The Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional feature within the ArriveCAN app and web portal that allows eligible international travellers to submit their customs and immigration information before arriving in Canada. It is not a visa, an entry authorization, or a travel ticket - it is a pre-arrival customs declaration that, when used correctly, can speed up your clearance at participating airports. Travellers can submit their declaration up to 72 hours before arrival.
What Is the Advance CBSA Declaration in ArriveCAN?
The Advance CBSA Declaration is a digital pre-arrival form managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It is submitted through ArriveCAN - either the mobile app or the web version at canada.ca - and allows you to answer customs and immigration questions before your flight lands. Once submitted, you confirm (certify) your declaration at an airport kiosk or eGate upon arrival, rather than completing the full process on-site. It does not replace your passport, Canadian visa, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or permanent resident card, and it does not grant entry into Canada.
Who Needs to Complete It?
Travellers Who May Use It
The Advance CBSA Declaration is optional, not mandatory. However, it is available to eligible travellers arriving at participating Canadian airports and can significantly reduce wait times at customs. It is designed for international travellers - including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals - arriving by air at a supported airport with a valid ArriveCAN account.
Exemptions and Special Cases
At this time, travellers using NEXUS kiosks cannot use the Advance CBSA Declaration and will follow the standard NEXUS clearance process instead. Children and groups of up to five travellers can use a single airport kiosk together; solo travellers aged 14 and above may also use eGates where available.
When to Submit
You can submit your declaration up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Canada. Once submitted, it must be confirmed (certified) at an airport kiosk or eGate within 72 hours - if you do not confirm it within that window, for example because your flight is delayed, the declaration will expire and you will need to submit a new one.
What You Need Before You Start
You'll also need details of any goods you are bringing into Canada, currency or monetary instruments of CAD $10,000 or more, and any food, plants, animals, or related products you are carrying.
How to Complete the Form Step by Step
Access the Official Service
Go to canada.ca and navigate to the ArriveCAN section, or open the ArriveCAN mobile app. Sign in to your account or create one. Do not use third-party websites or apps that claim to submit the declaration for you - the official service is free.
Enter and Review the Information
Confirm your travel identity document, answer all customs and immigration questions truthfully and completely, and review every entry before proceeding.
Submit and Save the Confirmation
Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email containing your reference number. Save this email or take a screenshot of the confirmation screen.
What Happens After Submission?
When you arrive at the airport, scan your travel document at an eligible airport kiosk or eGate, review your declaration on-screen (you can edit answers at this stage if anything has changed), and submit your final declaration to certify it. Take the printed receipt to a border services officer for further processing. The kiosk step is mandatory - submitting in ArriveCAN beforehand does not complete the process.
How to Correct Errors or Retrieve the Confirmation
If your details change before you arrive, you can edit your declaration directly at the airport kiosk or eGate - no need to resubmit through ArriveCAN in advance. If your declaration expired due to a flight delay or cancellation, log into ArriveCAN and submit a new declaration before your rescheduled arrival.
ArriveCAN Advance Declaration vs Visa and Other Entry Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Advance CBSA Declaration | Pre-arrival customs and immigration declaration submitted via ArriveCAN |
| Canadian Visa | Entry authorization issued by IRCC for eligible foreign nationals |
| eTA | Entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling by air |
| NEXUS Card | Trusted traveller program card for expedited border clearance |
The Advance CBSA Declaration does not replace any of the above. You must still hold all required entry documents for Canada, and submitting a declaration does not guarantee entry - that decision rests with the border services officer at the port of entry.
Key Points Before You Travel
- The declaration is optional but recommended at participating airports to save time.
- Submit no more than 72 hours before arrival and certify it at the kiosk or eGate upon landing.
- NEXUS travellers cannot use this feature at NEXUS kiosks.
- The service is free through ArriveCAN or canada.ca.
- Declarations expire after 72 hours if not certified at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Advance CBSA Declaration mandatory?
No, it is an optional feature available to eligible travellers at participating Canadian airports.
When can I submit the declaration?
Up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Canada.
Can NEXUS travellers use it?
No, NEXUS members must follow the standard NEXUS clearance process.
Is it the same as an eTA or visa?
No, it does not replace or function as a visa, eTA, or any other entry authorisation.
What happens if the declaration expires?
You will need to log into ArriveCAN and submit a new one before your rescheduled arrival.