Plan ahead: CBSA issues Thanksgiving travel reminder

Travellers are advised to have travel documents ready, declare all goods, and review restrictions on poultry and other products.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers to plan ahead when crossing into Canada over the upcoming Thanksgiving long weekend.

The CBSA works daily to protect Canadians, support the economy, and ensure safe, efficient movement of people and goods. In 2024, the agency processed over 93.4 million travellers, intercepted more than 34,400 kg of illegal drugs, and kept over 17,200 weapons and 930 firearms out of Canadian communities.

To help reduce wait times, travellers are advised to have travel documents ready, declare all goods, and review restrictions on poultry and other products.

Those driving should check border wait times, consider crossing early in the morning, and look for alternative ports of entry. Flying travellers can use Advance Declaration to speed processing.

The CBSA also reminds travellers about restrictions on fireworks, firearms, narcotics, and certain goods subject to surtaxes. Parents travelling with children who are not their own should have proper consent documentation.

For a smoother trip, travellers are encouraged to review CBSA travel tips in advance and be open and honest with officers.

Full details are available at the CBSA website or by calling 1-800-461-9999.

Story by Tim Baltz