With the travel season upon us, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) offers a behind the scenes glimpse into operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport today. The CBSA is responsible for facilitating the free flow of legitimate travel and trade, and works closely with its other government department and agency partners at all air, land and marine points of entry to effectively manage and respond to emerging risks.
A Detector Dog Service team is also on-hand for the event to demonstrate how the CBSA detects prohibited and regulated drugs, guns, money, and food, plant and animal products. The CBSA has one of Canada's finest detector dog programs in the world and is recognized internationally for excellence in canine detection training.
The Agency remains focused on making every effort to effectively manage the increased volumes of passengers during the peak summer season and encourages travellers to keep these tips in mind.
1. Know before you go. Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from entering Canada (weapons, certain plant and animal products, health products, firewood, etc.).
2. Be aware and declare. You must declare all food, plant and animal products that you are bringing into Canada. Not doing so could lead to substantial penalties of up to $1,300 or even prosecution. The introduction of animal diseases, such as African swine fever (ASF), to Canada is as easy as bringing a single piece of contaminated meat into Canada, or not taking proper precautions if you have visited a farm abroad.
3. Bring appropriate identification for yourself and for all children travelling with you, regardless of their age. CBSA officers work to find missing children and may ask you detailed questions about the children you are travelling with. If you have or share legal custody of the children, have copies of the relevant legal documents, such as custody rights, on hand.
4. Use the latest technology. Since March 2017, upon arrival at select major airports in Canada, travellers can use a primary inspection kiosk to verify their travel documents, confirm their identity and complete an on-screen declaration. This includes Terminal 3 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport.
5. Use the CBSA e-declaration mobile application. Those looking to save more time at airports can prepare their declaration in advance using the CanBorder - eDeclaration mobile application and scan their quick response (QR) code at a kiosk upon arrival.
6. Ask the CBSA officer. The single best thing you can do is simply to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. The officers are there to help you.
7. Join NEXUS. NEXUS is a joint program between the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that simplifies border crossings for its members and enhances border security.
