You may need to clear:
- Canadian customs and immigration if your flight into Pearson is international (includes US) and your flight out of Pearson is domestic
- US Customs if your flight out of Pearson is to the US
Canadian customs and immigration
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) screens travellers landing in Canada at Pearson Airport. If you are arriving on a US or international flight, you will need to confirm your identity with CBSA and declare any goods that you are bringing into the country.
Arriving from an international destination
If you’re arriving at Pearson on an international flight, you can use a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) to confirm your identity and submit your customs declaration. Up to five travellers living in the same country can use a kiosk together.
How to use the PIK
- Scan your travel document (for example: passport or permanent resident card.)
- Take your photo at the kiosk when prompted.
- Answer a few questions to complete your declaration.
- Take your kiosk receipt to a border services officer.
Look for one of our representatives if you need help using the kiosk.
Who cannot use the kiosks?
The following travellers will be directed to a border services officer for in-person processing:
- Travellers with a non-machine-readable travel document
- Travellers with a travel document other than a passport or a Canadian Permanent Resident card
- Unaccompanied children under 16 years of age
- Refugee claimants
- Travellers requiring special services
NEXUS members and diplomats
If you are a NEXUS member, you can choose to use the dedicated NEXUS kiosk or use your passport at one of the regular PIKs. Diplomats and their families should continue to use the special services counter for in-person processing.
Save time by using Advance CBSA Declaration
Use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within ArriveCAN to fill in your customs and immigration declaration. This can be done up to 72 hours before arriving in Canadato save you time when you arrive at the airport.Advance CBSA Declaration users can also take advantage of new Express Lanes, saving even more time on arrival.
How to use Advance CBSA Declaration
To complete an Advance CBSA Declaration for yourself or your group before your trip:
- Download and open the ArriveCan AppIf you are a new user, add your information. If you have used it before, follow the sign-in information
- Confirm travel document information
- Answer the customs and immigration questions truthfully
- Send the declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada
You will receive confirmation of your Advance CBSA Declaration, including your reference number, by email.
When your flight lands:
- Follow signage for the Advance CBSA Declaration Express Lanes to skip the main customs line
- Scan your travel document(s) at the airport kioskor eGate (note a maximum of 5 travellers can use one kiosk at a time)
- The kioskor eGate will pull up your reference number and declaration information
- Review, certify and submit your declaration
- Take the paper receipt to a border services officer for further processing
We encourage passengers arriving in Canada by air to use the Advance CBSA Declaration, which is part of our traveller modernization initiative.
Clearing customs
There are detailed rules about what you may bring into Canada, both as a foreign traveller or a returning citizen. Some items may be subject to duty, taxes or restrictions, or even prohibited.
US Customs at Pearson
With US Customs at Pearson Airport, travellers to the US clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight.
Priority lines
NEXUS cardholders and airline passengers with priority access may use a dedicated line at US customs by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or Customs Declaration form or card.
