Answers to your most frequently asked questions
You can stop at Duty Free before visiting the U.S. This way you can jump the border crossing queue while you take advantage of deals on Canadian products.
Why Duty Free?
Are all Duty Free products tax free?
Yes, shoppers save the tax on all products sold at our stores; except for food consumed on premises, i.e. coffee.
Can I buy Duty Free products online?
You must make Duty Free purchases in person; so it is not possible to purchase Canadian Duty Free products online for home delivery. More
Select stores offer pre-order purchases for pick-up, please check your local store listing if they offer this service.
Is there a warranty on purchases?
Standard manufacturer warranties apply to Duty Free purchases and you should contact the manufacturer to resolve issues.
Can I return purchases?
Some Duty Free purchases can be returned. Please check your local store for details.
Why does Duty Free ask for my license plate?
License plate information is collected because we must keep it on file in the event that Canadian or American Border Services requests it.
Can I use American dollars to purchase goods in a Canadian Duty Free store?
You can use both Canadian and American currency at Duty Free. Please contact the store nearest you for the exchange rate.
Do I save both tax and duty?
At Duty Free, shoppers save both the tax and duty on most items. Basically, taxes are paid when purchases are made; duties are paid when products are brought into a country. More
Consumers are most familiar with sales taxes. Sales taxes are imposed on purchases made between a consumer and a business (for example: GST, PST, HST, state taxes).
There are also excise taxes on certain goods that the producer pays to the government. In Canada, there is excise tax on gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol.
Duties are levied on items that are imported or exported into a country (i.e., customs duties). These duties end up in the cost of the product, bot not in Duty Free stores.
Customs Allowance
I spent more than my exemption - can I combine my purchases with another person?
Canadian residents are not allowed to combine customs allowances upon their return to Canada. More
For example, if you and your spouse qualify for the $400 customs allowance, you may each bring in $400 of goods for a total of $800. However, you both may not import a single $900 TV and claim the customs exemption. In fact, it is likely that you will have to pay duty on the entire $900, not just the value that is above any one or both your personal customs allowances.
Americans are allowed to combine customs allowances so long as the items being brought over are within the monthly customs allowance
What do I have to declare?
Cross border travellers should declare all purchases, gifts and prizes. Personal belongings that you need for the trip (clothing, personal care products, camping gear, etc) do not need to be declared. More
It is best to travel without jewellery, and if you must, bring with you an appraisal form or other document showing prior ownership.
High-value items with serial codes (professional equipment like cameras) can be recorded on a Y38 Form at U.S. Customs so that when you return to Canada, you have proof of prior ownership.
Business travellers should declare items such as samples, marketing materials, tools of the trade, and professional equipment. These items are usually duty free if used for the purposes of conducting business.
In all cases it is best to research.
What happens if I do not declare a purchase and I am caught?
If you are caught not declaring some or all of your items the consequences will be determined by border services and are likely dependant on the severity of the omission.
Find out information about the Canadian Border Services Agency.
What if I bring back more than my personal exemption?
You will likely be asked to pay the duty and taxes; you might get lucky and waved through. More
Be aware that your goods may qualify for no-duty or low-duty status (under WTO, NAFTA, Most Favored Nation agreements). If you do not declare and are caught, the consequences are determined by the U.S. Border Services department.
Find out information about the Canadian Border Services Agency.
Does my child qualify for a customs exemption?
Yes, children are eligible for a customs allowance. Parents or guardians will declare the purchases on the child's behalf, but the items must be for the child's use. More
Canadian children's customs allowance cannot be combined with their parents, and children do not qualify for the alcohol or tobacco exemption.
What is a NAFTA exemption?
You save the duty on NAFTA exempted items, and only pay the sales tax, even if the value is over and above your customs allowance. More
Your length of stay is not relevant, so even if you have been across the border just for a few hours, you would save the duty, and only pay the sales tax. NAFTA exempted items are goods made in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico and include items like: cellphones, video games, books and hair dryers.
Consider that your goods might fall under WTO or Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and qualify for no or low-duty.
Israel, Costa Rica and Chile have special duty arrangements with Canada. Goods made in these countries qualify for lowered duty.
