Last year the Emerson border crossing saw 11,800 travellers in 4,700 vehicles over May long weekend. Afternoons and evenings typically have the longest wait times, especially on the Sunday and Monday of a long weekend, said CBSA Communications Officer Luke Reimer.
“You can beat the rush by crossing in the morning instead. And we recommend using the Emerson Port of Entry because it is open 24/7 and has the greatest processing capacity during peak travel times,” Reimer said.
Travellers can download the CanBorder app to track wait times from their mobile device.
Reimer also reminds drivers to know personal exemption limits: once you have been out of country for 24 hours you can claim goods of up to $200CAD free of duty and taxes, which increases to $800CAD after 48 hours.
Travellers should check CBSA’s website to learn what foods they can and cannot bring across the border.
“Certain goods are restricted or prohibited because they can harbour foreign animal and plant pests and diseases,” Reimer said.
All prohibited items should be accurately declared to avoid stiff penalties. Travellers are encouraged to learn the requirements for travelling with kids, as border officers watch for missing children and may ask detailed questions.
