Introducing Advance Declaration: the digital tool speeding up border times across Canadian airports

Coming to a Canadian Airport near you, Advance Declaration is the brand-new way for passengers to safely and swiftly submit immigration declaration, up to 72 hours ahead of check-in. Advance Declaration will run alongside the new express lanes established at airports customs areas which, together, will help reduce queuing times at Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK).

Advanced Declaration is presently available to travellers on international flights at the following airports:

• Toronto Pearson
• Montreal-Trudeau
• Winnipeg Richardson
• Vancouver
• Halifax Stanfield
• Québec City Jean-Lesage
• Calgary

The system will deliver a streamlined border experience for travellers navigating around airports. Early data is already showing a promising start, with reports showing Advance Declaration cutting down waiting times by roughly one third.

This comes as a part of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) broader aim to modernise and expedite the travel experience; a target being implemented over the coming years. It is optimistically expected that more travellers and border service officers will rely on digital technologies for their daily operations. Eric Lapierre and Lisa Janes, Regional Director Generals for the Ontario-Toronto Areas, both commented on how Advanced Declaration fit into CBSA’s future goals, saying that:

“With Advance Declaration and express lanes now available at Billy Bishop Toronto City and Ottawa International Airports, we are keeping our border secure while providing a better and faster experience for travellers. This is another example of how the CBSA is modernising the border.”

Senior officials of other aviation organisation also supported this statement. RJ Steenstra, CEO of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, remarked that: “passengers…who use the Advance Declaration feature will enjoy a faster arrivals experience thanks to Express Lane access. We are pleased to partner with the CBSA to offer this improved service to travellers.”  Mark Laroche, CEO of Ottawa International Airport Authority, asserted his confidence that “travellers will welcome this feature to make the arrival process easier and faster.”

CBSA delivers a wide range of integrated border services at over 1,000 locations, including border crossings, international airports and offices. Their activities strive to facilitate the efficient flow of people and goods, while simultaneously supporting Canada’s national security priorities.