Visas Overview
Most Western visitors don't need a visa to visit Canada for up to 180 days. Travellers from South Africa, China, North Korea, Taiwan, Eastern European and developing countries do require them. Entry stamps for visits of up to six months are free.

Customs Overview
Personal effects such as sports equipment, cameras and laptops can be brought into Canada without much trouble. Declaring these to customs as you cross the border might save you some hassle when you leave, especially if you are going back and forth across the US-Canada border more than once. Importing or exporting money in any form up to a value of 10000.00 can be done without formality, but larger amounts must be reported to customs. Under most circumstances, it is illegal to bring firearms, pepper spray or mace into Canada. Complicated regulations also govern the import of fruit, vegetables and plants, so check with a Canadian consulate in your home country for exact details. Don't even think about bringing in illegal drugs, including marijuana and hashish, as sentences can be tough.

Because of foot-and-mouth disease and mad cow disease, bringing in any meat products is not recommended, and carrying perishable food (such as fresh produce) and plant material of any sort may be more trouble than it's worth.

If you're travelling with a dog or cat, make sure you have a signed and dated certificate from your vet to prove that Fluffy has had a rabies shot in the past 36 months.

For more information, check the website of the Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

Duty Free

Adults (generally anyone age 19 and older, though it varies by province) can bring in 1.1L (40ozs) of liquor or a case of 24 beers as well as 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 400g of tobacco (all cheaper in the USA). You can bring in gifts up to 60.00 in value.