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Canada Border Guide
Canada Border Guide

Advance CBSA Declaration with ArriveCAN: Airports, Timing and Steps

Quick answerThe Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional feature of the ArriveCAN app that lets you submit your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada, at certain international airports.
Free toolPreparing your declaration? Add up what you owe with the duty and tax calculator first.

Airports

The CBSA border checklist (updated March 11, 2026) lists ten airports: Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop (Toronto), Calgary and Edmonton. The CBSA says the tool can reduce time at an airport kiosk or eGate by up to half. Only certain airports offer it; confirm the current list on the CBSA site.

How to submit

  1. Update the ArriveCAN app to the latest version and make sure your profile is up to date.
  2. Consent to the Terms and Conditions of Use and the Privacy Statement.
  3. Answer questions about your trip, such as where you are coming from and what you are bringing into Canada.
  4. Confirm your statements and submit. A confirmation screen and an email confirm the submission.
  5. Find your E-Receipt on the ArriveCAN home screen and use it at the kiosk or eGate. If your information changes, you can update it there.
App or website?The CBSA border checklist says you can use the mobile app or the website. The CBSA Advance Declaration page describes the ArriveCAN app only. Check the CBSA site for the current options.

Privacy

The CBSA says submitted information is automatically deleted after 72 hours.

A timeline example

You land in Toronto on Tuesday at 3:00 pm. The Advance Declaration window opens up to 72 hours before arrival, so you could submit from Saturday at about 3:00 pm. Submit on the evening before you fly and you still have it ready. The CBSA says submitted information is deleted after 72 hours.

Have this ready

  • Latest ArriveCAN version and an up-to-date profile.
  • Your flight arrival details.
  • A rough total of what you bought abroad, in Canadian dollars.
  • Alcohol and tobacco amounts.
  • Any food, plants or animals.
  • Whether you carry $10,000 or more.

At the kiosk or eGate

Bring your E-Receipt. If something changes since you submitted, you can update it at the kiosk or eGate.

FAQ

Is the Advance Declaration mandatory?

No. The CBSA calls it optional.

Can I use it at a land border?

The CBSA pages we checked describe airports only.

Does it replace paying duty and taxes?

The CBSA pages we checked do not say. You still have to pay what you owe; see what to declare.

Can I report $10,000 or more through it?

The CBSA lists the Advance Declaration as one way to report cash of $10,000 or more on arrival.

Official sources

Data checked against official sources: October 17, 2026. Rules change; confirm with the CBSA before you travel.

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