Can I Do My Canadian Customs Declaration Online?

Yes. If you are flying into Canada through a participating international airport, you can use the Advance CBSA Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration information online up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. It is optional, not mandatory — you can also complete your declaration at a self-service kiosk, an eGate, or using a paper declaration card where available.

How Do I Complete My Canadian Customs Declaration Online?

You can submit your Advance Declaration through the ArriveCAN mobile app or its web version.

Follow these steps:

• Sign in to ArriveCAN and start a new declaration. Enter your passport or Canadian permanent resident card details for everyone in your group.
• Answer the customs and immigration questions honestly.
• Submit your declaration at any time within the 72 hours before you arrive.

Once submitted, you'll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email with a reference number. However, your declaration is not finalized yet. When you arrive, you'll still need to scan your travel document at the available kiosk or eGate, review your information, and certify your declaration.

Advance Declaration is designed to save time at the airport; it does not replace the final border declaration process.

A few practical limits also apply: up to 5 travellers can use one kiosk at a time, and eGate eligibility has age and other requirements. NEXUS members should also check the current CBSA instructions because Advance Declaration and NEXUS processing have specific limitations.

Quick Answer

Question	Answer
Can I do my Canadian customs declaration online?	Yes
How early can I submit it?	Up to 72 hours before arrival
Is Advance Declaration mandatory?	No
Where can I use it?	Participating Canadian international airports
Do I still need to complete the process at the airport?	Yes
Can I change my declaration after submitting it online?	Yes, at the airport kiosk or eGate if needed
What if I do not use Advance Declaration?	Complete the declaration through the normal airport process

In short: You can submit your Canadian customs and immigration information online before your flight using Advance CBSA Declaration in ArriveCAN, but you still need to review and certify the declaration when you arrive in Canada.

What Happens After I Submit My Advance Declaration?

Submitting your information online is not the final step.

When you arrive at a participating airport:

1. Scan your passport or Canadian permanent resident card at the available kiosk or eGate.
2. Review your declaration and make any necessary changes.
3. Certify and submit your final declaration.
4. Take the kiosk or eGate receipt and follow the instructions from the CBSA border services officer.

If your travel plans or answers change before you arrive, you can update your declaration at the airport kiosk or eGate.

What If I Don't Submit My Declaration in Advance?

That's fine — Advance Declaration is optional.

You can complete your declaration after landing through the border-processing facilities available at your airport:

• Self-service kiosk or eGate: Available at participating Canadian airports. You can complete your declaration electronically after arrival.
• Paper Declaration Card: A paper card may be provided in circumstances where electronic declaration facilities are not available. Follow the instructions provided and have the completed card ready for the border services officer.

One Declaration for Multiple Travellers

You do not necessarily need a separate Advance Declaration for every person travelling with you.

• Advance Declaration: Up to 8 travellers can be included in one submission, including the person completing it.
• Paper Declaration Card: Up to 4 people living at the same address can be included on one card.

Each traveller remains responsible for providing accurate information, even when travelling as part of a group.

Which Canadian Airports Accept Advance Declaration?

Advance Declaration is available to travellers whose first point of arrival in Canada is one of the participating international airports.

Participating airports listed by CBSA include:

1. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
2. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Terminals 1 and 3
3. Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
4. Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
5. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
6. Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
7. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
8. Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
9. Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
10. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Airport participation and available processing options can change, so check the current CBSA information before travelling.

FAQ - Canada Customs Declaration Online

Is the Online Canadian Customs Declaration Mandatory?

No. Advance Declaration is optional.

If you do not submit your declaration online before travelling, you can complete your declaration when you arrive in Canada using the available kiosk, eGate or other border-processing method.

Can I Submit One Declaration for My Whole Family?

Yes. Up to 8 travellers can be included in one Advance Declaration submission. A paper Declaration Card can include up to 4 people living at the same address.

Each traveller is still responsible for the accuracy of their information.

Can I Still Declare My Customs Information at the Airport?

Yes. You do not have to complete Advance Declaration online.

If you do not use the online service, you can make your customs and immigration declaration when you arrive in Canada through the border-processing facilities available at your airport. At airports using kiosks or eGates, you can complete the declaration electronically on arrival.

Can I Use a Paper Declaration Card?

Yes, where a paper card is provided. However, travellers should not assume that every Canadian airport uses paper declaration cards. Many air travellers now complete their declaration electronically through kiosks or eGates.

If a paper card is provided, follow the instructions on the card and present it to the appropriate border services officer.