Entering Canada with a firearm

Canada & Firearms

When entering Canada with a firearm a "Nonresident Firearm Declaration" must be completed.

The declaration is available at all border crossings, but can be downloaded and filled out prior to arrival.
The declaration is good for 60 days. It costs $25 Canadian, paid at point of entry.

You can receive an extension to your Declaration from the Chief Firearms Office for the province your are visiting.

To extend your Declaration, call the Canadian Firearm Center and they will connect you. The extension must be granted prior to the 60-day expiry and requires no additional fee.

You must be at least 18 years old to bring a firearm into Canada.
The declaration is only valid for the person who signs the declaration.
You can be processed by Canadian Customs in under twenty minutes.
Only under special circumstances will handguns be allowed and those allowed must be pre-approved.
Firearms temporarily imported, using a confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration, must be removed from Canada on your departure.

Prior to Entering Canada

Download the declaration.

CAFC 909 Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Download

Fill out three copies.
DO NOT sign the Form(s).
Leave blank areas on the form that you don't understand.
I you have more then three firearms:

Continuation sheet (CAFC 910) - PDF

Identification: You do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If entering the USA after a visit to Canada, you will need a Passport or Enhanced Drivers License! If flying, only a passport will be accepted.
Warning: If you have been arrested at any time, to include DUI, read the following: Criminal Record
Canada Firearms Centre: Gun Users Visiting Canada

U.S. Persons - Prior to Departing the United States

If firearms or other high value items have not been registered with US Customs, stop at American Customs prior to entering Canada and complete Customs Form 4457.

Tip: Register Items Before You Leave The United States

If your laptop computer was made in Japan - for instance - you might have to pay duty on it each time you bring it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item - such as sales receipts, insurance polices, or jeweler's appraisals - are acceptable forms of proof.

To make things easier, you can register certain items with CBP before you depart - including watches, cameras, laptop computers, firearms, and CD players - as long as they have serial numbers or other unique, permanent markings.

DO NOT BRING FIREARMS INTO THE CUSTOMS STATION UNLESS REQUESTED

The form may be processed ahead of time and remains valid for re-importation of the registered articles for al long as the document is legible. The certificate is not transferable. It take only minutes to complete. Customs will require make, model, and serial number.

You can contact the regional U.S. Customs office in your region and arrange to have this done prior to your trip.

If you must stop at U.S. Customs on the day of crossing it can add anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to your crossing time

Entering Canada

If a US citizen, have your Customs Form 4457, as it will be needed upon your return to the USA.
At Canadian Customs, declare your firearm and ammunition. You will be directed into the customs building.

DO NOT BRING FIREARMS INTO THE CUSTOMS STATION UNLESS REQUESTED

Manitoba

Entering Canada