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Guidance provided by: Joe Potosky - The Lost Target Quick Page Links 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.
1. Download and fill out the declaration prior to arrival. Don't sign it!
2. Stop at US Customs: If firearms or other high value items have not been previously registered with US Customs, residents of the U.S. must first stop at American Customs prior to entering Canada and complete Customs Form 4457.
3. Identification: If a citizen of the United States, you don't need a passport or passport card to enter Canada; however, you will need a government issued photo ID, such as a drivers license. Also, have in your possession proof of citizenship; birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status. When flying, a Passport is required to return to the US. Follow this Link in regard to Identification Requirements for re-entering the states.
Effective June 1, U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License or other travel documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
4. Warning: If you have been arrested at any time, to include DUI, read the following; Criminal Record
5. Canada Firearms Centre: Gun Users Visiting Canada You can receive an extension to your Declaration from the Chief Firearms Office for the province you are visiting. To extend your Declaration, call the Canadian Firearm Center and they will connect you. This extension must be granted prior to the 60-day expiry and requires no additional fee. Restricted firearms may not be imported for hunting or personal protection. Chief Firearms Officers will not generally issue authorizations to allow restricted firearms to be moved in transit through Canada. Restricted firearms include semi-automatic firearms with barrels less than 18.5 inches (460 mm) long, all handguns that do not fall into the prohibited category and semi-automatic weapons that are designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to an overall length of less than 26 inches (660 mm). Firearms declared Prohibited in Canada (including .25 or .32 calibre handguns, and/or having a barrel length of 105mm or less) cannot enter Canada under any circumstances.
Residents of U.S. - Prior to Departing the United States 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.
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 thiry minutes to your planned crossing time!
1.Download nonresident Firearm Declaration Form (909 E/F)
b. At Canadian Customs, declare your firearm and ammunition. * 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! c. You will be directed into the customs building DO NOT BRING FIREARMS INTO THE BUILDING UNLESS REQUESTED!!! 2. 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. If a member of a Canadian club, have your membership card available. - 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! 3. You are required to present a photo ID (drivers license or other official government photo ID). 4. A registration number will be placed on the application. Every time you enter Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency will complete Section E and issue a new confirmation number. 5. 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. Using a credit card in Canada normally results in the best exchange rate.
Pre-processing Non-Resident Firearm Declaration 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. Returning to the United States: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Flying: Passport required. 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.
Individuals with criminal records wishing to enter Canada can apply for a waiver. This should be done 3 - 4 weeks in advance of the intended visit. 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. 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 easily obtain this information, and entry into Canada may not be permitted. DUI/DWIs as old as 20 years have stopped people at the border, even if they did not spend so much as one day in jail. A must read article: Going to Canada?
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 Note: If you do not have a Minor's Licence, you can still use firearms of any class so long as you 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 you to be able to take immediate action to prevent you from doing anything with the firearm that is unsafe or against the law. This provision affects cadets or 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. Your company will automatically make the conversion, but check with your company in regard to fees. If not returning to Canada, spend your Canadian money prior to leaving. U.S. bank fees for converting may be excessive. 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: May 2009
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