Planning a dream trip to Canada? Whether you’re imagining maple syrup in Quebec 🍁 or exploring the Canadian Rockies 🏔️, there’s one important thing you should do before you land — submit your Canada Advance Declaration (CAD) through the ArriveCAN app or website. 🛂
I just returned from a trip to Toronto, and let me tell you — using ArriveCAN saved me a ton of time at the airport. So here’s everything I learned to help my fellow Malaysians travel smoother.👇
📄 What’s the Canada Advance Declaration (CAD)?
The Canada Advance Declaration (CAD) is a digital arrival form introduced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to streamline entry into the country. It lets you fill out your customs and immigration info online before your arrival.
🔍 In simple terms, it’s an online declaration that international travellers (including Malaysians) can fill in before landing in Canada. It collects:
- Full name & passport details
- Flight information
- Declaration of goods (like food, alcohol, etc.)
- Travel history & contact info
✅ After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email or QR code, which you scan at self-service kiosks in Canadian airports — no paper forms needed!
🧾 Is CAD a Visa?
No, it’s not a visa. Malaysians need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a visitor visa to enter Canada depending on their travel purpose.
The CAD is not a visa — it’s a customs declaration form, similar to what we used to fill out on paper during flights, now done digitally through ArriveCAN.
🛃 Why Is It Important?
- ✈️ Speeds up the airport arrival process
- 📉 Reduces paper forms and manual checks
- 👮 Helps Canadian customs officers process entries faster
- ⏱️ Shorter queue times at self-service kiosks
- 📱 Accessible on mobile via ArriveCAN app or web
✅ Key Takeaways
- CAD is optional for now but highly recommended — some airports will make it mandatory soon
- You can submit via ArriveCAN app or online portal
- It’s free, easy, and makes immigration smoother
👥 Who Should Submit the Canada Arrival Declaration?
If you're a Malaysian citizen flying to Canada, you're eligible to submit the Advance Declaration using ArriveCAN. It’s supported at major Canadian airports, including:
- Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
- Vancouver (YVR)
- Montreal (YUL)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Halifax, Winnipeg, Quebec City, Ottawa, Edmonton — and more!
Even if you're entering visa-free with an eTA, it’s still a good idea to submit this digital form.
📝 How to Fill Out the Canada Advance Declaration
💻 Option 1: Online via Web Portal
Go to https://arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca
✅ Step 1: Sign In or Continue as Guest
You can create an account (optional) or continue as a guest. If you plan to travel often, creating an account makes future trips faster.
✅ Step 2: Select Your Arrival Information
You’ll be asked to input:
- Arrival airport (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal)
- Arrival date and time
- Flight number
- Country of departure (e.g., Malaysia)
🕐 Must be completed within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Canada.
✅ Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information
Provide:
- Full name (as in your passport)
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Email address (for your receipt)
✅ Step 4: Provide Travel Details
You’ll need:
- Your Canadian address (hotel, Airbnb, or friend’s home)
- Reason for travel (tourism, business, etc.)
- Length of stay (if known)
✅ Step 5: Complete the Customs Declaration
Answer standard customs questions such as:
- Are you bringing food, plants, or animals?
- Are you carrying more than CAD $10,000 in cash?
- Do you have gifts or commercial goods?
- Any duty-free or alcohol purchases?
🧳 Answer honestly — these are routine questions.
✅ Step 6: Review and Submit
- Double-check your info
- Click Submit
📧 You will receive a confirmation receipt with a QR code via email.
✅ Step 7: Save or Screenshot Your QR Code
📸 Take a screenshot or save it offline — you’ll need to scan it at:
- Airport kiosk
- E-gates (available at major airports)
- Or show it to a CBSA officer manually
📱 Option 2: ArriveCAN App
Download the ArriveCAN app on iOS or Android. Sign up, select your trip, and complete the Advance Declaration in under 5 minutes.
