Pope Francis in Canada: CBSA advice for crossing the border

Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Canada on Sunday, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is expecting a surge of travelers entering Canada and has issued a reminder of what to expect.

« The CBSA is working with government and industry partners to alleviate long wait times at the border, but there are also things travelers can do to make the process easier for themselves and for other travellers, » the agency said in a statement Friday.

Here is how the CBSA recommends that travelers prepare for their visit:

• Check border waiting times in advance. Anyone crossing the border by land is advised to do so early in the morning or during off-peak hours.

• All travellers, including Canadian residents, must declare all their goods to the CBSA.

• Regardless of their vaccination status, all travelers must enter their vaccination information on the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before entering Canada, whether traveling by air, land or sea.

• The admission standards of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act must be met and foreign nationals must present the necessary travel and immigration documents.

• Prepare all your papers. The ArriveCAN receipt, a valid passport or other travel document, proof of vaccination, and identification for each passenger in the vehicle must all be available for presentation to the border services officer.

Pope Francis is expected to land in Edmonton on Sunday before heading to Quebec City on Wednesday and Iqaluit on Friday. He is expected to apologize for the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the residential school system.

His visit to Canada is expected to last six days and he will leave for Rome on Friday.

For more information on visiting the Canadian border, visit the CBSA website or call 1-800-461-9999.