Returning to Canada
There's a ton of information to process and lots of useful tips to remember when moving back to Canada, we hope to have at least some of those answers here.
The Administration (out-clearances etc.) is not different than if you were in Canada. The only difference is that it takes a bit longer to complete. With proper planning you should have no problems but you need to plan ahead. You are responsible to ensure your administration and financial liabilities are taken care of prior to departure. Caution: Rules and regulations may have changed since the time this page was created. This page is not the final authority but is only a guide. For critically important items you should confirm information from the main reference.
Good Information is also available under:
Note that most sections will do briefing presentations before you return to Canada.
Vehicle
Pets
Canada Customs
Firearms & Weapons
Liquor/Wine
Employment Insurance
Returning by Sea
Purchasing a vehicle in Europe and bringing it back to Canada can be confusing. You must make sure that the vehicle is North American specs, and if it is an American vehicle, it must still be on the official list of importable vehicles. In general, the rule is you can bring in a vehicle whose make is 15 years or older, based on the month and year. There are some exceptions, however.
The best way to find out if your vehicle is legal to import, or to see the documentation needed and various costs, the best place to go is to the source: the Registrar of Imported Vehicles.
Importing a Motor Vehicle into Canada -
Visit Transport Canada's Web Site
or phone them at 613-998-8616
How to import a vehicle in Canada
Canada Boarder Services Agency - Importing a vehicle in Canada
IMPORTING VEHICLE See the following site:
Bringing pets back to Canada isn't difficult, as long as you have the right information and paperwork. Whether it's cats, dogs or something more exotic, Agriculture Canada has all the information for what you will need to provide upon arrival and what your pet will need as well. The CFIA Website has a very handy search engine that tells you exactly what you need, and all you have to do is type in the breed / species of your pet. Just fill in the parameters and the requirements will be there.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Website
There are a few ways to bring your pet back to Canada. If you are flying back, then you can opt for either the airline's services for pet carrying, or you may choose to go for a third party pet carrier company that will supply the materials needed for your pet to fly with you. Please note that if you are returning with Air Canada, some restrictions may apply. See the Air Canada "Travelling With Your Pet" page, and/or call Air Canada for more information.
Canada Border Services Agency:
Canada Customs regulations are complicated and extensive. The information that follows is a “snap shot” of information but you should consult the www. locations provided for additional information based on your personal circumstances. When importing goods into Canada it is an individual responsibility to arrange for clearance through Canada Customs. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with CFAO 20-17 (DIN only), concerning Customs Regulations and with the Web sites identified throughout this page.
Ownership, Possession and use Requirements for Items Purchased in Europe:
If you have lived outside Canada for at least one year but less than five, you must have owned, possessed, and used your personal and household effects for at least six months before you return to Canada to resume residence. Bills of Sale and Registration Documents will help you prove that you meet these requirements. It is important that you meet the three requirements of ownership, possession, and use. For example, if you owned and possessed the goods without using them, the goods would be subject to duties. Leased goods are subject to regular duties, as we do not consider that you own them.
Importing Firearms and Weapons:
Visit the following Web Site: Importing Firearms and Weapons.
Alcoholic beverages must be packed in boxes separate from the remainder of your HG&E, and these boxes are to be loaded at the rear of the shipping container to enable ease of access for Customs officials. No opened bottles will be accepted for shipment and homemade wines will not be accepted unless the bottles have manufactured seals. You should obtain a permit to import alcoholic beverages from the applicable provincial liquor board authority and pay the provincial assessments in advance of shipment. To obtain release of the shipment in Canada you will have to produce a copy of the provincial receipt and pay the applicable Canada Customs assessments and GST. Application for an import permit should be made at least 3 months prior to your fly date.
**PROVINCIAL LIQUOR BOARD TELEPHONE NUMBERS:**
Province or territory Telephone:
Newfoundland Liquor Corporation (709) 724-1124
PEI Liquor Control Commission (902) 368-5710
Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (902) 450-5884
New Brunswick Liquor Corporation (506) 452-6570
Société des alcools du Québec (514) 873-8520
Liquor Control Board of Ontario (416) 365-5849
Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (204) 284-2501
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (306) 787-4238
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (780) 447-8694
British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (604) 252-3324
Yukon Liquor Corporation (867) 667-5244
Northwest Territories Liquor Commission (867) 874-2100
Returning by Sea - Queen Mary 2 (QM2):
After a three or four year gruelling tour in Europe, many members like to relax on their way home by sailing on the paragon of luxury and class: the Queen Mary 2 (QM2). Called the largest, grandest ocean liner ever to sail the seas, the QM2 offers 15 bars and restaurants, 5 swimming pools, a day spa and much, much more. It's not hard to see why this might look like a fine choice. If you're interested, just follow the link:Queen Mary 2 (QM2)
If you have a pet: If returning to Canada onboard the QM2, then simply make a kennel reservation request when booking your voyage. Cunard offers much the same luxuries to pets as well as people.
