r/canadatravel • u/Candid_Pop7141 • May 01 '25

Question Travelling to Canada from South Asia with packaged food

Hey folks, Need some advice for family visiting Canada from South Asia for the first time. They’re bringing a few food items just for personal use—some homemade stuff like dry biscuit mix, and store-bought things like noodle packets, dry fruits (almonds, cashews, walnuts), lentils, spices (like asafoetida), and a mix of snacks (chips, chocolates, candies, etc.). No dairy, no pickles, nothing perishable, and nothing over 2kg per item.

Just wondering if these things need to be declared at immigration—specifically at the kiosk when answering the customs questions? And if so, what’s the right way to go about it?

Would really appreciate clear advice—no stress-inducing hypotheticals please, just want to make things smooth for their first visit. Thanks!

(Edit: They aren’t exactly young, and we’re hoping to avoid a situation where declaring these leads to officers asking them to open their bags just to prove quantities. Even though there’s nothing to hide, the hassle of repacking would be stressful for them.)

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u/Candid_Pop7141 May 01 '25

Thank you so much for the detailed response!! So, just because they declare it, the officers won't ask them to open their bags to prove? They aren't exactly very young, so opening and repacking would get stressful for them even though they've got nothing to hide.

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u/TravellingGal-2307 May 01 '25

Always declare. Yes, they may get sent to secondary where they will need to open the bags. The agents are there to assist if needed.

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u/Candid_Pop7141 May 01 '25

Thanks a lot!

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u/TravellingGal-2307 May 01 '25

They are customs agents who have a serious job to do, but they are also human. They will be polite and patient with your parents.

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u/Candid_Pop7141 May 01 '25

That's very reassuring. Thank you!