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Guidance provided by: Joe Potosky - The Lost Target
Visitors may import non-restricted firearms (shotgun/rifle) into Canada for legitimate purposes:
When entering Canada with a firearm a "Nonresident Firearm Declaration" must be completed.
You can receive an extension to your Declaration from the Chief Firearms Office for the province you are visiting. Prior to Entering Canada
1. Download the declaration.
2. Identification: You do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If entering the USA after a visit to Canada, you will need a Passport or Enhanced Drivers License! If flying, only a passport will be accepted.
3. Warning: If you have been arrested at any time, to include DUI, read the following; Criminal Record
4. Canada Firearms Centre: Gun Users Visiting Canada If firearms or other high value items have not been registered with US Customs, stop at American Customs prior to entering Canada and complete Customs Form 4457.
The form may be processed ahead of time and remains valid for re-importation of the registered articles for as long as the document is legible. The certificate is not transferable. It takes only minutes to complete. Customs will require make, model, and serial number.
You can contact the regional U.S. Customs office in your region and arrange to have this done prior to your trip.
If you must stop at U.S. Customs on the day of crossing, add ten minutes to your planned crossing time!
1. If a US citizen, have your Customs Form 4457.
2. At Canadian Customs, declare your firearm and ammunition. You will be directed into the customs building
DO NOT BRING FIREARMS INTO THE BUILDING UNLESS REQUESTED!!! * Travel Warning: At certain times of the year, especially in August, a wait of two hours may be experienced just to reach the customs booth at some crossings!
3. It's up to you to convince the agent that you have a valid reason to have a firearm.
- It's recommended you have a shoot program or shoot magazine that lists the shoot.
- Hunters should have their hunting license or receipt from an outfitter.
- If visiting a club or friends to target shoot, have club name or friends address information.
- Travel to Alaska from Washington is common and should not present a problem. Hand guns will not be allowed! 4. You are required to present a photo ID (drivers license or other official government photo ID).
5. A registration number will be placed on the application. If you did not download an application, one will be provided. Each time you enter Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency will complete Section E and issue a new confirmation number.
6. Once the form is processed you will be required to pay $25 Canadian. Most border crossings accept credit cards. Your credit card company will handle the exchange rate automatically.
Did you find this information helpful?
Information of Interest
Canada allows for the import of 200 rounds duty free for hunting purposes, or up to 1,500 rounds duty free for use at a recognized competition and also allows for more than three firearms to be temporarily imported.
However, US persons have limits on what can be removed from the USA.
I've never seen it questioned, but if you have more than three firearms in your name and/or over 1,000 rounds of ammunition when returning to the states, you may have problems on your re-entry into the states.
Also, under the laws of Canada a Canadian may import:
- propellants, smokeless powder in containers not exceeding 4 kilograms and black powder in containers not exceeding 500 grams, up to a maximum total combined quantity of 8 kilograms, (17.66 pounds). Once again this is in conflict with U.S. law. A US person (as well as a Canadian) must have an export permit to remove the items from the USA and import into Canada. As well, a US person needs an import permit from Canada!
As a side note. If your bringing a barrel into Canada to sell or to give to a friend, it requires an export permit.
Pre-processing of the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form 909 EF) is available through Customs offices at some high-traffic land border and airport entry points. To take advantage of this service, you must enter Canada at one of these sites.