📧 You’ll get a digital receipt with a barcode — scan it at the airport kiosk for faster clearance!
✅ Quick Recap:
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Is CAD a visa? | ❌ No |
Is it required? | 🔶 Optional but recommended |
Submit through? | ✅ ArriveCAN App or Website |
Cost? | ✅ Free |
Time to submit? | ⏰ Within 72 hours before arrival |
Benefits? | ⏱️ Faster immigration, no paper needed |
Cheap Hotels in Toronto
5 star
Great132 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.51km dari pusat bandar
This hotel was well worth the splurge!! Great location and the staff are so friendly and accommodating. They were always quick to help and the rooms were super clean. The pool and gym were also very nice.DariIDR 6,259,460
Great113 Ulasan
Niagara Toronto|3.2km dari pusat bandar
Very nice..Beautiful view. I would stay there again. A little disappointed with the size of the pool and having to reserve a 2 hour window to be poolside but besides that it was the perfect distance from both BMO field and The Budweiser Stage. Staff were courteous and friendly too.DariIDR 4,297,718
Amazing120 Ulasan
Church and Wellesley Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar
A very good hotel with great service, sanitation and hardware. The price of hotels of the same level in North America is basically the same, much more expensive than that in China. Breakfast is not a buffet, it is all ordered.DariIDR 8,099,636
Amazing106 Ulasan
Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar
When staying at the hotel, the front desk informed that all non-alcoholic beverages in the mini-bar are free because they have been prepaid.
After that, bring some desserts.
Someone knocked on the door at night, asking if a turndown service was needed.
Before leaving, I was told that there are additional charges: facility charge $12, Neighbourhood Mktg $4.89. This is required upon check-in.DariIDR 6,621,775
Very Good101 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.84km dari pusat bandar
The breakfast was very rich, the chef was very warm, the restaurant had a classic temperament, and I saw a chic wedding reception in the restaurant. It was really a very good hotel! The location is in the university town, surrounded by high-end residences, Remowa is next to it, the intersection is facing Hermes.... The bottom of the alley can directly enter the Victorian University campus, the living function is super good, from the BAY of Metro Line 2 STATION is also very close and the traffic is very convenient.DariIDR 6,621,775
0 Ulasan
Toronto|12.28km dari pusat bandar
With a stay at RivetStays - The Westmount Suites, you'll be centrally located in Toronto, a 4-minute drive from Yorkdale Shopping Centre and 6 minutes from Downsview Park. This aparthotel is 8.6 mi (13.9 km) from CF Toronto Eaton Centre and 9 mi (14.5 km) from Rogers Centre.Guests will find features like a virtual front desk.Make yourself at home in one of the 20 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and ovens. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include microwaves and washers/dryers.habis dijual
0 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.77km dari pusat bandar
Located in Toronto's Old Toronto, RivetStays - The Parade 1 offers a great stay experience for those traveling for fun or business. Some of the city's top sights can be found just a short distance away. This serviced apartment is located 763m from CN Tower, 785m from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, and 547m from Rogers Centre.Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is the nearest airport to the property, a 28 min drive away. From the property, the nearest train station is Toronto Union Station, which takes 22 min to reach by foot. RivetStays - The Parade 1 is only a 23 min walk from St. Andrew. Parking is available at the property.habis dijual
Amazing0 Ulasan
Toronto|5.83km dari pusat bandar
An oasis in the heart of urban Toronto!Got the Taste: The house was owned, designed, and built by a successful local architect with unique, stylish yet very classic taste.Got the Location: A few minutes walk to the world's longest street-- Yonge Street, subway, hundreds of restaurants (including 3 Michelins), bars, and anything else you might need.Got the Peace & Quiet: located on a quiet street with a breathtaking zen garden in the backyard.Got the Comfort: all bedding and hygiene products are plant based and unscented.About pets:Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total).About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.About events:Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings.Maximum event attendees: 20.habis dijual
Business travel
Very Good122 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar
We had such a lovely weekend at Double Tree Hilton on Chestnut Street in Toronto. Lovely, lovely hotel. The staff were fantastic, so friendly and helpful. Our room was wonderful, our bed so comfortable. Will definitely stay here again next time we come to Toronto. I'm also very interested in checking out other Hilton Hotels at other locations. I hear there's Hilton in Hawaii??DariIDR 1,835,409
Very Good262 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
Visited on a business trip. The location was excellent, but the facilities were outdated and in poor condition. The female front desk staff was unfriendly. I asked for a towel, but they said they didn't have enough and gave me a pool towel... I didn't use the restaurant, so I can't comment on that. The male front desk staff was very friendly.DariIDR 2,059,472
Great129 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.35km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located below the Toronto Tower and is integrated with the Rogers Centre, but the rooms facing the stadium can only watch softball games, so those who want to attend Taylor Swift's December concert don't have to consider it.DariIDR 2,228,711
Great319 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
I just stayed for one night, so I didn’t experience much of the equipment. The room is clean and nice, and the service is timely. The hotel is near Osgoode subway station, in the busy downtown area.
