Canada Advance CBSA Declaration - Canada Arrival Passenger declaration

Updated on Jan 12, 2024 | Canada eTA

Passengers must fill out a customs and immigration declaration before entering Canada. This is necessary to pass through Canadian border control. This used to require completing a paper form. You may now complete the Canada Advance CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) Declaration online to save time.

For several Canadian international airports, the advanced declaration may be made online via the ArriveCAN service.

Note: A visa or travel authorization is not included in the CBSA Declaration. Depending on their country, passengers must also have a current Canada eTA or visa in addition to the declaration.

How many passengers can fill a CBSA Declaration in a single form?

A Declaration Card issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can be used to identify each passenger. On a single card, you can include up to four residents of the same address. Every passenger is in charge of making their own declaration. Any money or monetary instruments worth at least 10,000 Canadian dollars that are in a traveler's real possession or luggage must be reported.

What is an Advance CBSA Declaration?

A computerized customs and immigration form that may be finished before leaving home is called the Advance CBSA Declaration for Canada. As there is no need to complete the customary paper form, this reduces the amount of time spent at the border check upon arrival.

The Canada Border Services Agency or CBSA. The government organization in charge of border and immigration control is this one.

Note: As part of its initiatives to provide more cutting-edge, effective, and user-friendly services for arriving passengers, the CBSA established the Advance Declaration.

Advantages of the Canada Advance CBSA Declaration

Time saved upon arrival is the major benefit of completing the Canada Advance CBSA declaration.

There is no need to manually fill out the paper form or use an eGate kiosk at border control by prefilling the declaration form online.

According to data gathered by the CBSA, visitors who complete the Advance Declaration pass through immigration control 30% more quickly than those who must deal with the paper form at the kiosk.

How do I fill out a Canadian Customs Declaration Form?

The Advance CBSA Declaration, a Canadian customs declaration, is now available online. Through the ArriveCAN service, this is accomplished.

Simply fill out the sections on the online form with the necessary data. After that, confirm the submission of your declaration.

To minimize time at the airport, it is advised that travelers complete the Advance CBSA before taking a flight to Canada.

When departing from or arriving at one of Canada's major international airports, utilize the Canadian Advance CBSA Declaration.

  • Other ports of entry require travelers to provide their information at an eGate or kiosk when they arrive, OR
  • When you arrive, fill out the paper customs declaration that was provided on the trip and present it to a border official.

How can I print my Canada Visa Waiver Application?

A confirmation email indicating the eTA request has been granted is provided to the applicant after it has been authorized.

Although it is not required, travelers may choose to print this confirmation email. The passport and the permission are connected.

What questions do I have to answer on the CBSA declaration for Canada?

The questions about CBSA declarations are simple. They cover these things:

  • Passport or equivalent travel document
  • Where are you arriving from
  • Any goods you are bringing into Canada
  • Groups travelling together can include all their information in the same declaration.
  • After entering the necessary information, click to verify that it is accurate and submit the declaration.

Note: The procedure is intended to be quick and straightforward. The goal is to expedite the arrival immigration control procedure.

Where can I use the Canada Advance CBSA Declaration?

The following international airports can be reached by using the online CBSA declaration for Canada:

  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (Terminals 1 and 3)
  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)

The following airports will be added to this list in the near future:

  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
  • Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)

What Is the Arrivecan Health Declaration?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ArriveCAN platform was first developed so that travelers could complete the Canada health declaration form.

Travelers will no longer be needed to submit a health statement through ArriveCAN as of October 1, 2022.

You may now complete the Advance CBSA Declaration via ArriveCAN. Passengers can benefit from a quicker border crossing by doing this.

Note: COVID-19 is not related to this new ArriveCAN service.

Canada travel health measures

Emergency COVID-19 border restrictions were lifted. starting on October 1, 2022:

  • Proof of vaccination is not required
  • COVID-19 tests are not required before or after arrival
  • Quarantine on arrival is not required
  • Health declaration through ArriveCAN is not required

Although health checks will not be carried out, you should not travel to Canada if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The standard CBSA statement and Canada eTA application must still be completed by passengers even if there are now no health criteria.

READ MORE:
International visitors travelling to Canada need to carry proper documentation in order to be able to enter the country. Canada exempts certain foreign nationals from carrying a proper travel Visa when visiting the country via air through commercial or chartered flights. Learn more at Types of Visa or eTA for Canada.

How do you receive the Advance CBSA Declaration?

You should notice a confirmation page when the online declaration is finished.

A confirmation email and an Advance CBSA Declaration E-Receipt will also be sent to you.

Note: Additionally attached to your travel document is the Advance CBSA Declaration. When you arrive at an eGate or kiosk, scan your passport to get a printed receipt that you may present to a border services officer.

How do I change the information on the Advance Cbsa Declaration?

It is fine if you made a mistake or if your information has changed since you filed your Advance CBSA Declaration.

Upon arriving in Canada, the information may be modified or updated. Before printing the receipt, you can do this at an airport kiosk or an eGate. Scan your passport to access the electronic declaration, which you may then edit as needed.

If aid is needed, CBSA personnel are there to provide it.

What does a CBSA Form Specimen look like?

ArriveCAN CBSA Declaration

READ MORE:
Certain foreign nationals are allowed by Canada to visit the country without having to go through the lengthy process of applying for the Canadian Visa. Instead, these foreign nationals can travel to the country by applying for the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization or Canada eTA Learn more at Canada eTA Requirements.


Check your eligibility for Canada eTA and apply for Canada eTA 72 hours before your flight to Canada. Citizens of 70 countries including Panamian citizens, Italian citizens, Brazilian citizens, Filipino citizens and Portuguese citizens can apply online for Canada eTA.