Submit your customs and immigration information before flying into Canada. Preparing your customs and immigration declaration for the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) in advance will simplify your arrival experience at our busiest airports. Use Advance CBSA Declaration within ArriveCAN the next time you fly.
Do I need to fill out a customs form for Canada?
A Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) or Commercial Invoice is required for every commercial entry into Canada. Canada Customs requires certain information to be provided. This form is used to provide the necessary information to customs for all Canada-bound commercial goods.
Do you have to answer Canada customs Questions?
Canadian Customs Searches
Signs and notices are posted in these areas. Travellers and/or employees in or leaving these areas must identify themselves, answer questions and present their goods for examination if asked to do so by a CBSA officer. They may also be subject to physical searches.
Can I complete Canada customs form online?
The form will only be completed by a border services officer at the CBSA port of entry. This form is not available online. If you arrive at selected international airports, you can make an on screen declaration using a Primary Inspection Kiosk.
Who needs to complete ArriveCAN?
Making an Advance CBSA Declaration using ArriveCAN is currently only available to travellers whose first point of arrival in Canada is: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), terminals 1 and 3.
What forms do I need to fill out to enter Canada?
Most non-Canadians need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada, but not both. Some people may only need their valid passport. You may need to get a visa before arriving in Canada. Visas are issued by Canadian government offices abroad.
How do I know if I need a customs form?
U.S. Postal Service® mail headed to an international destination or sent via Military Mail and weighing more than 16 ounces requires the use of a customs form. Customs forms summarize the contents of the package and identify the value of the shipped items.
Do I have to answer customs questions?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you need only answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship, although refusing to answer routine questions about the nature and purpose of your travel could result in delay and/or further inspection.
What questions does Canadian customs ask?
Be prepared to answer these questions:
- What are you bringing with you to Canada?
- Do you have any live animals or plants with you?
- Do you have any firearms, ammunition or fireworks with you?
- Do you have any meat or dairy products with you?
- Do you have any fresh fruits or vegetables with you?
What do they ask you when you go through customs?
The CBP officers are authorized to ask you questions about your trip and your personal background, including: Your citizenship. The nature of your trip. Anything you are bringing back to the United States that you did not have when you left.
Can I clear customs myself Canada?
Do I have to hire a Customs Broker to clear my shipment? The option to self-clear is always available to you. That said, in order to self-clear you have to present yourself at the CBSA office in the city where your shipment is being held.
How do I fill out a Canadian customs form?
How to Fill Out a Customs Form for International Shipping
- Name and complete address of the sender.
- Complete address and name of receiver.
- Item description (if there are several different products in the same package, note them all separately)
- Quantity of items.
- Value of each item.
- Weight and dimensions of a package.
How much is customs fee Canada?
Any item mailed to Canada may be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty. Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail. The CBSA calculates any duties owing based on the value of the goods in Canadian funds.
How much does ArriveCAN cost?
ArriveCAN is free! It will never ask you for payment or your credit card information!
Which documents are required at Canada airport?
Here are some examples of acceptable Canadian government-issued identification documents:
- passport.
- citizenship card.
- Canadian permanent resident card.
- Canadian provincial or territorial driver’s licence.
- Canadian provincial or territorial health card.
- Canadian provincial or territorial government identification cards.
How do I know if I will have to pay customs?
Formal Entries: If your goods are valued at more than $2500, or for commercial textile shipments (clothes/materials) regardless of value, you will be required to file a formal entry, which can require extensive paperwork and the filing of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond.
Do they give you a customs form on the plane?
While on your flight, your flight attendant will distribute a Customs Declaration Form. Most forms ask the point of exit and entry of your flight, your flight number, and what goods you may be bringing into the country (forms might list prohibited items for the respective country).
Do all international packages require a customs form?
Do all shipments need a customs form? You do not need a customs form if you’re sending First-Class Mail International® that weighs under 15.994 oz. First-Class Mail International must contain only nonnegotiable documents or correspondence.
Can you refuse to answer immigration questions?
You do not have to answer questions asked by immigration officers if you do not want to answer them. This includes questions about your citizenship status, birthplace or place of residence. If you are asked about your immigration status and you wish to remain silent, you may say: “I have the right to remain silent.” 2.
Can a customs officer search your phone?
Unlike other law enforcement, border authorities don’t need a warrant to search your device. They may conduct a basic search — in which they scroll through your device inspecting texts, photos or anything else they can easily access — even if they don’t suspect you of wrongdoing.
What can happen if a traveler doesn’t know the customs?
Travelers who violate foreign customs rules can be detained at the airport, fined, have the items confiscated, and, in some cases, be prosecuted and sentenced to prison.