Do I need to fill out a customs form when entering Canada?

Yes — everyone entering Canada is required to make a customs declaration, either individually or as part of a family or group declaration. However, most air travelers no longer use the old paper ‘Declaration Card.’ Canada has a mostly modern system today, with travelers submitting their declaration by using airport kiosks (Primary Inspection Kiosks), by the optional Advance CBSA Declaration option through ArriveCAN, or by verbal interview at sea and land ports.

Here’s how the process works, depending on how you enter Canada:

1. Digital Customs Declaration at Airport Kiosks (Most Common Method)

At most major Canadian airports, passengers complete their customs declaration electronically after landing. You will use a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or eGate to:

Scan your passport
Confirm your travel details
Answer customs-related questions
Declare goods, food, currency, or restricted items

After completing the process, you will receive a kiosk receipt—or a digital confirmation at eGates—to present to a border services officer.

Airports using kiosks or eGates include:
Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC), Ottawa (YOW), Edmonton (YEG), and several others.

This system replaces paper declaration cards for the vast majority of air travelers.

2. Advance CBSA Declaration via ArriveCAN (Optional but Helpful)

At select airports, travelers can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN app. At select airports, travelers may optionally submit an Advance CBSA Declaration using ArriveCAN. This does not eliminate the need to use airport kiosks or eGates but may streamline the process.

Benefits include:

Quick service at kiosks or eGates.
Reduced waiting time in other terminals.

Travelers continue to run identity checks at the airport upon arrival.

3. Paper Customs Forms (Rare Situations Only)

Paper declaration forms have largely been phased out but may still be used in limited situations, such as at smaller ports of entry or during system outages. Nevertheless, it is possible to use paper forms:

In smaller regions where there are no kiosks.
In case of unavailability of electronic systems on a temporary basis.
Depending on the port, some arrivals of cruise ships or charters.

These cases are now uncommon.

4. Entering Canada by Land or Sea

When entering Canada by land or sea, travelers usually do not complete a written form. Instead, a border services officer will ask verbal customs questions, and you must declare any goods, food, or currency as required.

5. What You Must Declare When Entering Canada

Regardless of how you enter Canada, you must declare:

Currency over CAD $10,000
Food, meat, plants, seeds, and wood products.
Alcohol and tobacco are over personal exemptions.
Presents or items above tax-free thresholds.
Guns, arms, or contraband.
Goods or merchandise to be resold.

Providing accurate information helps you avoid delays and potential fines.

Conclusion

Travelers arriving in Canada are required to fill out a customs declaration, and the procedure is now mainly electronic, quick, and easy. The vast majority of air travelers will operate airport kiosks or eGates and can optionally submit ArriveCAN advance. Paper forms are rarely used, and land travelers usually submit their declaration verbally.

Understanding these procedures in advance helps ensure a smooth and efficient arrival in Canada.

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