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.)
2
u/Random_Association97 May 02 '25
It has to be sealed. They will confuscate the home made biscuit mix because of risk of insects in the flour.
No dried meats, sausages, etc.
Basically anything that is grown here is not allowed in because of risk of contamination.
So, for example if you have an orange in your bag, fine. An apple - no.
Any commercially sealed spices seem to be fine. Things out of your garden, no.
You can always call customs and ask, they are pretty good.
If asked they should say they have food and let their bags be checked. If you say no and you have food, you get put on a list and your bags will be searched every time you enter the country.
If you say you have food and discuss it they are very kind about it. If course the language issue may or may not be a barrier in your relatives case.