Customs and immigration

Arriving from an international destination

If you’re arriving at Pearson on an international flight, you can use a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate 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

  1. Scan your travel document (for example: passport or permanent resident card)
  2. Take your photo at the kiosk when prompted
  3. Answer a few questions to complete your declaration
  4. 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 Declaration

Use the Advance Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN app to fill in your customs and immigration declaration. This can be done up to 72 hours in advance to save you time when you arrive at the airport.

Find out more about using Advanced Declaration to save time at the border.

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.

Find out more about planning your trip across the border.