The Canada Border Services Agency says, effective 20FEB, it has implemented the Advance Declaration program for pax arriving at two more Canadian airports: Ottawa International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
The program allows arrivals to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada using the optional ArriveCAN app, which the CBSA says cuts the amount of time a traveller spends at a PIK or eGate by roughly one third.
Express lanes are available in both YOW and YTZ arrivals customs areas, allowing travellers who complete their Advance Declaration to skip line-ups for Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK).
"With travel demand growing, we anticipate a busy March break travel season at YOW. I'm confident that travellers will welcome this feature to make the arrival process easier and faster," said Mark Laroche, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority.
"Passengers arriving at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from the United States who choose to use the Advance Declaration feature will enjoy a faster arrivals experience thanks to Express Lane access," added RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and PortsToronto.
Advance Declaration is already available to travellers arriving on international flights at seven major Canadian airports:
- Toronto Pearson
- Montreal-Trudeau
- Winnipeg Richardson
- Vancouver
- Halifax Stanfield
- Québec City Jean-Lesage
- Calgary
The digital tool will also become available to travellers arriving at Edmonton International Airport in the coming weeks.
Advance Declaration is part of CBSA's Traveller Modernization initiative, which is being implemented over the coming years, according to the CBSA statement. Modernizing the travel experience includes the use of digital technologies and tools for both travellers and border services officers to deliver a better and faster border experience for travellers entering Canada.
