The Canada Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional customs and immigration document that a traveler, including children, needs to provide at the airport.1 Travelers planning to visit Canada can apply for the Canada Advance CBSA Declaration ahead of time. However, it is recommended that they process it 72 hours before their arrival date. This is because they need to certify/confirm their declaration at a kiosk or eGate within 72 hours of submitting it. If, for any reason, they are unable to confirm it within the 72-hour window, the Advance Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Declaration will expire, and they will need to submit a new declaration. This could happen if, for example, their flight is delayed or the trip is postponed.
The Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes are dedicated lanes at Canadian airports for travelers who have submitted their customs and immigration declaration in advance. The Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes offer a convenient and efficient way for eligible travelers to expedite their entry into Canada. If you meet the requirements and want a smoother arrival experience, consider taking advantage of this option.
Here’s how they work:
- You must have pre-submitted your Advance CBSA Declaration through ArriveCAN within the required timeframe.
- You must meet all Canadian entry requirements, including having a valid travel document and not requiring a visa (unless already issued).
- Currently, express lanes are available at select airports.
Here are the main purposes of Advance CBSA:
- Save time at the border: You can skip the kiosks or declaration forms upon arrival by submitting your declaration in advance, potentially leading to shorter wait times.
- Improve accuracy: Filling out your declaration in advance allows you to do it at your own pace and review it carefully, which can help reduce errors and delays at the border.
- Enhance security: Advance declarations provide the CBSA with advanced information about travelers and their belongings, which can help them identify potential risks and target resources more effectively.
- Streamline the arrival process: Advance CBSA Declaration is part of the CBSA’s broader efforts to modernize the border crossing experience and make it more efficient for travelers.
Enhance your arrival experience in Canada! While international travelers have the choice to complete customs declaration upon landing, why not opt for a smoother process? Avail of Advance CBSA Declaration processing service at Visas for Future, ensuring hassle-free entry into Canada. Save time and streamline your journey by completing the Advance CBSA Declaration online with our convenient service.
What We’re Offering
International travelers entering Canada can complete the customs declaration upon their arrival at the airport, but it is more convenient to complete it online in advance. Our processing service will give you your Advance Canada Border Services Agency Declaration in your mailbox within one business day.
- Advance Canada Border Services Agency Declaration is not a visa and does not replace a Canadian visa.1
- It is Single-entry.1
- It cost $56.24.
- Valid 72 hours after submission.1
Why choose us
Our forms are easy and simple.
We validate your application.
We answer your questions.
We plant a tree!
Who is eligible to use these lanes?
All nationalities arriving in the airports below:2
- 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 Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes are available to travelers arriving in Canada who meet the following eligibility criteria:
Basic Requirements:
- Pre-submitted customs and immigration declaration: You must have submitted your statement through the ArriveCAN app or website up to 72 hours before arrival in Canada.
- Valid travel document: You must possess a valid passport or other documents approved for entry into Canada.
- Visa requirements: You cannot be required to obtain a visa unless it has already been issued.
- Airport availability: As of now, the express lanes are only available at specific airports in Canada.
- Arrival status: The lanes are intended for individual travelers or small groups arriving on commercial flights. Large groups or travelers requiring additional verification (e.g., secondary screening) might not be directed to the express lanes.
- Compliance with entry requirements: You must meet all Canadian entry requirements, including health regulations and declaration of any goods you bring into the country.
Benefits of using express lanes for Advance CBSA Declaration
For travelers to Canada, the Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes offer a game-changer for efficient border entry. Pre-filling your customs and immigration information before you fly and utilizing these dedicated lanes can slash wait times and elevate your arrival experience. Let’s dive into the key benefits:
1. Save Precious Time
- Skip the line: Forget lengthy queues at kiosks and eGates. Pre-declared passengers head straight to the green-signaled express Lanes, saving valuable time, especially during peak travel.
- Relax and recharge: Less waiting means more time to de-stress after your flight, grab a coffee, or catch up with loved ones.
2. Enjoy a Smoother Arrival
- Reduced stress: Knowing your declaration has already been submitted eliminates the last-minute scramble and anxiety of filling out forms at the airport.
- Enhanced experience: Breeze through customs with minimal hassle, making your arrival in Canada smoother and more enjoyable.
3. Maximize Efficiency
- Streamlined processing: Dedicated lanes and officers handle pre-declared travelers, ensuring faster processing and quicker exit from the airport.
- Plan your next move: With the border formalities out of the way, you can focus on your trip’s next steps, whether catching a connecting flight or exploring your destination.
4. Beyond Speed
- Accuracy: Pre-declaring allows you to review and confirm your information carefully, minimizing errors and potential delays.
- Accessibility: You can apply at Visas for Future
- Sustainability: Paperless declarations contribute to a more eco-friendly travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get through Canadian customs faster?
There are several ways you can speed up your journey through Canadian customs:
Tips before your trip:
1. Use Advance CBSA Declaration to save time at the border.
2. Keep all travel documents, boarding passes, and proof of vaccination (if applicable) ready.
3. Declare all agricultural products and avoid prohibited items.- Know your flight details and arrival point.
Upon arrival:
1. Use dedicated lanes.
2. Follow instructions and signage.
3. Answer questions truthfully and concisely.
4. Be patient and courteous throughout the process.
How do I fill out a declaration form at a Canadian airport?
Here are the steps on how to fill out a declaration form at a Canadian airport:
1. You must gather information such as passport, flight details, goods to declare, and health information.
2. You can obtain a form on the plane, at the airport, or customs.
3. Fill in the form accurately with personal information, goods to declare, health information, and signature.
4. Submit the form to a border services officer or kiosk and answer any additional questions the officer may ask truthfully.
How much can I declare at Canada Customs?
When traveling to Canada, keep in mind the following:
1. Duty-free allowance for most goods is CAD$1,500.
2. Limits apply to tobacco and alcohol.
3. Prohibited goods include firearms, fireworks, and some endangered species.
4. Declare any currency exceeding CAD$10,000.
5. Goods exceeding your duty-free allowance may be subject to duties and taxes.
6. Canadian residents and non-residents have different duty-free allowances and regulations.
What items need to be declared at Canada Customs?
Items that require declaration at Canada Customs include currency exceeding CAD$10,000, goods exceeding CAD$1,500, commercial goods, and items subject to specific regulations. Gifts, used goods, and goods acquired in a border town should also be declared if unsure.
- Government of Canada, C. B. S. A. (2022, September 26). Government of Canada. ArriveCAN: Advance CBSA Declaration. www.cbsa-Asfc.gc.ca. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/declaration/menu-eng.html [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Canada, P. H. A. of. (2020, November 2). COVID-19: Use ArriveCAN to enter Canada. www.canada.ca.<https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan.html> [↩]
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Written by
Apple Gajes 
Apple is a skilled content writer of Visas For Future who had a bachelor's degree in Education. She does well at producing high-quality visa articles and continuously upgrading her skills by actively engaging herself to various courses and training opportunities. She also contributes to travel forms and visa fulfillment in Turkey and India. Committed to writing exceptional visa articles, she performs real visa orders and provides customer support quarterly to stay abreast of the visa processing process.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Gajes, Apple. "Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/advance-cbsa-declaration-express-lanes/. Accessed on 22 October 2023.
Chicago Style
Gajes, Apple. "Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes." Visas For Future. October 22, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/advance-cbsa-declaration-express-lanes/.