Bringing Cigars Home

Here is a cheat sheet on the restrictions of bringing cigars home to Canada.

Universal Canadian Limits (same for every country)
• After 48+ hrs away:
– 50 cigars 100% duty-free
– Up to 200 more allowed (pay ~CAD $15–$25 per 50 in tax)
– Absolute max: 250 cigars total
• Cuban cigars: fully legal in Canada
• Must be 19+ and for personal use only

Allowed from Anywhere

Cuba, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, USA, Europe, Mexico, etc. → same 50/250 rule

Only Country That Causes Trouble: Transit via USA
• U.S. preclearance in Havana = you go through U.S. customs in Cuba
• Cuban cigars = 0 allowed (seized + possible fine/NEXUS loss)
• Non-Cuban cigars = max 50 through the U.S.

Fixes if you must fly via USA
1 Fly direct or via Mexico/Europe (best)
2 Ship cigars from Cuba to Canada (DHL/FedEx, ~CAD $60–$120 for 50)
3 Bring only non-Cuban cigars

One-Line Packing Rule
Carry-on only → small travel humidor + Boveda pack + receipts → declare everything in Canada.

That’s literally everything you need. Enjoy the trip!