Border Facts
Your questions answered 
I am Canadian, can I shop at Duty Free?
Yes, you can. If you are Canadian you can shop at Duty Free. There are advantages to shopping with us. More
You can find unique Canadian products at lower prices than other retailers in Canada, and you can find products often not found in the U.S., like local award-winning wines, for example, ice wines. You're also supporting local economies.
Does every border crossing have a Duty Free store?
Canada and America share 140 border crossings. Only 27 offer the benefits of Duty Free shopping. More
Follow this link to find the Duty Free store nearest you.
If I live in Canada and visit a Duty Free store can I turn around and never leave Canada?
You cannot stop at Duty Free and stay in Canada. In order for shoppers to take advantage of the savings in tax, you must also cross the border.
If I stop at Duty Free, do I still have to go through customs?
Yes, it's the law. Be sure to follow the Canadian or American border crossing guidelines and be aware of customs allowances.
Is there a difference between Canadian and U.S. Duty Free?
Yes, Canadian and U.S. Duty Free stores are separate business entities and are not related. More
Canadian Duty Free stores are located on the Canadian side of the border and are owned and operated by independent business people.
Border crossing procedure
Do I have to pay a fee to cross the border?
There is no fee to visit a Duty Free store, however there is a border crossing toll charge at select border crossings. You can pay in Canadian or U.S. currency.
What kind of questions are asked at the border?
Most of the time Border Services will ask questions related to your citizenship, as well as questions related to your journey (Where are you going? How long have you been away?). More
The process typically takes 1 to 2 minutes.
What is the border crossing procedure if I'm part of a bus group?
Passengers of a bus group undergo the same procedures as passengers of private vehicles.
My child seat meets Canadian safety regulations. Do I have to change it when driving in the US?
You do not need to change your baby seat when driving to the U.S. if you are driving a Canadian—registered vehicle on a personal or business trip. More
If you plan to move to, and live in, the U.S. you will need to purchase a U.S. standards-approved baby seat. The reverse is true for Americans, round-trip journeys in personal vehicles do not require changing your baby seat.
Documents and identification you'll need to cross the border.
For Canadian adults
I'm Canadian, do I need a passport?
Canadians 16 years old and over can enter the U.S. by showing a valid piece of one of the following proofs of identification to the customs officer at the border: More
- Canadian passport
- NEXUS card
- Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
- Enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC)
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status
Click here for information on renewing your passport.
For Canadian minors
Do Canadian children need passports?
Canadians 15 years old and under can enter the U.S. with an original (or a photocopy) of a birth certificate, or an original citizenship card. More
Canadians 16 years old and over will require a passport, NEXUS pass, FAST pass, Enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC).
I'm a minor (18 years old or younger), can I travel alone to the U.S.?
Yes, you can, however you should have written consent from your parents or guardians. If you are under a certain age you will almost certainly require written consent. Please visit Canadian Border Services or the U.S. Department of State for the latest information.
For Canadian residents who are not citizens
I'm a permanent resident/landed immigrant. How do I visit the U.S.?
Permanent residents in Canada must first apply for a non-immigrant visa and present this with their passport to U.S. customs officials. Find out here if you need a non-immigrant visa. More
For Americans
I'm American, do I need a passport?
U.S. Citizens can present a valid: passport; passport card; Enhanced Driver's License; trusted traveller program card (NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI); More
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when travelling in conjunction with official maritime business, if eligible; or U.S. Military identi?cation card when travelling on official orders.
Click here for the latest requirements for Americans crossing the border.
For everyone
Do I need different documents depending which way I cross the border?
Generally, Canadians and Americans require similar documents (passports, NEXUS cards) but there are some differences. More
Please review all the information in this section for further details or visit Canadian Border Services Agency or the Department of Homeland Security.
Questions about medical and travel insurance
Do I need travel insurance?
If you are travelling in a personal vehicle, buying travel insurance is a personal choice. More
If you are part of a tour group, you may want to consider travel insurance. Canadians are recommended to purchase medical insurance.
Do I need medical insurance?
