Customs Information

Canadian customs information.

Personal Identification

Visitors entering Canada must present a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa. It is strongly recommended that you carry your passport with you at all times for identity purposes. Before entering Canada, all visitors are responsible for ensuring that they have the required documents necessary, whether they are travelling through to another country or returning to their country of origin. For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada regularly to ensure you have the latest information.

For delegates who are citizens or residents of the United States:

New passport requirements for travellers entering or returning to the United States

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), the United States has implemented new security measures for travellers entering or returning to the U.S.

For a user-friendly overview of the current travel document requirements, visit the WHTI website.

Air travel

As many American travellers know, as of January 23, 2007, a valid passport, an Air NEXUS card or a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document is now required from any person entering or returning to the United States by air.

Land and sea travel

All travellers, including U.S. citizens, must present either a WHTI-compliant document (such as a valid passport, an Air NEXUS card or a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document) or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

If you would like more information on these new requirements, visit the Web site of the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security or Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Customs and immigration information for meeting planners

The Canada Border Services Agency has developed streamlined border procedures and services to assist meeting planners and convention organizers in holding their meeting in Canada. Calgary is a destination fully capable of handling large shipments of material from the U.S. and around the world.

Canada Customs makes it possible for your material to clear customs following its arrival in Calgary. The on-site customs facility clears convention goods at the show rather than at the border, ensuring that your goods are not delayed when they arrive in Canada.

For more information, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency site or contact one of our member Customs Brokers.

Information regarding personal baggage and gifts for all visitors

Personal Baggage

Clothing and goods for personal use during your stay are admitted to Canada duty-free. In most provinces, limited quantities of tobacco products may be brought in duty-free by persons 18 years and over. Similarly, limited quantities of alcoholic beverages may be brought into Alberta by persons 18 years and over. Items such as cameras, tape recorders, computers and sporting equipment should be registered with the customs service in the traveller’s country of residence prior to departure in order to prove they were purchased prior to entry into Canada.

Gifts

Visitors to Canada may bring in gifts of a maximum value of $60 CA. Duty must be paid on any gifts in excess of this amount. Tobacco, alcohol and promotional materials may not be considered as gifts. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website for more detailed information.