Abbotsford Airport: Duty-Free Shopping Experience

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is located in Abbotsford, Canada. The airport offers a range of services and amenities for travellers, including food, retail, and ground transportation options. While there is limited information about the availability of duty-free shops within the airport, it seems that duty-free shopping is currently unavailable at the time of writing. However, there are duty-free shops located near the airport, such as the Aldergrove Duty Free, which is just a few minutes away. Additionally, travellers crossing the border into the US can take advantage of duty-free shopping at Abbotsford Duty Free, which offers a wide range of tax-free products. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on duty-free purchases for those travelling to the United States due to USCBP Pre-Clearance processes.

What products are available at Abbotsford Duty Free?

Abbotsford Duty Free, located at 45 Sumas Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8B7, Canada, offers a wide range of products for travellers. Established in 1986, it serves both Canadian and American travellers heading to the USA. The shop offers significant savings, with prices up to 50% lower than local market prices due to its tax and duty-free status.

Abbotsford Duty Free carries a diverse selection of products, including alcohol, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics, giftware, and confectionery. They have a large selection of quality liquors, including liquor, beer, and wine. For those interested in cosmetics, they offer a range of duty-free cosmetics and perfume options. Tobacco users can find tobacco and vapes, while those looking for gifts can explore their gift and confectionery section.

In addition to these products, Abbotsford Duty Free also provides savings and discounts. Travellers can save the tax when shopping at the store before crossing the border. The shop also claims to offer "more than you expect" and provides opportunities to get discounts through email subscriptions.

It is worth noting that as of November 2024, the Abbotsford Airport's Duty Free Shop is unavailable. Travellers can contact Abbotsford (Huntingdon) Duty Free for further information.

Is shopping for duty-free on arrival into Canada permitted?

Abbotsford Airport Duty-Free was established in 1986 to serve Canadian and American travellers heading to the USA. The shop offers a wide range of products, including alcohol, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics, giftware, and confectionery. However, it is currently unavailable, and travellers are directed to contact Abbotsford (Huntingdon) Duty Free for further information.

Regarding duty-free shopping on arrival in Canada, it is important to understand the regulations outlined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Duty-free shops are intended for customers leaving Canada, and goods purchased must be immediately exported. The CBSA licenses duty-free operators at 52 land border and international airport locations across Canada.

When arriving in Canada, individuals must declare any goods obtained outside the country to the CBSA. This includes items purchased at duty-free shops, either Canadian or foreign, that are still in their possession. Canadian citizens and permanent residents must go through the customs declaration process, which may vary depending on the mode of travel. For those entering by commercial airline, an on-screen declaration can be made using a kiosk or eGate, involving scanning travel documents, a photo, and answering questions.

It is important to note that certain goods may be restricted or prohibited from being brought into Canada, such as food, plants, animals, and related products that pose a risk, as well as endangered species and specific types of ammunition. Additionally, items like health products, antiques, and cultural objects may require a permit or written authorization. All weapons and firearms must be declared.

In summary, while duty-free shopping is available at Abbotsford Airport, it is currently unavailable. Duty-free shopping in Canada is primarily intended for individuals departing from the country, and specific regulations and restrictions apply for items brought into the country upon arrival.

What are the rules for crossing the border?

Abbotsford Airport does have a duty-free shop, but it is currently unavailable. The shop usually carries a wide selection of duty-free items, including alcohol, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics, giftware, and confectionery.

Rules for Crossing the Border

When crossing the US-Canada border, there are several rules and requirements that must be followed. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Vaccination Status: As of February 28, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada from any country are no longer required to undergo an expensive PCR test. Instead, they can opt for a cheaper rapid antigen test approved by the country they are coming from, as long as it is taken within 24 hours of their flight or arrival at the land border. Unvaccinated travellers, on the other hand, will need to undergo testing upon arrival and again after eight days, and they must also quarantine for 14 days. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet specific exemptions.
• Documentation and Declarations: All travellers, regardless of vaccination status or length of absence, are required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (using the mobile app or website) before arriving in Canada. This includes providing proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan. Additionally, travellers must declare any goods purchased at duty-free shops, and there may be limits on the quantity of certain items that can be brought across the border.
• Surveillance and Security: Canada has implemented enhanced surveillance measures along the US-Canada border, including aerial surveillance using helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers between ports of entry. This is done to target transnational organized crime, disrupt the flow of illegal drugs, and manage irregular migration.
• Asylum Claims: According to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US, asylum-seekers must make their claim in the first country they arrive in. Typically, asylum-seekers attempting to enter Canada through regular border crossings are sent back to the US. However, there is a controversial rule that allows migrants who enter Canada clandestinely and evade authorities for 14 days to claim asylum and have their cases heard.

Are there buying restrictions for duty-free products?

Abbotsford Airport in Canada does have a duty-free shop, but it is currently unavailable. The shop usually carries a wide selection of duty-free products, including alcohol, tobacco, fragrances and cosmetics, giftware, and confectionery.

Now, onto the buying restrictions for duty-free products.

Duty-free shops are located in international airports, border towns, ports, cruise ships, and on board international flights. They offer travellers the opportunity to purchase specific items without paying taxes such as import, value-added, and sales tax. While duty-free shopping can provide significant savings, it's important to be aware of certain restrictions and limitations.

Firstly, duty-free restrictions vary across countries, with many nations imposing tax-exemption limits on the quantity of items you can buy. Going beyond this limit will result in paying additional taxes, which may outweigh the savings of buying duty-free. Alcohol, tobacco, and fragrances are typically subject to strict allowance restrictions. Most countries, for instance, allow the purchase of up to 200 to 400 cigarettes, while alcohol restrictions are based on quantity and alcohol content.

Additionally, when making a duty-free purchase, you will usually be asked to display your boarding pass. This serves two purposes: it informs the retailer about your destination, which determines your purchase allowance, and it ensures that you are not sold any products prohibited in your destination country. It's important to be mindful of these restrictions, as exceeding your allowance may result in confiscation of items upon arrival.

Furthermore, duty-free alcohol is often sold in pre-sealed bags to deter passengers from consuming excessive alcohol during the flight. These sealed bags may need to be checked in for connecting flights, depending on the travel itinerary.

Lastly, it's worth noting that duty-free shops are not always the cheapest option. While duty-free items are generally cheaper than regular retail prices, it's advisable to compare prices before making a purchase. In some cases, the savings may be negligible, especially when considering online retailers for certain products like electronics.

Where is Abbotsford Duty Free located?

Abbotsford Duty Free is located in Aldergrove, minutes from Abbotsford International Airport on the Canadian side. The address is 111 264th Street Diversion, Aldergrove, BC, V4W 2L7, Canada. Abbotsford Duty Free was established in 1986 to serve both Canadian and American travellers heading south into the USA.

The Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is located at 30440 Liberator Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6H5, Canada. The airport serves the Abbotsford area in Canada and has a variety of food, retail, and services for travellers' convenience. While the airport does not currently have a duty-free shop, travellers can find a full-service shop called YXX Gifts-to-Go, which offers a range of goods such as magazines and snacks.

For those interested in duty-free shopping, the Abbotsford Duty Free store, located near the airport, carries a wide selection of alcohol, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics, giftware, and confectionery. It is open every day except Christmas Day.

It is important to note that shopping for duty-free items upon arrival in Canada is not permitted. Departure duty-free shops are available in all major international gateway airports, but restrictions may apply for those travelling to the United States and undergoing the USCBP Pre-Clearance process.

Frequently asked questions