Immigration At The Airport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Immigration at the airport can be a daunting experience, but there are ways to make it smoother. For example, if you're travelling to Canada, you can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within ArriveCAN to fill in your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance. This will save you time when you arrive at the airport, and you can also take advantage of new Express Lanes.

Advance Declaration: Prepare your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada

If you are flying into Canada, you can save time at the airport by using the Advance Declaration feature to prepare your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance. This feature is available through the ArriveCAN app. To use it, download and open the app, and add your information if you are a new user. If you have used it before, simply follow the sign-in information. You will then receive confirmation of your Advance CBSA Declaration, including your reference number, by email.

When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to the first Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, also called “primary inspection”. If you used Advance Declaration, go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt. Up to five people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival. Next, a border services officer will examine your declaration card or Advance Declaration kiosk receipt, as well as your identification and other travel documents.

If you are a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip the checkpoint and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing. If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate when you arrive. Note that a maximum of five travellers can use one kiosk at a time.

Travel documents: Scan your passport, Canadian Permanent Resident card, or travel documents at the airport kiosk or eGate

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to scan your travel documents at the airport kiosk or eGate. This includes your passport, Canadian Permanent Resident card, or other travel documents. Make sure you have these documents ready when you approach the kiosk or eGate, as you will need to verify your identity and make an on-screen declaration.

If you are travelling in a group, note that a maximum of five travellers can use one kiosk at a time. The kiosk or eGate will pull up your reference number and declaration information. If you used the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within ArriveCAN to fill in your customs and immigration declaration in advance, you can go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt.

If you are a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip the baggage check and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing. To save time, you can also prepare a customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada by using the Advance Declaration feature.

If you are moving permanently to Canada, you can bring your belongings with you when you arrive or send them later. Make sure to fill out a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document, listing any goods you have with you and any goods you will send later.

Baggage: Check your baggage and have it screened again at some airports

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to verify your identity using a passport or Canadian Permanent Resident card. You can then make an on-screen declaration at a kiosk or eGate. To save time, you can prepare a customs and immigration declaration in advance of flying into Canada using the Advance Declaration feature.

At some airports, you may have to check your baggage and have it screened again. If you are a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip this step and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing.

When you arrive at the terminal, follow the signs to the first Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) checkpoint, also called “primary inspection”. If you used Advance Declaration, go to a kiosk or eGate to retrieve your confirmed declaration receipt. Up to five people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival.

If you are moving permanently to Canada, you can bring your belongings with you when you arrive or send them later. You will need to fill out a BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document, listing any goods you have with you and the goods that you will send later.

Trusted traveller programs: Members can skip to automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing

If you are a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip the regular immigration process at the airport and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing. This means that you can avoid the long lines and save time upon your arrival.

To take advantage of this benefit, make sure you have your membership card or other required documentation with you when you arrive at the airport. Follow the signs to the designated area for trusted travellers, which may be called something like "express lane" or "fast track".

At the kiosk or eGate, you will need to verify your identity using your passport or other accepted identification document. You may also need to make an on-screen declaration, providing information such as your travel history and the purpose of your trip.

If you are travelling with a group, note that there may be a limit to how many people can use one kiosk at a time. For example, at some airports, a maximum of five travellers can use a single kiosk together.

Additionally, some airports offer an Advance Declaration feature, which allows you to prepare your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your flight. This can further expedite your processing time when you arrive at your destination.

Personal items: List any personal or household items you are bringing with you when moving permanently to Canada

When moving permanently to Canada, you can bring your personal items and household goods with you without paying duty. However, you will have to pay duty on any brand new items that haven't been used before. You may bring your wedding gifts without paying duty if you get married within three months of coming to Canada or plan to marry no later than three months after you arrive. You must fill out a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document, where you list any goods with you and the goods that you will send later. You should prepare two copies of a list of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada as part of your personal effects. The list should indicate the value, make, model and serial number (where applicable) of all the goods. Divide the list into two sections: the first section should list the goods you are bringing with you, and the second should list the goods to follow. Goods that arrive later will only qualify for duty- and tax-free importation under your entitlement if they are on your original list. Some consumer products are regulated items in Canada and must meet Canadian safety requirements. Examples include car seats, children's sleepwear, cribs, strollers, toys, hockey helmets, face protectors, and playpens. Used or second-hand mattresses must be cleaned and fumigated, and there are different restrictions on bringing firearms into Canada depending on your residency status.

To save time at the airport, you can prepare a customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada by using the Advance Declaration feature within ArriveCAN. This can be done by downloading and opening the ArriveCan app. You will receive confirmation of your Advance CBSA Declaration, including your reference number, by email. At the airport, scan your travel document(s) at the airport kiosk or eGate. A maximum of five travellers can use one kiosk at a time.

Frequently asked questions