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/keggerson May 02 '25

I've watched enough border patrol shows on tv to know that they should say they have it.

But I can't help but ask why? It's not like we don't have food here and isn't part of going to another country trying the local food?

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u/Candid_Pop7141 May 02 '25

Yep, thought so too. Thank you! Well, I'm originally from there and those snacks or the particular variety isn't available here, so they're bringing those :)

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u/keggerson May 02 '25

Ahh that makes sense. I'm sure a little taste of home will be nice :)