Make your customs and immigration declaration in advance and save time at the airport: Advance CBSA Declaration option now available at Winnipeg James A. Richardson International Airport

October 13, 2022
Winnipeg, Manitoba 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is exploring innovative ways to deliver a better and faster experience for travellers without compromising the safety and security of Canada’s border.

The CBSA is now making the optional Advance CBSA Declaration feature available to all travellers arriving at the Winnipeg James A. Richardson International Airport.

The Advance CBSA Declaration feature provides travellers with the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration through ArriveCAN up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada. The feature is also currently available for international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver international airports. In the coming months, the feature will become available to travellers arriving at Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Billy Bishop Toronto City, Ottawa and Quebec City international airports.

By submitting their customs and immigration information in advance, travellers spend less time at primary inspection kiosks (PIK) or eGates when they arrive at the airport, resulting in shorter wait times.

Early usage data shows that using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature cuts the amount of time a traveller spends at a PIK or eGate by roughly one third. With the thousands of travellers that fly into Canada each day, using  the Advance CBSA Declaration option in ArriveCAN has the potential of saving hours of processing time.

The Advance CBSA Declaration feature is part of the Agency’s Traveller Modernization initiative, which is being rolled out over the coming years. Modernizing the travel experience includes the use of digital technologies and tools for both travellers and border services officers. These tools will offer more touchless options and allow for faster border processing, which reduces possible disease transmission points, and continue to ensure the long-term safety, security and integrity of Canada’s borders.