Do You Go Through Customs When Entering Canada?
Yes. Most travellers entering Canada must go through the CBSA border process and provide the required information about themselves and what they are bringing into the country. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checks travellers, travel documents, and goods to make sure they meet Canada's immigration and customs requirements.
The exact process depends on how you enter Canada. Air travellers may use a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK), eGate or speak with a border services officer, while travellers entering by land report to a CBSA port of entry.
Summary of the process
- Primary inspection → identity check + immigration and customs declaration
- Baggage claim → collect luggage when arriving by air
- Secondary inspection, if required → additional questions, document checks, or examination of goods/luggage
Secondary inspection is a normal part of CBSA border processing and does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong.
What Happens at Canadian Customs?
When you arrive in Canada, you complete the applicable primary inspection and declaration process. At an airport, this may involve scanning your passport or Canadian permanent resident card at a kiosk or eGate and answering questions about your trip and what you are bringing into Canada.
A CBSA officer may ask about:
- Your identity and travel documents
- The purpose of your trip
- How long you plan to stay in Canada
- Where you will stay
- What goods, food or other items you are bringing
- The amount of currency or monetary instruments you are carrying
You must answer questions truthfully and declare the goods and items required by Canadian law. CBSA advises travellers to declare everything they have with them upon entry into Canada.
Learn more: What Do You Have to Declare at Canadian Customs?
Secondary Inspection and Luggage Checks
Even if your documents are in order and you have made an accurate declaration, you may still be referred to secondary inspection. This can involve additional questions, document checks, or a closer examination of your goods, luggage, or vehicle.
Being sent to secondary inspection does not by itself mean that there is a problem. CBSA uses additional examination as part of its border-processing and enforcement procedures.
What Happens If You Do Not Declare Something?
You should always provide a complete and truthful declaration. Failing to properly declare goods or monetary instruments that must be reported can lead to consequences such as:
- Seizure of undeclared goods or funds
- Monetary penalties
- Additional examination or enforcement action
- Criminal prosecution in some circumstances
For example, currency or monetary instruments totaling CAN$10,000 or more must be declared when entering Canada. Failure to properly declare them can result in seizure and monetary penalties.
The consequences for other undeclared goods depend on the item, the circumstances, and the Canadian law that applies.
Do You Always Have to Go Through Customs When Entering Canada?
For most travellers who are entering Canada, yes. You must complete the applicable CBSA border process and provide the required information about yourself and what you are bringing into the country.
There are, however, specific procedures for certain types of travel. For example, under Canada's Free Flow International-to-International Transit process, eligible international passengers connecting through participating Canadian airports may be able to proceed directly to their next international flight without physically meeting a CBSA officer or using a kiosk. The process currently applies at Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport (Terminal 1), and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
Therefore, entering Canada and transiting through Canada without entering the country are not necessarily the same process.
FAQ - What Happens When You Go Through Customs in Canada
Do I Have to Declare Everything I Bring Into Canada?
You should declare everything you have with you upon entry so CBSA can determine whether additional requirements, restrictions, duties or taxes apply. CBSA specifically advises travellers to declare everything they have with them.
Do I Go Through Customs Even If I Have Nothing to Declare?
You still need to complete the applicable border-processing requirements when entering Canada, even if you have nothing to declare. Depending on your arrival method, this may involve a kiosk, eGate or border services officer.
Is Customs a Separate Line From Immigration in Canada?
Not necessarily. For many airport arrivals, immigration and customs information is handled together during the primary inspection process through a kiosk, eGate or border services officer.
Does Using ArriveCAN Mean I Skip the Inspection at the Airport?
No. The Advance CBSA Declaration in ArriveCAN is optional and allows eligible travellers to submit their customs and immigration information up to 72 hours before arrival. When they arrive, they still scan their travel document, review or edit the declaration if necessary, and certify and submit the final declaration at the kiosk or eGate.
Will I Be Refused Entry for Forgetting to Declare Something Minor?
There is no single outcome for every declaration mistake. Depending on the circumstances, consequences can include seizure, monetary penalties, additional examination or other enforcement action. Serious cases may involve criminal prosecution.
What Should I Do If I Am Not Sure Whether Something Needs to Be Declared?
Declare the item and ask the CBSA officer. This allows the officer to determine whether it is permitted and whether duties, taxes, restrictions or other requirements apply.
