As people make their preparations for the May Long Weekend, so are officers of the Canadian Border Services Agency.

"We are expecting higher than normal traffic volumes this weekend," explains Luke Reimer, a communications officer with the CBSA. And he has a few tips to make crossing the border as smooth as possible.

"What we usually see in the Sunday and Monday evenings, is that traffic levels build. So one of the things we would encourage returning Canadian to do, is to cross in the morning if possible."

"Also, keep your travel documents handy. A passport is the best bet because it is internationally recognized but other identification such as a birth certificate can be valid for Canadian citizens returning to Canada."

"We would also encourage travellers to know your purchases and know where your receipts are and to know your personal exemptions and restrictions. For an absence of more than 48 hours, you can claim goods up to $800 Canadian. Be aware that the exemption limits are in Canadian dollars. So if you are buying something in the United States, make sure that you remember that the exemption limit will apply to the Canadian value, not the American value."

"If you run into car trouble, and have to make emergency repairs, make sure you are declaring those at the border as well. Emergency repairs are duty and tax exempt but you still must declare it at the border."

And he adds that it is not just Canadians who are crossing the borders.

"Something we would advise to the American travellers coming up is to declare your firearms or else leave them at home. But it also applies to Canadians in the sense that if you are going down to the States this weekend, make sure that the items you are buying are allowed back in Canada. There are certain items such as prohibited weapons which include butterfly knives, switchblades that are readily available in the States but are not allowed in Canada."

He advises all travellers to check the CBSA website or call the border information line at 1-800-461-9999.

"Any time you cross the border, declare what you are bringing in."

He also adds that CBSA officers are trained to watch out for missing children, so be prepared for any questions related to any children in the vehicle. Those parents who share custody must also have a consent letter with contact information for the other parent should a border officer ask for it. 

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