Do I need ArriveCAN to enter Canada
ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory, but completing the form online helps travelers save time at the border through the Advance CBSA Declaration system.
Complete your ArriveCAN form before departure for faster border clearance.
Quick and easy to fill out from your computer or mobile device in just a few minutes.
Many travelers still wonder: Do I need ArriveCAN to enter Canada? Since October 2022, the form is no longer mandatory, but remains a useful tool for speeding up border procedures. Through the ArriveCAN Advance CBSA Declaration, travelers can submit personal and travel details before arrival, reducing wait times at airports. The ArriveCAN online form is simple, free, and available in multiple languages. Completing it in advance ensures a faster, smoother entry into Canada — whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or returning home. Here’s what to know about how and why to use ArriveCAN today.
📌 Key points to remember about ArriveCAN
- ✅ Still required? ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory since October 2022 but remains recommended for faster entry.
- 🧾 Purpose: Used for the Advance CBSA Declaration, letting you pre-submit your travel details online.
- 💻 How to do it: Complete the ArriveCAN form online before your flight or at the airport.
- 🇨🇦 Who can use it: All travelers entering Canada, including tourists and residents.
- 🕒 When to fill it: Ideally 24–48 hours before arrival to receive your QR confirmation code.
- 🛫 Benefit: Saves time at border control and makes the arrival process smoother.
Since October 2022, ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory to enter Canada. Many travelers still ask, “Do you need to do ArriveCAN?” — the answer is no, but it remains highly recommended. The app, initially launched to manage health formalities during the pandemic, continues to be used in a simplified form through the Advance CBSA Declaration system.
Today, its use is optional but useful, especially for those who prefer to complete the ArriveCAN form online before departure. By doing so, you save valuable time upon arrival by declaring your travel information in advance via the ArriveCAN declaration form.
Travellers who use ArriveCAN online often enjoy smoother passage and faster processing at ports of entry, particularly at major Canadian airports.
💡 In summary: even though ArriveCAN is not still required, completing it in advance helps you save time, reduce queues, and experience a more seamless entry process into Canada.
The ArriveCAN form allows you to submit your travel information before arriving in Canada. This helps authorities prepare for your arrival and simplify border control procedures. Through the Advance CBSA Declaration, travelers can pre-submit their details for faster customs processing.
Here's what ArriveCAN is used for in practice:
In other words, ArriveCAN saves you time, avoids repetitive formalities, and makes your arrival smoother. Even though ArriveCAN is no longer required, using the ArriveCAN online form remains an excellent habit for travelers who want a faster, more efficient, and stress-free entry into Canada.
Many travellers still wonder: do I need to fill in ArriveCAN?
Any traveller entering Canada can complete the ArriveCAN form — whether they are:
The ArriveCAN declaration form can be completed:
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and even visa or eTA holders can use ArriveCAN online to speed up their border crossing through the Advance CBSA Declaration system.
💡 Good to know: Completing ArriveCAN does not replace a travel authorisation (eTA) or a visa. It’s a complementary digital tool designed to simplify entry procedures and make your arrival smoother at Canadian airports.
Completing the ArriveCAN online form is now a quick and easy process, available to all travellers who wish to prepare for their arrival through the Advance CBSA Declaration system.
By filling in your travel information before departure, you avoid long queues at the airport and make it easier for border officers to verify your details. Submitting the ArriveCAN declaration form in advance ensures a faster and smoother border experience.
Today, it is possible to use the official ArriveCAN online service or an alternative secure platform, which offers a simplified process, a clear interface, and step-by-step assistance until the final submission.
These solutions greatly simplify the procedure for travellers who prefer not to create an account on the official government portal.
Here are the steps to follow to find out how to complete ArriveCAN online easily and without errors.
The first step is to access the ArriveCAN form.
There are two options available to you:
Both options allow you to complete ArriveCAN online, but the second has the advantage of being more intuitive, especially for travellers who are not comfortable with English-language government websites.
💡 Helpful tip: Whichever method you choose, be sure to use a secure website (https) and check that the platform offers clear access to the ArriveCAN form.
These alternative services guarantee the security and confidentiality of your personal data, while simplifying the process.
Once on the form page, simply enter your email address to begin. You will then receive a direct link to continue with the declaration.
The next step is to enter your travel information into the ArriveCAN form.
This process only takes a few minutes and requires only your usual travel documents.
Here is the information you will need to provide:
💡 Good to know: You can complete ArriveCAN online for several people if you are travelling with your family. In this case, only one member of the group needs to complete the declaration for all travellers.
Alternative platforms make this step easier with forms in English, clear drop-down menus and pre-filled fields for common information. They also reduce the risk of errors, which often cause delays at the airport.
Once you have entered your information, carefully review your declaration before moving on to the next step.
The final step is to validate and submit your ArriveCAN form.
Before confirming, ensure that all the information provided is accurate and matches your travel documents.
Once validated:
This QR code contains all the information needed to speed up the Canadian customs process. Officers simply scan the code to instantly access your information, eliminating the need to take out your documents or fill out paper forms.
Travellers using an alternative solution usually receive their confirmation directly by email, in a simplified format, ready to be presented upon arrival.
💡 Tip: print your confirmation or keep the QR code on your phone so you can present it even without an Internet connection.
The ArriveCAN form is available in several languages on both the official website and alternative online platforms.
To change the language in ArriveCAN, simply select your preferred option in the main menu or in the language settings of the form.
This feature is useful for travellers as it allows them to:
Some independent platforms provide a simplified ArriveCAN declaration form, already available in multiple languages, requiring no additional setup.
Many travellers wonder when to complete ArriveCAN and how far in advance the ArriveCAN declaration form should be submitted.
In practice, it is advisable to do so before departure, once your flight tickets have been confirmed. Even though ArriveCAN is not still required, completing it through the Advance CBSA Declaration system remains the best way to save time on arrival.
The form can be submitted up to a few hours before your arrival, but planning ahead will help you avoid any oversights or technical issues.
👉 Here are the best practices to remember:
💡 Travellers who complete their Advance CBSA Declaration via ArriveCAN generally pass through border control faster and with less waiting time.
This also allows Canadian authorities to organise arrivals more smoothly and avoid congestion in immigration areas.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
No, ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory since October 2022. However, many travellers still use it to save time at the border. Completing the ArriveCAN form online allows you to avoid queues and simplify customs clearance when entering the country. Even though ArriveCAN is not still required, it remains recommended for a faster and smoother entry process.
Even though it’s no longer mandatory, travellers often ask: Do I need to fill in ArriveCAN? The answer is yes — it’s highly recommended. By submitting your ArriveCAN declaration form before departure, you can pre-submit your information through the Advance CBSA Declaration system. This saves time at the airport and helps you avoid mistakes or delays when crossing the border.
The ArriveCAN online form is used to submit your travel details before arriving, including contact information, flight number, and accommodation address. This Advance CBSA Declaration makes border checks faster and more efficient. The system helps officers prepare for travellers’ arrivals, reduce waiting times, and streamline customs procedures at airports and land borders.
Who must complete ArriveCAN? Any traveller entering Canada can do so, whether for tourism, business, or visiting family. The ArriveCAN form can be filled out individually or by one group member on behalf of the family. It simplifies customs clearance and ensures a smoother arrival experience for all types of travellers, even though ArriveCAN is no longer required.
You can complete ArriveCAN online before departure or upon arrival. It’s best to do so 24 to 48 hours before your trip, once your flight details are confirmed. Submitting the ArriveCAN declaration form in advance ensures your QR code is ready for presentation at the border and helps you avoid filling it out after a long journey.