Important Documentation When Entering Canada or the U.S.A.
1. Canadian Gun Law
Since January 1, 2001 new laws governing the importation of firearms into Canada has taken effect. Hunting clients will still be able to bring their rifles with them into Canada, but there is now a form and a fee that has to be dealt with at the point of entry into Canada.
However, little has changed for our clients coming into Canada from the United States or other parts of the world. Usually clients crossing into Canada either by air or when driving have very little problems.
2. Forms
- The Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Forms are available on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
- Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form (CAFC 909)
- Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet (CAFC 910)
- What to do with the CAFC 909 and CAFC 910 forms?
- The form is to be presented upon your arrival at the border.
- The Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form CAFC 909 should be completed before leaving home as it will speed up your entry into Canada.
- Remember the form must be presented in triplicate, UNSIGNED, to a customs officer at your first point of entry to Canada.
- There is also a small fee to be paid. Payment is accepted in cash or credit card.
- Don't forget - NO HANDGUNS allowed in Canada.
- To book a hunt with Dunedin River Outfitters it is compulsory for every hunter to fill out and forward to our office the following document: Hunting Application Form [PDF]; Hunting Application Form [RTF].
3. Passports
- A passport is a certified document that confirms citizenship. It does not guarantee access across the border If there has been a criminal offense.
- Beginning June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), requires anyone entering Canada to have a passport or other appropriate secure document.
- WHTI currently requires anyone, including U.S. citizens, entering or re-entering the United States to have a passport or a NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.
- Where can American travelers get a U.S. passport?
- A good start would be to go to the following web site: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. This site will allow you to find the nearest location to apply for a passport. It is provided by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services/Customer Service, which designates many post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other state, county, township, and municipal government offices to accept passport applications on its behalf. This web site allows you to search by one of three search scopes - Zip Code, State, or State/City. Once you enter your criteria, click on the "Search" button to view a list of the nearest designated passport application facilities.
- First-time passport applicants are required to apply in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States. Applicants should bring two regulation size photographs of themselves, proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license. The trick to remember with passport is to apply EARLY.
- U.S. passport renewals can be done by mail if the recent passport is available to submit, is not damaged, was issued within the past 15 years and you were over age 16 when it was issued. Applicants must either still have the same last name, or can show legal proof of name change. For detailed information about obtaining or renewing your U.S. passport, visit the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services Office at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html , or access U.S. passport application services from the United States Postal Service at http://www.usps.com/passport//
- What are the requirements if children are traveling with you?
- carry identification, such as a birth certificate, proof of citizenship or student visa for each child under 18 years old;
- divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents;
- adults who are not parents or guardians must have written permission from the parents or guardians to accompany the children;
- When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should travel in the same vehicle as the children for border crossing.
- Travel Updates?
- Visit the U.S. Department of State Web site frequently for international travel updates at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.
3. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that all hunters purchase travel and health insurance directly after booking a hunt. Please note that each person will be required to sign a waiver releasing Dunedin River Outfitters from all risks.