian citizen, ideally before meeting customs and immigration officials or before disembarking an airplane if traveling by air.
Use the Customs Declaration Card to report items being brought into Canada, including:
- Items subject to duty payments (e.g., gifts, alcohol, tobacco)
- Amounts exceeding CDN $10,000
- Business goods, plants, food, animals, firearms, or weapons
Failure to declare items or money may result in fines or imprisonment. For more details, contact the Canada Border Services Agency.
Crucial Paperwork for entry into Canada:
- A Canadian immigrant visa (if applicable)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each accompanying family member
- Valid passport or travel document for each accompanying family member
- Two copies each of:
- A comprehensive inventory of all personal or household items being brought
- A list of items arriving at a later time along with their monetary value
- Keep these documents on your person; do not pack them in your luggage.
Before arrival, it's advised to prepare two copies of a detailed list (preferably typed) of all goods intended for entry into Canada. This list should:
- Indicate each item's value, make, model, and serial number (if applicable)
- Be divided into two sections: items accompanying you and items arriving later along with their value
- Present this list to the border services officer upon arrival, even if you aren't bringing goods at that moment.
Streamline the process by completing form BSF186 (Personal Effects Accounting Documents) before your journey and submitting it to the officer upon arrival.
Inform a Canadian official upon arrival if carrying more than CAN $10,000. Failure to do so could lead to fines and seizure of the funds. Funds can take various forms:
- Cash
- Cheques
- Bankers' drafts
- Travelers' cheques or money orders
- Securities in your name, such as stocks, bonds, debentures, and treasury bills
Learn about the obligation to disclose funds before departure or upon arrival in Canada.
Health Records: Childhood immunization is standard in Canada to prevent serious infections or diseases. Carry official documents detailing vaccination history when traveling. If vaccinations are outstanding, contact a doctor or local public health clinic immediately.
Immunization records are necessary for enrolling children in Canadian schools.
Other potential documents include:
- Marriage certificates
- Driver's license, possibly including an International Driver's Permit and auto insurance reference
- Adoption, separation, or divorce papers
- Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
- Former employer reference letters
- Trade or professional certificates and licenses
- Car registration documents for vehicle imports
- School records, diplomas, or degrees for accompanying family members
- Educational and professional qualification list for your resume
Photocopy all documents in case of loss, keeping copies separate from originals.
Customs Declaration Card: Completing a Customs Declaration Card might be necessary before entry into Canada. Fill it out even if you aren't a Canadian citizen, ideally before meeting customs and immigration officials or before disembarking an airplane if traveling by air.
Use the Customs Declaration Card to report items being brought into Canada, including:
- Items subject to duty payments (e.g., gifts, alcohol, tobacco)
- Amounts exceeding CDN $10,000
- Business goods, plants, food, animals, firearms, or weapons
Failure to declare items or money may result in fines or imprisonment. For more details, contact the Canada Border Services Agency.