Canadian Laws - What to EXPECT

Visitors to Canada and Canadian laws

Arriving in Canada

Border services officers are at the ports of entry to ensure that people entering Canada respect Canadian laws. They are authorized to examine people and goods entering Canada to determine their admissibility. Their goal is to facilitate the entry of legitimate travellers and goods as quickly as possible.

When you enter Canada, a border services officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa (if you are arriving from a country from which one is required). If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID.(Now the WHTI requires that U.S. citizens have a passport to return home.)

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you. For more information on admissibility into Canada, read the fact sheet called Managing Access to Canada.

All travellers, including U.S. citizens, are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Web site at Home Land Security for information on the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and its traveller requirements to enter or return to the United States.

Firearms and weapons

Canada's firearms legislation helps make the country safer for both residents and visitors. Before you attempt to import a firearm or weapon, contact the Canada Firearms Centre for information.

The following requirements apply to the importation of firearms and weapons: you must be at least 18 years of age; you can import non-restricted and restricted firearms provided all documentation and other requirements are met; and you generally cannot import prohibited firearms or any type of prohibited weapons or devices, including silencers, replica firearms, switchblades, pepper spray and other weapons. You must declare all weapons and firearms at the port of entry. This process costs $25 (Canadian). If not, you could face prosecution and the goods may be seized. For more detailed information on importing a firearm or weapon into Canada, please refer to their Website: Firearms and weapons

European Hunter

Useful travel tips and advice in French , English and Dutch can be found on the website of the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.