Escapees July-August 2023

Y es, fi rst, you must cross an inter national border, and you must be aware of a few rules. However, it doesn’t need to be complicated or scary, so don’t let the thought of crossing the border stop you from visiting Canada. Canadian Border Services Agency The best place to fi nd current information on border crossing is the Canada Border Services Agency website or CBSA. I can’t stress enough that this is the go-to place to fi nd current information on what is needed for crossing the border, identi fi cation, laws regarding weapons, food restrictions and any other questions. Laws change period ically, so before you plan on crossing the border, check with the CBSA website. What can I expect when I reach the Canada/U.S. border? Sometimes the fear of the unknown prevents people from stepping out of their comfort zone. Knowing in advance what to expect makes the experience much more manageable. The border agent may request the following information: • Identi fi cation • Vehicle information/including insurance • Weapons—do you have fi rearms or other weapons with you? • What food is in your RV—particularly poultry, eggs, fruit and vegetables • Pets—current veterinary documentation • Your destination/length of travel in Canada • Criminal record • Drugs—do you have any drugs in your RV? Knowing in advance that these questions could be asked of you when you reach the border, you will be prepared before you get in line. Have the following ready and available: • Identi fi cation documents for each person, including children • List of food onboard your RV – including pet food • Paperwork for permitted guns/weapons • Documents for your pet • Be prepared for expected questions Referrals to secondary inspection are a normal part of the cross-border travel process that any visitor to Canada may

experience. Not to worry if the border agent requests that you pull over to the side and possibly go into the of fi ce. The agent may request entry into your RV, and it’s perfectly legal for them to look through everything if they feel the need. Co-operation is the key— remember they are just doing their job, and you shouldn’t have any problems. What documents do I need to enter Canada? Currently, a passport is a preferred ID to have with you, but the CBSA website indicates the requirements as listed here: Suppose you are a U.S. citizen or perma nent resident. In that case, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certi fi cate, certi fi cate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card or a Certi fi cate of Indian Status along with photo identi fi cation. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, be sure to carry proof of your status, such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card . Inform the border agents of all food items you have in your RV. Before you arrive at the border, make a list of food you have in your RV, so that when a border agent asks what you have, it’s easy to hand over your list. They can then scan it for any areas of concern. Always declare what you have—it’s not worth being refused entry into Canada over something so simple as not letting the border agent know you have an egg in your refrigerator. They may or may not ask what food items you have, where they came from, and their intended use in Canada. It’s discretionary. What food can I bring into Canada? It’s important to check with the CBSA before arriving at the border to ensure you know the current rules and restrictions regarding food. For example, at times, concerns such as the Avian Flu might create restrictions on poultry or eggs. As of September 19, 2022, retail pack aged AND fully cooked poultry products are acceptable for import from any U.S. state, regardless of outbreak status (such as Avian Flu). The label may say Ready to Eat, Cooked, Fully Cooked, or any equivalent

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023