Canada Arrival Card Guide: How to Complete Your Declaration
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 $10,000 in cash?
- Do you have gifts or commercial goods?
- Any duty-free or alcohol purchases?
🧳 Answer honestly — these are routine questions.
✅ Step 6: Review and Submit
- Double-check your info
- Click Submit
📧 You will receive a confirmation receipt with a QR code via email.
✅ Step 7: Save or Screenshot Your QR Code
📸 Take a screenshot or save it offline — you’ll need to scan it at:
- Airport kiosk
- E-gates (available at major airports)
- Or show it to a CBSA officer manually
📱 Option 2: ArriveCAN App
Download the ArriveCAN app on iOS or Android. Sign up, select your trip, and complete the Advance Declaration in under 5 minutes.
📧 You’ll get a digital receipt with a barcode — scan it at the airport kiosk for faster clearance!
✅ Quick Recap:
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Is CAD a visa? | ❌ No |
Is it required? | 🔶 Optional but recommended |
Submit through? | ✅ ArriveCAN App or Website |
Cost? | ✅ Free |
Time to submit? | ⏰ Within 72 hours before arrival |
Benefits? | ⏱️ Faster immigration, no paper needed |
Cheap Hotels in Toronto
5 star
Very Good181 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.81km dari pusat bandar
The location and hotel itself is great . However ,
Very disappointing experience at Fairmont Royal York.
I booked a Luxury Double Room for Four and informed the hotel in advance that we would arrive late. The hotel explicitly confirmed in writing: “your room will be held for your arrival.”
We arrived around 11 PM after a long international journey, only to be told the hotel was oversold and our reserved room was unavailable. We were downgraded to a Standard Double Room.
The replacement room had a strong paint odor and a visibly peeling bathroom ceiling. When we raised our concerns, we were told the hotel was sold out and could not change the room.
This is not about expecting an upgrade. It is about a confirmed reservation not being honored.
Extremely disappointing.DariUS$ 240
Very Good138 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.51km dari pusat bandar
The location in Toronto's Financial District is impeccable. Breakfast is à la carte and costs extra. The room was a bit small, and although bath salts were provided for the tub, I didn't use them. I happened to be there during TIFF, so the lobby was a bit chaotic.DariUS$ 342
Great108 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.15km dari pusat bandar
The location of the hotel is very good, the room is very clean and has a sense of design, I stayed in Andy's room for 3 days. The service is also very good. In the middle of the night, the waiter will bring you boiling water after a while. The fly in the ointment is that the old house's water outlet and drainage are not very good, and the water from the faucet is all white. The rooftop pool has a nice view but the water is a bit cold.DariUS$ 310
Amazing117 Ulasan
Niagara Toronto|3.2km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean and tidy, the front desk staff was warm, the service was thoughtful, the sea was on the side, the scenery was very good, I would stay here in the future, very recommended, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praiseDariUS$ 252
Great136 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.45km dari pusat bandar
The bar near the lobby is nice and they have a beautiful bar. The breakfast is not good. They say is included and they only let you have one option from the menu. Luxury is flexibility. Having to pay extra if I want to eat more in a five star hotel feels cheap.DariUS$ 515
Great49 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.92km dari pusat bandar
Very comfortable and housekeeping is very good.
The down stair LANO restaurant is the best place to have a cup of coffee, there are all kind and nice waitresses and waiters. The TOCA restaurant offers the best breakfast options in everyday. It’s a great 8days staying memory.DariUS$ 566
Amazing129 Ulasan
Church and Wellesley Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar
Still quite satisfied, lived well, lived for 10 days, the surrounding area was also visited, the restaurant also ate a few times. The spa is also reflected, the overall is not bad. The exterior is being built, the sound is always bad during the day, and there is a fire truck, you can hear a lot of times a day. Toiletries are not provided daily, they need to be explained, and the service attitude is OK. At least the brand is there. I hope I can have a better stay experience next time.DariUS$ 644
Amazing107 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 $4.89. This is required upon check-in.DariUS$ 598
Business travel
Great231 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is super convenient! It's just a ten-minute walk to the Eaton Centre in Mong Kok. There are tons of great food options nearby, like Japanese BBQ, Korean cuisine, and various Western restaurants offering burgers and more. The front desk service at the hotel was excellent, and a special thanks to Dajai for the warm hospitality.DariUS$ 154
Great63 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
Location 100
Facilities 100
The automated check-in and check-out process worked very well, so even though it was crowded, we were able to get to our room quickly. The ice machine and other amenities were great. However, some of the towels had stains; if they cannot be laundered properly, discarding them would be a good idea. Compared to the overall quality of the accommodation, some of the towels were old and subpar.DariUS$ 162
Great43 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.35km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, right next to the CN Tower and close to Union Station. The breakfast was pretty good, and the highlight was being able to see the entire baseball stadium, which was a very unique experience! The room was comfortable, and the cleanliness was well-maintained. The doorman was very welcoming, making us feel right at home.DariUS$ 192
Very Good379 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
Fantastic stay so close to downtown the pathway and great location overall.