The room's light was dim, which made it unsuitable for writing and working at night.
I didn’t get a chance to check my bag (after check-out and before leaving the city) because the staff was not always at the designated spot in the lobby—I didn’t have time to wait for them to come back.DariIDR 2,188,189
Great65 Ulasan
Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar
We stayed at this hotel for 5 nights and all is good. It was a lovely surprise as it was a last minute booking after our Airbnb (paid) reservation became unresponsive. We are very glad we found this Suites. We particularly like the sitting room where we could sit down for a rest and watch TV, have a takeaway for dinner. The microwave comes in very handy (although we love to have a basic kitchen!) .
Location: about 5 mins walk from the Queen station, there is actually an exit right in front of the hotel but you need to know how to navigate underground. It would be handy if it rains. It's 7 mins walk to the Eaton Centre where there are urban eateries, and you can take a tram to Chinatown. About 20 mins walk to CN tower and the harbour front, although you may want to just catch the subway. There is a 24-h supermarket across the road.
Service: really friendly hotel staff check in and out, one of the housekeeping lady is also very friendly. No fault at all.
The room is quite modern, spacious and new. If I had to find something to say, I would prefer to have the duvet put inside a cover rather than sandwiched between two bedsheets (which seemed to be the norm in Canada?), but I'm not fuss about it.
All in all, we will definitely come back again.DariIDR 1,995,114
Very Good112 Ulasan
Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location with direct access to subway st. Lots of restaurants nearby, supermarket and drugstore were also nearby.
Reasonable room rate
nice and cozy view from room
drawback:
shower was quite slow.
no bottled water provided
no kettle provided.
no self laundry facilityDariIDR 1,947,441
Very Good113 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.62km dari pusat bandar
Maybe because we checked in late, they upgraded our room for free!
Slippers, pajamas, and water were provided for the first time.
There was also a 24-hour supermarket right in front of the hotel, which was very convenient.DariIDR 2,567,189
Very Good105 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.04km dari pusat bandar
Hotel late check-in. It was handled at the door only during one time period. Contact the hotel to obtain the keys if they are out of date. There is a small living room inside the room. Can see the TV tower. The key to the elevator can only go to its own floor.DariIDR 1,330,076
Breakfast
Very Good78 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.64km dari pusat bandar
The hotel lacks dedicated areas for dining, and to sit down and enjoy a meal. The bed and breakfast deal would have meant eating from and/or in an adjoining small coffee shop - so no nice breakfast buffets or very limited breakfast menu. The website pics of vaults look amazing online, but in reality the vault was cluttered as a storage room. The room (3210) was tired, cracked tiles in the bathroom, dirty windows, very basic crockery (2 plates/bowls) and cutlery (2 of each - knife/fork/spoon) - made the kitchenette hard to make the full use of. The in-room coffee machine was dirty, so didn’t use. The room is basic and bathroom old fashioned with old white shower curtain, dirty brown/cream stone tiles with ingrained dirt. The advertising online shows the hotel as a contemporary interesting old bank/vault which was why we booked - in reality it’s old and tired in most places - including the lifts which are scratched old dark wood. The ‘spa’ or gym is limited. On a plus note, the hotel was a great location to see Toronto. Would we stay there again… I’m sorry to say… no.DariIDR 1,461,176
Great126 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.36km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is in the city center, close to the University of Toronto. The surrounding area is very lively, with all kinds of food and shopping. The hotel is neat and clean, and the front desk is warm ❤️ but there is no microwave and free mineral water. The WIFI password is very long and difficult to enter correctly.