Assume that your Canadian government health care plan is not valid abroad. Only a small portion of medical expenses may be covered. It is recommended that you purchase additional medical insurance for your trip to the U.S., even if you are going for just one day. More
For Canadians travelling to the U.S., but driving through another province first, additional medical insurance is also recommended because government health plans are not fully valid between provinces.
Americans will often need to purchase additional medical insurance. Please check with your insurer.
Questions about search and privacy
Do I need to go through a body scanner?
Body scanners are a technology used at airports. At the moment, they are not used at land border crossings.
Will my luggage/vehicle be scanned?
Vehicles are scanned for RFID tags and radioactivity while they wait in line, just ahead of the customs officer booth. Your luggage is not directly scanned, but is covered in this process.
Can customs search my laptop, camera and mp3 player?
Yes, U.S. customs has the legal right to open and review your electronic devices.
Potential problems at the border
I have a criminal record; can I still cross the border?
Yes, you can. However it does depend on your conviction and the time since your last conviction. More
You may require permission from U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services, and possibly need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver.
Can I drive a car that is not registered in my name? Like my father's car?
You can drive a car that is not registered in your name. However, it is best to have the written consent of the car owner to avoid suspicion. Ensure you have proof of insurance and registration.
I'm travelling with kids who are not mine (i.e. driving a sport team to a competition). What do I need to be aware of?
You must have written consent from the parents or guardians giving permission for the children to leave the country. More
The consent should state the name and contact information of the parent / guardian. It is also recommended to have the consent letter notarized Please visit Canadian Border Services or the U.S. Department of State for the latest information.
I'm travelling with my children but not with my spouse. What do I need to be aware of?
If you are travelling with your children, but the other parent / guardian is not with you, it is prudent to get written consent. The consent should grant permission for the children to leave the country, and state the name and contact information of the other parent / guardian. Please visit Canadian Border Services or the U.S. Department of State for the latest information.
I'm travelling with my grandchildren but not with their parents. What do I need to be aware of?
If you are travelling with your grandchildren, but their parents / guardian are not with you, it is prudent to get written consent. The consent should grant permission for the children to leave the country, and state the name and contact information of the parents / guardian. Please visit Canadian Border Services or the U.S. Department of State for the latest information.
Can I drive a rental car over the border?
Yes, generally you can drive a rental vehicle across the border. You should inform your car rental company that you will cross the border and they will inform you of their individual policies. It is best that you keep a copy of the rental agreement with you.
There is one exception, Canadians may not drive a U.S. owned rental car in Canada.
What can or can't I bring across the border into the U.S.
Do I have to declare food? Even my sandwich?
Travellers to the U.S. must declare all food, plants and animals. This includes fruit, vegetables, snacks and beverages. More
Food prepared in the home, such as a sandwich, is listed as exempt from requiring declaration. However, to avoid an innocent mistake, it is safer to declare. Be aware that if the value of the food you bring is above your customs allowance, you may have to pay duty.
Can I bring my prescription medicine?
Yes, you can bring your prescription medicine, however, please ensure you follow these guidelines: More
- Keep each medicine in its original container with identification label
- If possible, carry a copy of the prescription in case you are asked for it. This may help you too if you lose your medicine and need it filled outside of Canada.
- Check that your medicine is legal in the U.S.
Can I carry large amounts of cash across the border?
You can carry up to $10,000USD without declaring it to customs. You can carry more, but you must declare this to U.S. Customs.
Can I carry firearms across the border?
Canadians will need an export permit. Contact the Export Controls Division of International Trade Canada to find out more. More
Americans should have registered their firearm with the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms before leaving the U.S.
Visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency for a complete reference to what can and cannot be brought into the U.S.
Pets and animals
Can I bring a pet?
Yes, you can bring your pet with some conditions. Some States require cats to have proof of rabies vaccinations, and all More
Customs officials may request a veterinarian inspection if they suspect your cat is ill. Dogs must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies. Any pet suspected of illness will likely be detained by customs. You do not have to pay duty on your pet cat or dog.
Can I transport a horse?
For horses and all other animals please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture for importation details.
What happens if I have visited a farm?
You should inform U.S. Border Services if you live on, or visited, a farm or if you have been around livestock. Unless you have been to a country with known health and safety issues, your farm visit is unlikely to be an issue.
