Do I Need to Fill Out a Customs Form When Entering Canada?

Not necessarily. Everyone entering Canada must make a customs declaration, but you may not need to fill out a paper customs form. At many Canadian airports, travelers complete their declaration electronically at a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or eGate. Eligible air travelers can also submit an Advance CBSA Declaration through ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before arrival.

A paper CBSA Declaration Card (E311) may still be used if one is provided. The process depends on how and where you enter Canada.

Do all travelers entering Canada have to make a customs declaration?

Yes. Travelers entering Canada must make the required customs declaration. However, the declaration does not necessarily have to be completed on a paper form.

How Do You Make a Customs Declaration When Entering Canada?

1. At an Airport Kiosk or eGate

At many Canadian airports, travelers can make their customs and immigration declaration electronically using a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or eGate.

You generally need to:

• Scan your passport or other travel document.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Answer questions about your trip and the goods you are bringing into Canada.
• Complete and certify your declaration.
• Take the kiosk receipt, if issued, and present it to a border services officer.

PIKs and eGates are available at many major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montréal-Trudeau, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton.

2. Through Advance CBSA Declaration

Eligible air travelers can optionally complete an Advance CBSA Declaration through ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada.

This allows you to submit your customs and immigration information before your trip. When you arrive, you still need to complete the required identity and declaration steps at the airport kiosk or eGate.

Using the Advance CBSA Declaration is optional, but it can help make the airport arrival process faster.

3. With a Paper CBSA Declaration Card

You may still encounter a paper CBSA Declaration Card (E311). If a declaration card is provided to you, follow the instructions and complete it accurately.

Therefore, it is not correct to say that Canada has completely eliminated paper customs forms. The main change is that many travelers at major airports now complete their declarations electronically.

4. When Entering by Land or Sea

If you enter Canada by land or by sea, you must report to the appropriate border services process and declare the goods you are bringing into the country.

The exact procedure can vary depending on the port of entry and how you are traveling. You may be required to answer questions from a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer or follow another applicable reporting procedure.

What Do I Need to Declare When Entering Canada?

You must provide a complete and accurate declaration. Depending on your circumstances, this can include:

• Food, plants, animals and related products, including meat, seeds and plant products.
• Firearms, weapons and other restricted or prohibited goods.
• Commercial goods or goods for business purposes.
• Cannabis and cannabis-containing products, subject to Canada's rules.
• Currency or monetary instruments totaling CAN$10,000 or more.
• Goods that exceed applicable personal exemptions or require permits or other documentation.

If you are unsure whether an item must be declared, it is safer to declare it and ask a CBSA officer.

Do I Need to Fill Out a Paper Customs Form at a Canadian Airport?

Not always. At many major Canadian airports, travelers can complete their customs declaration electronically at a kiosk or eGate instead of filling out a paper form.

However, a paper CBSA Declaration Card may still be used when one is provided. The absence of a paper form does not mean that you do not have to make a customs declaration.

Can I Use ArriveCAN Instead of a Customs Form?

Eligible air travelers can use ArriveCAN's Advance CBSA Declaration to submit their customs and immigration information before arriving in Canada. The declaration can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival.

However, the Advance CBSA Declaration does not remove the need to complete the required arrival process at the airport. You still need to use the appropriate kiosk or eGate and follow CBSA instructions when you arrive.

What Happens If I Do Not Declare an Item?

Canada requires travelers to make a complete and accurate declaration when entering the country. Failing to declare goods, currency, or other items that must be reported can result in delays, penalties, seizure of goods, or other enforcement action, depending on the circumstances.

If you are uncertain about an item, declare it and ask a CBSA officer for guidance.

Bottom Line

You must make a customs declaration when entering Canada, but you do not necessarily need to fill out a paper customs form. At many airports, the declaration is completed electronically through a kiosk or eGate, while eligible travelers can use Advance CBSA Declaration through ArriveCAN before arrival. A paper CBSA Declaration Card may still be used when provided.

Always declare required goods and currency or monetary instruments totaling CAN$10,000 or more to avoid problems at the Canadian border.