Please contact Customs officials ahead of time at the most appropriate site to you for details of the process. Entering Canada: Canada Border Services If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you. When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you. Travelling with Children Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. It is also recommended that they have a letter of authorization from the other custodial parent to take the child on a trip out of the country. Such a letter will confirm that the child is not being abducted or taken against his/her will. The parents’ full name, address and telephone number should be Included in the letter of authorization. When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The permission letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached. CBSA officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you. Re-entry into the United States: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Required at land and sea borders:
U.S. citizens: CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. Flying: Passport required. In the interests of Homeland Security, Canada and the USA have been sharing information on criminal records. In many cases this information is tied to driver's licence records, passport numbers and photo identification software. If a person has a criminal record, customs personnel can easily obtain this information and entry into Canada may not be permitted. A DUI can be cause to deny entry. It should be noted that Driving Under the Influence convictions are considered a criminal offense in Canada. Individuals with criminal records without waivers can be refused entry. Contact the nearest port of entry Canada Immigration office for more information. A must read article: Going to Canada? Individual Rehabilitation You can apply for individual rehabilitation if at least five years have passed since you have completed all your criminal sentences and probation. To apply for individual rehabilitation, you must submit an application, and pay a processing fee. Applications for rehabilitation can take over a year to process, so make sure you plan for your visit far enough in advance. Deemed Rehabilitation You may be deemed rehabilitated if at least 10 years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed for your crime. Some requirements for deemed rehabilitation include:
* The offence would be punishable in Canada by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than 10 years. You are not required to submit an application to be deemed rehabilitated. * DUI's would fall under the 10 year rule. You do not need a license if you remain under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult (aged 18 or older). Unlicensed non-residents who will not be under direct supervision must obtain a Temporary Borrowing License. The Borrower's form must be completed before entering Canada and a sponsors signature will be required. Application for a Non-resident Temporary Borrowing Licence. Please note, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration does not currently permit you to borrow firearms in Canada. You cannot acquire a firearm by any means, including as a gift, nor can you bring a firearm into Canada. However, you may use firearms in certain cases Without a minor’s licence, the minor may still use firearms of any class providing they are under the direct and immediate supervision of someone who is licensed to possess that class of firearm. This generally means that the licensed person must be close enough to them to take immediate action to prevent any unsafe or illegal use of the firearm. This provision affects cadets and members of other youth organizations who receive instruction in the use of firearms or who take part in target practice. It also applies to young people who go hunting or who use restricted or prohibited firearms in organized shooting competitions. American's can apply for a five year Canadian Possession and Acquisition License (PAL). A Canadian Firearms Safety Course certificate is required. Classroom attendance for this course is is not required, as long as you pass the written test (multiple choice). Active shooters should pass the test with little problem. A fee is charged for taking the test. Check with a Canadian club or outfitter for testing locations/dates. After you completed the test/course and received your Firearm Safey Course card, you will process the same application as does a Canadian citizen, Application for a Possession and Acquisition Licence Submit your license application with a letter from your local police department, on department letterhead, stating your a citizen in good standing. The local sheriff supplied my letter after he ran my drivers license through the system. Don't send the original letter, just a copy. It took three months from start to finish to receive my PAL (license). If you have not traveled to Canada before: Ammunition Purchase: Visitors will be able to purchase ammunition with Canadian firearms license, a confirmed firearms declaration form, or a Temporary Borrowing License. Transporting Firearms: Transport all firearms unloaded. If you are transporting them in a vehicle, they must be kept out of sight in a part of a vehicle that is kept locked (the trunk, if there is one), unless the vehicle is supervised by an adult. Fuel: Gasoline is expensive ($1 more per gallon), gas up prior to entering the country. They price by the quart (1 liter = 1.056 quarts or 0.264 gallon) Exchange Rate: You can use your U.S. issued credit card in Canada. Your company will automatically make the conversion. Check with your company in regard to credit card conversion fees, as they can be excessive. If not returning to Canada, spend your Canadian money prior to departing, as U.S. banks may take 20% of face value, if not more, when converting to US dollars. Auto Insurance: Check with your auto insurance company, they may have to issue a permit so you can show your vehicle is insured while in Canada. Medical Insurance The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Automobile Radar Detectors The Canadian provinces that DO NOT ban use of radar detectors are: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. Pet Canada for Visitors Information for Visitors to Canada Duty-free Exemption - Returning to US: US Customs - Know Before You Go
Page Update: December 2009
Posted By: Joe Potosky
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