Preparing for travel to Canada? Know the rules

Summer is here and it's time to hit the road. And if you're traveling to Canada for a summer vacation, high gas prices might not be the only thing slowing you down.

Lisa White of the Canada's Border Services said Americans are often caught off-guard by the rules and regulations of crossing the border.

"We want people to know before they go," White said of traveling abroad.

According to White, the biggest issues at border checkpoints involve restricted weapons, food, plant and animal products, child custody and proper documentation.

White said that travelers are often surprised to find that fruits and vegetables such as apples, corn and potatoes are not allowed into Canada. Meat and animal hides are also on the restricted list. Travelers who fail to declare such items may be fined as much as $400.

Weapons and firearms also have stiff restrictions. White said that shot-guns and rifles are allowed over the border with a permit, but handguns and semi-automatic pistols are not. Switchblade knives and pepper-spray are also not allowed.

If children are traveling without a legal guardian, it is important to have a written letter of consent to cross the border.

"We pay a lot of attention to missing children reports," White said. "So we have to be careful with kids."

Lately there has been much confusion as to what kind of documentation is needed to travel into Canada. But White said each person crossing the border needs government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship. A drivers license and birth certificate work well. White said a passport is nice but not necessary.

It's also important to remember that your pet needs identification too. Pets must be vaccinated to cross into Canada and need proof from a veterinarian that they have a clean bill of health.

White said that if travelers have any concerns about crossing into Canada it is important to ask questions and always tell the truth about what you are carrying.

A list of items restricted when traveling into Canada can be found a www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Questions can also be directed to Canada's Border Services at 204-983-3500.

Reporter Amy May may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at amay@dailyinterlake.com