ArriveCAN: Advance CBSA Declaration for Travellers Flying to Canada

Travelling to Canada involves more than booking a flight and preparing your passport. Depending on your nationality and travel purpose, you may also need the correct travel authorization, such as a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In addition, travellers entering Canada must complete the required customs and immigration declaration process at the border.

To make the arrival process smoother, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) offers ArriveCAN, a digital tool that allows eligible travellers to submit their customs and immigration declaration before arriving in Canada.

ArriveCAN is a digital tool that travelers can use to submit the Advance CBSA Declaration

What is ArriveCAN?

ArriveCAN is a free digital tool provided by the Government of Canada for travellers who want to save time at the Canadian border. Through ArriveCAN, travellers can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature to submit their customs and immigration declaration before flying to Canada.

This feature allows travellers to prepare their declaration in advance, rather than completing the full declaration process only after landing at the airport.

Is ArriveCAN mandatory for travelling to Canada?

ArriveCAN is not mandatory for all travellers. The Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional feature that allows eligible air travellers to submit their customs and immigration declaration before arriving at participating Canadian airports. Travellers must still meet all entry requirements and complete the required border process upon arrival. 

Travellers should still make sure they have the correct travel documents before departure.

What can travellers do with ArriveCAN?

Using ArriveCAN, eligible travellers can submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada. The Advance Declaration is available through the ArriveCAN mobile app or online through the CBSA website.

With an Advance Declaration, travellers can:

• Complete their declaration before departure
• Review their passport or permanent resident card details
• Answer customs and immigration questions in advance
• Receive a confirmation email and reference number
• Review, edit, or confirm the declaration at a kiosk or eGate after landing

According to the CBSA, using Advance Declaration may make the kiosk or eGate process up to 50% faster at participating airports.

Who can use the Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN?

ArriveCAN makes your trip to Canada smooth and convenient

Advance Declaration is currently available to travellers whose first point of arrival in Canada is one of the participating airports. The CBSA also notes that travellers must use a supported travel document, such as a passport or Canadian permanent resident card.

ArriveCAN does not currently support all types of travel documents for Advance Declaration.

Participating airports in Canada

Travellers can use Advance Declaration when flying into selected Canadian airports, including:

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Terminals 1 and 3
• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
• Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

The Canadian authorities may update the list of participating airports, so travellers should always check the official CBSA page before travelling.

How to submit an Advance Declaration by ArriveCAN

Submit the Advance CBSA Declaration independently

The process is relatively simple, but before you start, make sure you're using the latest version of the ArriveCAN app and that your profile is up to date.

• 72 hours before arriving. Step 1: Sign in to the ArriveCAN app or web version.

  Step 2: Confirm your travel identity document information.

  Step 3: Answer the customs and immigration questions truthfully.

  Step 4: Submit the declaration within Canada.

After submission, travellers should see a confirmation screen in ArriveCAN and receive a confirmation email with a reference number. When arriving at the airport, travellers still need to scan their travel document at a kiosk or eGate, review or edit the declaration if needed and submit the final declaration.

Submit the Advance CBSA Declaration with Optional Support from Canada eTA Services

Canada eTA Services offers an optional support service for travelers applying for a Canada eTA through our platform who also wish to submit their Advance CBSA Declaration before travelling to Canada.

For a service fee of USD 39, travelers can receive:

• Simplified information preparation: The required details can be updated from the traveler’s eTA application, helping reduce the need to prepare or re-enter the same information separately.
• 24/7 customer assistance: Travelers can contact our support team at any time if they have questions or need clarification during the process.
• Timing arranged according to the travel schedule: Travelers do not need to worry about when to obtain the declaration, as our service helps arrange the process based on the itinerary provided.
• A more convenient pre-arrival experience: This optional support service helps travelers manage an additional travel requirement more easily while preparing for their trip to Canada.

The USD 39 fee charged by Canada eTA Services is for optional assistance and support. It is not a government fee.

What happens after arriving in Canada?

After landing, travellers must still complete the required border process. This may include using an airport kiosk or eGate, confirming the declaration, receiving a receipt, and speaking with a border services officer if required.

