Customs & Tax

Crossing the Border

When crossing the border into Canada, U.S. Citizens must carry some form of identification. US Citizens do not need passports or visas to enter Canada, but proof of citizenship and residence must be carried. Visitors from other countries must be in possession of a valid national passport or other recognized travel document. Contact the nearest Canadian Consulate or Embassy for more information.

Customs Information

Personal: All goods must be declared. Wearing apparel and personal effects for use by visitors are admitted free of duty. Persons aged 19 or over are entitled to take with them: up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 200 grams (8 oz) of tobacco and 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or wine, or 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale. This does not apply to merchandise or articles intended for other persons or for sale. Sporting and outdoors gear, tape recorders, optical items, stereos, radios, musical instruments, laptops, and other equipment for personal use should be declared when entering Canada.

Liquor: The legal drinking age in BC is 19. People crossing the BC/US border can carry up to 1.1 litres (37 oz) of spirits or wine, or 8.1 litres (274 oz) of beer or ale. Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in BC. Drinking is permitted in provincial campgrounds at your campsite, which is considered private.

Plants: The import of plants, including soil, is heavily regulated. All plants must be declared at the time of entry.

Pets: Dogs and cats from the United States, more than three months of age, must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the United States certifying that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. The certificate, which should describe the animal, must state the date of vaccination. Travelers from the US may bring two pet birds into Canada, along with a written declaration that the birds have been in the owner’s possession for the previous three months, and have not been in contact with other birds. Parrots require export permits before they can be taken out of the US. Any birds from countries other than the US will be destroyed at the border. For further information, contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at 1-888-732-6222.

Driving Laws: International driving licenses are acceptable. Road signs are posted in metric (km/hr) with a maximum highway speed up to 110 km/hr (66 mi./hr). Seatbelts are mandatory at all times. Laws regulating consumption of alcohol while driving are strictly enforced consequently there are severe penalties under the criminal code.

Weapons: Canada has strict laws concerning firearms and restricted weapons. Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms, and other weapons and self-defence sprays (i.e. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (i.e. hunting rifles, shotguns) must be declared. To obtain information on firearms legislation, please call the Canadian Firearms Centre toll free inquiry line at 1-800-731-4000.

For further information concerning customs regulations contact:

Revenue Canada
Customs Border Services
Regional Information Unit
333 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5R4
(604) 666-0545 or 1-800-461-9999

Tax Information

PST/GST: Provincial Sales Tax: 7% on retail purchases: 10% on liquor: and 8% - 10% on accommodation. Federal Goods & Services Tax (GST): 7% refundable to non - residents of Canada on accumulated purchases of a minimum of $100.00, provided the goods are taken out of Canada within 60 days and the claim is made within one year of purchase. Tax charged on hotel/motel accommodation is also eligible for refund. Obtain GST refund forms at Customs.