Canada is considered one of the most immigration-friendly countries in the world. Due to their open and acceptive attitude, a lot of people choose to move there on a regular basis. However, moving from one country to another requires different preparations and documentations than moving between cities or states. Although very open, knowing what you need to have and do is important. Today, we take you on a complete guide for Canada customs procedures. If you are moving to the country, you should consider hiring a professional moving company, like Number 1 Van Lines, to help you safely relocate your through into the country. That is, of course, if you get to pass through the customs, which should not be a real issue. To prevent you from creating an issue for yourself during this period, we construct this guide that should help you adequately prepare for this journey.
A complete guide for Canada customs procedures you will have to go through
The country of Canada is a part of the North American continent. With ten provinces and three territories, the country spans from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and northward to the Arctic Ocean. When looking at the sheer size of the territory, Canada is the second-largest country in the world.
The country’s capital is Ottawa with its three metropolitan areas of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. What makes Canada such a desirable place to live in is its liberal and social justice politics. Due to the lack of judgment on all parameters, Canada, to this day, represents one of the most open and inclusive countries in the world. It is estimated there are 38.3 million people living in the country. However, what are the procedures that you have to go through before getting into the country? Let us talk a little more about that.
First, let us talk about COVID
Unfortunately, we are still going and living through a pandemic. Because of this, a lot of countries imposed different rules and regulations when entering or leaving the borders of said country. As far as Canada goes, the rules basically resemble the ones that you would encounter around the world. Namely, to enter the country, you will have to have adequate documentation in form of a document confirming you are vaccinated if you are a foreigner. However, if you are a Canadian citizen, you will be able to enter the country. In addition, you will have to be in quarantine for a while, to ensure the health of the public. We understand that this might not be the most popular time to move to Toronto, for example, but sometimes, we cannot choose when we can move.
What documentation will you need to enter Canada?
Logically, one of the main Canada customs procedures will be to check and verify your legal documentation. As traveling anywhere can tell you, these documents are essential to your entry into the country. The documents you will have to bring with you are:
- a Canadian immigration visa
- Confirmation of the address of residents for yourself, and all the people that travel with you
- a valid passport for you and people traveling with you
- List of personal and household items you bring with you (two copies)
- List of the items that will arrive later, as well as their value (two copies)
Furthermore, it is important to note that you should NEVER pack these crucial documents into your luggage. Regardless of whether you arrive by plane, boat, or land, make sure that these documents are by your side at all times. Of course, there is more, but these documents are the essentials.
Canada customs procedures might require you to fill in the Customs Declaration Card
As the name suggests, before you enter the country, you might need to fill in the Customs Declaration Card. It would be wise that you fill in this card before arriving in Canada; meet with the customs and immigration officers. Basically, this card should contain all of the items that you will have to pay duty for, like alcohol, tobacco, or any gifts you might have on you. Additionally, you will have to report any amount of money that is larger than CND $10.000. Furthermore, any plants, business goods, food, firearms, etc. More importantly, what you should not place on this list are your personal or household goods that you are bringing into Canada. Upon your arrival, the list you filled in will allow the customs officer to safely and methodically check for those items. Once you pass the customs, you can meet with long distance movers Toronto.
Item inspection might happen to you
It is no anomaly that a person is separated from the rest in order to determine the items they carry. Of course, this does not have to be any cause for alarm. Instead, you should understand that this is a routine check-up that can happen anywhere you travel. So, if this happens to you, it can be either because the officer wants to identify the goods you carry or because you have a form to fill.
Canadian customs officers are legally allowed to perform this, one of Canada customs procedures, if they suspect anything, or simply want to do a routine checkup. To ensure that this goes as smoothly as possible, ensure that you separate your goods and make them accessible. In addition, if you are carrying any products with you, make sure you keep all of the receipts for those products. Knowing this will ensure that you meet long distance movers Hamilton upon arriving in Canada. Later, you can continue with your relocation.