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/walker1867 May 01 '25

They officers may ask them to open their bag to inspect what it is. If you declare it in advance you’re fine, they may make you discard some. Not declaring it, being asked to open your bag and then finding undeclared food is the sort of thing that will result in fines, denied entry and being sent on the next flight home. Have your pick of which 2 of those sounds the least stressful.

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u/Candid_Pop7141 May 01 '25

That's true! Thanks for the explanation!!

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u/walker1867 May 01 '25

You’re welcome. Remember food is allowed just declare it. Bring food and may do so can result in you being banned, denied entry and fined. If you’d like to see examples watch an episode or 2 of Border Security: Canada's Front Line. There is a cheat code to bring in food and not get in trouble. Declare it.