Here comes the point, the hotel is not the red house in the picture, but the beige house opposite the red house.DariIDR 1,761,516
Very Good123 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar
The service at this hotel was truly frustrating. First, we were informed that our two rooms couldn't be on the same floor. If we insisted on being on the same floor, we'd have to settle for a room with a significantly worse view. Ironically, the room we were given, which supposedly had a good view, turned out to be an accessible room that only had one chair. I called room service to request an additional chair, and they agreed promptly. However, the chair never arrived, not even by the time we checked out. I can't help but wonder if these common ploys are because bookings made through platforms like Ctrip aren't well-regarded.DariIDR 3,032,000
Good130 Ulasan
Toronto|9.11km dari pusat bandar
Stay was awesome.
Hotel is more like a resort with several amenities.
I actually cannot think of a negative experience with this hotel.
I would only like that they include breakfast option with their booking.DariIDR 1,332,459
Very Good87 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar
Location: The hotel is not connected to the PATH, that you can walk completely indoor from lakeshore all the way to Dundas street, with access to loads of restaurants and shops. The southest connected building is one street across the hotel.
The room was newly renovated, yet it was not in a modern way: the room lights were not turn on by slot in the room card at the entrance (actually there's no such upgrade in the room at all!). I have turn on every single light when I go into the room and turn them off before I sleep. There's at least 6 of them!
Do not disturb sign still required to hang out the tag on the door handle, which fell off everytime you open the door!! super annoying
The lobby bar food were good and especially the staff were very friendly.
House keeping service were slow - I have to call to remind them to bring my items.DariIDR 2,314,522
Very Good53 Ulasan
Toronto|16.15km dari pusat bandar
It’s near the airport, and they know it. As a result, the parking fare is quite high. Overall, the stay was average. One should be wary, however, that although the breakfast is complimentary, they expected a tip, which is absolutely ridiculous. How can one call it complimentary under such expectations?DariIDR 1,852,095
Great80 Ulasan
Toronto|2km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is in a great location, just opposite the University of Toronto and the Ontario Museum. On the left is the luxury shopping street, with LV, Chanel and other world brands. On the right is a subway station more than 100 meters away. There are also 24-hour convenience stores and department stores on both sides.
The room is large, spacious, bright and well-equipped, which is equivalent to a one-bedroom apartment, much larger than the rooms of Tokyo Empire and Hong Kong Conrad. The restaurant on the first floor is a high-end restaurant with no buffet. Breakfast costs 30 Canadian dollars per person, and dinner costs about 60 Canadian dollars per person. If you want to save money, you can go to Whole Foods 500 meters behind the side. It is very huge and has everything you need for cooked food, and there are even rice self-service lunch boxes.
Located in the wealthy area of Yorkville, Toronto, it is safe and quiet. There are no tour groups. Most of the guests are Europeans and Americans, but the hotel is also very friendly to Chinese people, with warm smiles. There are two Asian girls at the front desk who can speak some Chinese, so we checked in in two or three minutes.
