With millions of Americans expected to head north for Black Friday deals and family visits, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) released a travel advisory on 25 November 2025 urging visitors and returning Canadians to “know before they go.” Last year the agency processed more than 93 million travellers, and volumes this holiday weekend are forecast to exceed pre-pandemic levels.
Key reminders include carrying valid travel documents—U.S. citizens should bring a passport or NEXUS card—declaring all purchases, and respecting restrictions on cannabis, firearms and certain foods. The agency also recommends using the ArriveCAN advance-declaration feature at major airports, which can shave minutes off kiosk processing times, and the CBSA Border Wait Time app to select the least-busy land port.
![CBSA issues border-crossing tips ahead of record U.S. Thanksgiving traffic]()
Business travellers should note that commercial lanes may experience intermittent congestion as retail imports surge. Companies moving time-sensitive goods should ensure drivers have complete e-manifests and be prepared for secondary inspections. The advisory also flags that temporary duty-free limits (C$800 after 48 hours) remain in effect and that poultry products from avian-influenza-affected U.S. states are prohibited.
The CBSA’s outreach is part of a broader winter-operations plan that includes surge staffing, extended hours at select crossings and real-time data-sharing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Cross-border carriers welcomed the clarity, saying it helps avoid costly delays and ensures employees arrive for Monday shifts.
Travellers are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts, as an Arctic front bringing lake-effect snow could further slow traffic in Ontario and Québec.—See related snow-storm story below.
Key reminders include carrying valid travel documents—U.S. citizens should bring a passport or NEXUS card—declaring all purchases, and respecting restrictions on cannabis, firearms and certain foods. The agency also recommends using the ArriveCAN advance-declaration feature at major airports, which can shave minutes off kiosk processing times, and the CBSA Border Wait Time app to select the least-busy land port.
Business travellers should note that commercial lanes may experience intermittent congestion as retail imports surge. Companies moving time-sensitive goods should ensure drivers have complete e-manifests and be prepared for secondary inspections. The advisory also flags that temporary duty-free limits (C$800 after 48 hours) remain in effect and that poultry products from avian-influenza-affected U.S. states are prohibited.
The CBSA’s outreach is part of a broader winter-operations plan that includes surge staffing, extended hours at select crossings and real-time data-sharing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Cross-border carriers welcomed the clarity, saying it helps avoid costly delays and ensures employees arrive for Monday shifts.
Travellers are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts, as an Arctic front bringing lake-effect snow could further slow traffic in Ontario and Québec.—See related snow-storm story below.
