The free app that lets travelers clear the Canadian border faster

A couple of weeks ago I was cruising through Toronto Pearson airport (YYZ) chasing my two-year-old when the sign above caught my eye. I quickly snapped a pic so I would remember to look into it on the plane, which I did. Sure enough, CanBorder – eDeclaration is a must-download for Canadian citizens and all of those visiting Canada. It’s basically the country’s version of the U.S.’s Mobile Passport app, which I wrote about here.

The Canadians are improving their border experience, and this app is the latest step in that effort. Travelers no longer need to scramble to handwrite a declaration card upon landing; instead, they can use kiosks (at least at YYZ). And now, for an even faster experience at the Canadian border, they can download the free CanBorder – eDeclaration mobile app for Android, iOS and Blackberry (in true Canadian fashion).

With it, you can:

  • Create and store traveler profiles.
  • Prepare your declaration in advance and generate a quick response (QR) code.
  • Upon arrival, immediately scan your QR code at a Primary Inspection Kiosk. Do not select a language. For easy QR code scanning, follow the on-screen instructions on the kiosk.

Here’s who can use it:

  • Most travelers arriving in Canada by air, including returning residents and all foreign nationals visiting Canada.
  • Ineligible travelers include unaccompanied minors and travelers with non-machine readable travel documents.

eDeclaration can only be used at Canadian airports where Primary Inspection Kiosks are available. Here’s the list of eligible ports so far:

  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
  • Terminal 3 – Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Ottawa International Airport (YOW)

Have you tried it? I use NEXUS, and I can’t imagine this would be quicker as I currently zip through Canadian Immigration using it.

Related: How to See How Long the Security Line Is at Canadian Airports

 

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