The only minor issue was that the hotel asked us to pay a facility fee twice. We explained to the hotel that the Ctrip booking included all fees. The hotel said they had not received the facility fee, but after looking at our confirmation letter on Ctrip, they kindly said they would reconfirm with Ctrip and it would not affect us.DariIDR 2,550,504
Very Good133 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1km dari pusat bandar
The InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto, within walking distance of major attractions such as the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre and Ripley's Aquarium.
IHG.COM
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with large windows offering city views. The beds are rated as very comfortable and the overall cleanliness is excellent.
TRIPADDVISOR.COM
The hotel's Azure Restaurant and Bar serves modern Canadian cuisine, and the breakfast buffet is acclaimed for its fresh and varied menu.
IHG.COM
Amenities include an indoor saltwater pool with plenty of natural light, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an 8,000-square-foot spa offering a variety of treatments, providing guests with a relaxing space to unwind.
IHG.COM
Overall, the InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel is a great choice for business and leisure travelers alike due to its convenient location and excellent facilities.DariIDR 2,173,887
🧳 Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Canada
📸 Screenshot your ArriveCAN receipt or QR code
🛬 Have your hotel address and eTA/visa info ready
📱 Use your phone or tablet — works great on mobile
✈️ Submit your info 1–3 days before your flight
💳 Don’t forget your eTA if entering Canada by air!
📶 BONUS: Stay Connected in Canada, Don’t forget to pre-purchase a Canada eSIM or travel SIM card so you can access maps, emails, and show your ArriveCAN code on the go!
🍁Explore Canada Now!
Canada is making travel smarter and more digital — and once you’ve sorted your ArriveCAN submission, you can focus on the exciting parts: finding the best halal food in Toronto, visiting Niagara Falls, or skiing in Whistler.
👉 Book your flight to Canada on Trip.com ✈️
👉 Reserve top-rated hotels in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal 🏨
👉 Get your Canada eSIM to stay online from the moment you land 📱
Safe travels, and bon voyage! 🍁
🙋♂️ FAQs: Canada Arrival Card (Advance Declaration)
📌 1. Is the Canada Arrival Card (CAD) mandatory?
No, it’s not mandatory yet, but strongly recommended. Submitting the Advance Declaration via ArriveCAN helps speed up your arrival process at major Canadian airports.📌 2. Is CAD the same as a visa?
No. The Canada Advance Declaration is not a visa. Malaysians entering Canada by air must apply for an eTA or a visitor visa, depending on your eligibility. CAD is simply a customs and immigration declaration — similar to the old paper card you’d fill out on the plane.📌 3. Who needs to submit the Advance Declaration?
All international travellers arriving at major airports like Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), or Montreal (YUL) can submit it. It's optional for now, but may become mandatory in the near future.📌 4. How do I submit the Canada Advance Declaration?
You can submit it: 🖥️ Online: https://arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca 📱 Via the ArriveCAN mobile app (iOS & Android)📌 5. When should I submit it?
You can fill it out within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Try to do it 1–2 days before your flight for peace of mind.📌 6. What info is required?
You'll need to provide: Passport details Flight info & arrival airport Canadian address (hotel/family/friend) Declarations (e.g., food, gifts, cash)📌 7. Do I still need to fill out a paper form on the plane?
No, not if you submit the CAD online. Your declaration will be synced digitally — you’ll just need to scan the QR code at the airport kiosk.📌 8. What happens after I submit the declaration?
You’ll receive a receipt with a QR code. 🛂 Show or scan it at the airport kiosk (or eGate) upon arrival for a faster process.📌 9. Can I edit my submission if my flight changes?
Yes. If your travel details change, you can resubmit a new declaration via ArriveCAN.📌 10. Is ArriveCAN and the Advance Declaration free?
✅ Yes — it’s completely free. Never pay any third-party to fill this form.📌 11. Which airports accept the Canada Advance Declaration?
As of now, CAD is accepted at: Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Vancouver (YVR) Montreal (YUL) Calgary (YYC) Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Billy Bishop (YTZ)