Canada Border Crossing Information
Canadian Visitor Tax Refund
As an international tourist
or non-resident, you may be eligible
for a Tax Refund on the GST/HST you paid on hotel accommodation, travel
tour packages, and/or goods that you take home. You
must spend a minimum of CAN$200 (before taxes) of goods
and/or accommodation. Eligible receipts show a minimum
amount of CAN$50 (before taxes).
Updated Information:
Rebate
forms available on line at:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst115/gst115-e.pdf
This program does not apply to everyone. Rebate
qualifications are required, please read the detailed
requirements on the government web site for eligibility
before applying.
You can download the online application form from
the Canadian Tax Refund site.
Information: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4031/README.html
Copy the following address on a good sized envelope:
CTR
- Canadian Tax Refund
P.O. Box 42090
Vancouver, B.C.
V6P 6S6 CANADA
and bring this envelope with you on
your visit to Canada. Enjoy your holiday, and simply
save your receipts into this envelope throughout your
visit. When you return home, mail the envelope and
receipts with your completed application signed and
dated. You have up to one year from the date of departure
to make a claim.
Travel Tour Packages often include accommodation,
meals and transportation. Can you claim a GST/HST refund
for this? Yes, you can claim 50% of any eligible taxes.
Frequently asked questions about crossing the border
into Canada
Q. What
identification do I need to cross the border?
A. Two
forms of identification are required, one preferably
with a photo. It is advisable
to carry identification that indicates citizenship
(i.e. birth certificate, baptismal certificate or passport)
- All
Children under 18, whether or not traveling with
their parents, must have identification. When
traveling with others a note from parents/guardian
is recommended. It
is also advisable to supply a telephone number so
that those travel arrangements can be confirmed by
the Customs Agent
Q. I have a minor
criminal offence on my record. What should I be concerned
about? (For you or one of your traveling companions)
A. There
are steps that MUST be taken a minimum of 6 weeks
prior to your travel date. THIS INCLUDES ANY
PAST CONVICTION FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED. You
will not be permitted access to Canada unless these
steps have been fully complied with. For info
on minor criminal offences such as driving under
the influence
Refer to www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/rehabil.html
- From 1 to 5 years old. Read
carefully.
- From 5 to 10 years old. You may be
eligible to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation
- After
10 years you may be eligible with one less serious
criminal conviction
- If you have one Criminal Conviction
or more you may be eligible to apply for rehabilitation.
- Contact
Lucy Perillo, (800) 438-7020, http://www.BORDERCROSSING.CA for
estimate on processing your paperwork.
Q. How
much liquor can I bring into Canada?
A. You
are allowed to bring in 24-12 oz. cans or bottles
of beer or 40oz. liquor or 1.5 liters of wine free
of duties and taxes. You must be 19 years
of age to import alcohol into Ontario. Any
amount in excess of 45 liters will not be allowed
entry.
Q. How much tobacco can
I bring into Canada?
A. One (1) carton of Cigarettes
and 50 cigars and 1 - 200g can of tobacco and 200 tobacco
sticks. Duties
and taxes are collected on any excess amount. You
must be 19 years of age to import tobacco products
into Ontario.
Q. What is prohibited to
bring into Canada?
A. List as follows:
- Radar
Detector
- Dog Food
- Fire Wood
- Large Capacity Cartridge Magazines (Exceeding
5 rounds of centre fire rifles)
- Live minnows, leeches
- Potatoes
- Military style attack rifles
Q. What
food am I allowed to bring into Canada?
A. Visitors
to Canada may bring certain goods as "personal
baggage",
duty and tax free, provided all such items are declared
to Customs upon arrival, and are not subject to restrictions.
- A
reasonable amount of personal items, supply of food
(for personal use) and a full tank of gas.
- Gifts not
exceeding $60 Cdn for a friend/relative in Canada. This
does not include tobacco products, alcohol or advertising
material.
- Gifts valued at more than 460 Cdn are subject
to duty or applicable taxes on the amount the gift
exceeds the $60 value.
- Live earthworms are permitted,
but only when packed in artificial bedding (no earth
or soil). Frozen
or salted minnows are allowed.
Q. Can I bring
a pet?
A. Dogs and cats entering
Canada must have a valid vaccination certificate,
signed and dated by a veterinarian issued within
the preceding 36 months. The
certificate must provide a sufficient description
and detail in order to identify the pet.
Q. What
about insurance?
A. You must
obtain a yellow card from your insurance company.
You must be able to provide proof of insurance and
ownership upon request.
Q. What do I need to bring
my firearms into Canada?
A. ALL fully automatic
weapons, handguns and pepper spray are prohibited in
Canada.
- You must obtain a gun permit for your guns. Refer
to www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca. You
may bring a hunting rifle
or shotgun into Ontario for hunting or competition
purposes when
you are 18 years of age or older. Firearms
must be Registered for a fee of $25. This permit
is valid for a period of 60 days. You can also
bring up to 200 rounds of ammunition for
hunting or 1,500 rounds for use at a recognized
shooting competition. Any
amounts of ammunition in excess must be tax paid.
Visit our Hunting
License and Firearm Information section for additional information.
For
more information contact 1-800-731-400 or (705) 329-7662
or visit the Canadian Firearms Centre at www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
For information on traveling to Canada please visit:
www.travelcanada.ca or call 1-800-O-CANADA(1-800-622-6232)
You can also visit: http://www.canadawelcomesyou.net/
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