What Not To Bring On A Trip To Canada

You should always expect security to be tight at airports

, especially at the terminals. Not only do security officers need to check that incoming visitors are not carrying anything illegal or potentially threatening to the public, but customs officials also need to make sure that all items brought into the country are permitted and that any taxes due have been properly charged. Of course, they also need to check the passports and visas of arriving travellers, which is worth a discussion on its own, given new requirements such as super visa insurance and minimum salary thresholds for Canadian host families.

While these requirements tend to slow up the entry process on their own, clearing customs and immigration will take even longer if customs inspectors discover that you are carrying prohibited items with you. If that happens, spending a long time at the airport and fielding questions will be the least of your worries. Given the foregoing, travellers should take note of the following items that are not permitted in any airport, much less in a Canadian airport:

Firearms

This is common sense; virtually every airport and public transportation terminal in the world prohibits civilians from carrying any type of unauthorized firearm. This means only authorized security officials are allowed to carry firearms. Even then, security officers are required to undergo extensive background checks and be properly trained and fully authorized to carry weapons. Pepper spray and mace are also not allowed at airports.

Fresh Produce

Canada will not allow foreign travellers to bring fresh fruits and vegetables into the country. If you're thinking of bringing a container of salad to eat along the way, you may be able to carry it into airports where you have stopovers, but be sure that it has been consumed before you reach Canada.

Meat and dairy products are also prohibited (although customs may make concessions for families with young children who are still on baby formula). If you want to bring food along for the trip, you"re safer with dry, packed food.

Narcotics

Illegal drugs are always prohibited in international airports around the world. If you are found to be in possession of these drugs you will be automatically turned over to customs officials and you may be charged with drug possession and trafficking. You should note that most countries have very heavy penalties and jail sentences for drug couriers. In Canada, the maximum penalty for importing and exporting drugs is life imprisonment with a first offense penalty fine of up to CAD $100,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

Plants and Endangered Animal Species

Visitors to Canada are not allowed to bring in plants, soil or endangered animals from their home country. This prohibition extends to products made from skins and body parts of endangered animals.

Cultural Property of Your Home Country

Although family heirlooms are permissible, you won't be able to bring into Canada antiques and other items of significant cultural value to your home country. You need to have authorization from your country's historical and cultural office before exporting these items, and carry documents with you to prove that items you are importing into Canada have been authorized for export or properly classified as family heirlooms.

by: Edward Edland

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