If your declaration changes before arrival, you can edit it at the airport kiosk or eGate. If you do not confirm the declaration within 72 hours of submitting it, it may expire and you may need to submit a new one.

Common Mistakes Travellers Make With ArriveCAN

Assuming ArriveCAN replaces a visa or eTA

ArriveCAN does not replace a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Travellers should remember that:

• ArriveCAN is used to submit an Advance CBSA Declaration.
• A visa or eTA may still be required, depending on nationality and travel purpose.
• Completing ArriveCAN does not guarantee entry into Canada.

Submitting the declaration too early

Another common mistake is submitting the ArriveCAN declaration too far in advance.

This may cause issues if:

• Flight details change.
• Arrival date or airport changes.
• Accommodation or contact information will be updated later.

Travellers should complete the declaration within the recommended timeframe before arrival.

Using unsupported travel documents

Travellers should make sure the information entered in ArriveCAN matches the travel document used for their trip.

Common issues include:

• Entering the wrong passport number.
• Using details from an expired passport.
• Submitting information that does not match the Canada eTA or visa application.

Forgetting to confirm the declaration at the airport

After submitting the declaration, travellers should still follow the arrival process at the airport.

Travelers should:

• Confirm their declaration at a kiosk or eGate.
• Present their travel document for verification.
• Keep a copy or screenshot of the submitted declaration for reference.

ArriveCAN vs. Canada visa or eTA

ArriveCAN should not be confused with a Canada visa or eTA.

A visa or eTA is a travel authorization that may be required before boarding a flight to Canada, depending on the traveller’s nationality and purpose of travel. ArriveCAN, on the other hand, is a tool for submitting customs and immigration declaration information before arrival.

In simple terms:

• Canada visitor visa / eTA: Helps determine whether a traveller can travel to Canada.
• ArriveCAN Advance Declaration: Helps submit customs and immigration declaration information before arrival.
• Passport: Confirms traveller identity and nationality.

Travellers should prepare the correct travel authorization first, then use ArriveCAN if they want to complete their declaration in advance.

FAQ About ArriveCAN and Advance CBSA Declaration

Can I travel to Canada without ArriveCAN?

Yes, travellers can enter Canada without using ArriveCAN, as submitting details through the app is completely optional and is no longer required for entry.

Even though ArriveCAN is not required, you still need to prepare all mandatory travel documents. Depending on your nationality, this usually includes a valid passport and either an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Visitor Visa.

Is ArriveCAN still required in 2026?

ArriveCAN requirements can change over time. Although ArriveCAN is no longer required, travellers are strongly encouraged to use it. Completing your declaration before arrival can help speed up airport processing by giving you access to dedicated kiosks and eGates.

Does ArriveCAN replace a Canada eTA?

No. ArriveCAN does not replace a Canada eTA or visa. Travelers may still need a valid travel authorization before boarding their flight to Canada.

How early can I submit an Advance Declaration?

Eligible travelers can usually submit their Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada.

What happens if my declaration expires?

If the declaration expires before arrival, travelers may need to submit a new declaration with updated travel information.

Can I edit my ArriveCAN submission?

Yes. Travelers can generally update or resubmit their information if travel details change before arrival.

Which airports support Advance Declaration?

Advance Declaration is currently available at selected participating Canadian airports. Travelers should verify airport availability before departure.

Do I need ArriveCAN for a connecting flight in Canada?

Requirements may depend on whether travelers enter Canada formally during transit. It is recommended to check the latest transit and arrival guidelines before traveling.

What documents are usually needed for ArriveCAN or Advance Declaration?

Travelers commonly prepare:

• A valid passport
• Flight details
• Travel information
• A valid Canada eTA or visa if required for entry into Canada

Conclusion

ArriveCAN is a helpful digital tool for travellers flying to Canada. It is not a visa, not an eTA, and not a replacement for required travel documents. Instead, it allows eligible travellers to submit their customs and immigration declaration in advance through the Advance CBSA Declaration feature.

Before travelling to Canada, visitors should always check the latest entry requirements, prepare the correct travel documents, and review official information from the Canada Border Services Agency.