I checked in around 4pm and the staff were incredibly welcoming and offered free toiletries and a room upgrade on arrival to enhance my stay. I had breakfast included which was in the main dining hall at reception which was 10/10 the options were amazing and the vibe was very nice and friendly.
The room itself was insane - incredible views day and night massive room area per sq m and a perfect tv with YouTube Apple TV all the streaming services etc would’ve been tempted to stay in if it was so close to everything downtown.
I visited during FIFA World Cup and pride weekend and it was great to see the hype enforcing good security checking guests coming in and out of entrances and lifts I felt very safe here.
Would recommend and stay here again!
Thank you to the staffDariUS$ 200
Great96 Ulasan
Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar
It was great! The room was really spacious, with several distinct areas. Besides the bedroom, there was also a living room, making it a true 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom setup. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, and the vanity outside was extra-long, which was super convenient for multiple people to get ready at once. Plus, the location was excellent. When I booked, it was even cheaper than an Inn, so the value for money was amazing!DariUS$ 149
Very Good280 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.24km dari pusat bandar
I’d like to start with the positives of the hotel. First of all, the location was excellent. As tourists, it was very convenient for us to get to all the main attractions around the city.
I would also like to give special recognition to the service. We were truly impressed by how attentive and welcoming the staff were throughout our stay. In particular, the reception team and the café staff serving breakfast provided outstanding hospitality. Bar 45 also exceeded our expectations with exceptional service. Overall, the customer service was truly top-notch.
What unfortunately disappointed us was the condition of the hotel itself. It feels as though the property has not been significantly updated since the 1970s. The old doors, outdated furniture, worn carpets, and poor lighting in the lobby create a sense of discomfort rather than luxury. This is definitely something that needs attention, as the current condition and renovation standards do not match the level and reputation of the hotel.DariUS$ 210
Very Good140 Ulasan
Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is ideally located in the heart of North York, with a Line 1 subway station right downstairs, providing direct access to Union Station. This makes it incredibly convenient for both train travel and airport access. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get from the hotel to Union Station.DariUS$ 141
Very Good126 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.62km dari pusat bandar
A great hotel in a prime location. The Radisson Blu is situated right on the harbor. It is surrounded by iconic locations, great restaurants and attractions. The CN tower and Roger Center are just a few minutes walk. You can walk along the harbor boardwalk or sit in a nice cafe and watch planes take off and land at the small island airport just across the water.DariUS$ 175
Breakfast
Very Good46 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
The parking, although costing, could not have been more convenient. The location was also outstanding, being so close to the CN-Tower and many restaurants. The unit was great and I'm so glad i requested an upper floor with a balcony as the weather was nice and we sat out there many times, day and night. So nice having two bathrooms and the extra bedroom for extra space. Very well appointed as well. I left to go to the hockey game and realized I had left my key in the room and I was freaked as I didn't know how I'd get back in, as the rental company is not onsite. I got in touch with them and they reminded me that it must be unlocked as the key is need to lock the door from the exterior. Stupid me didn't remember that so disaster averted, although the unit was unlocked. The concierge did go up to make sure it was indeed unlocked and untouched to their eyes. Overall, would love to come back and stay there again, totally satisfied. Thanks again for your assistance with the key debacle..MSPDariUS$ 107
Great74 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.62km dari pusat bandar
The receptionist was friendly. Check-in was seamless. The room assigned to me was as requested; I requested a room far away from the elevator, and they fulfilled it. I would like to see a proper breakfast buffet at the hotel in the future (they only have a cafeteria now). The location was within walking distance of Union Station, which was what I needed.DariUS$ 166
Great75 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.37km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is in the city center and the location is great. The front desk service was also excellent. The room was quite spacious. I stayed Friday night and checked out Saturday. Early Saturday morning, the fire alarm went off repeatedly. It scared me, and I wasn't sure what was happening, so I quickly grabbed my passport and wallet and went downstairs. Later, I found out it was just a drill. So early in the morning... I was really quite speechless.DariUS$ 127
Great168 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar
I arrived at this hotel from Vancouver, and my parents arrived from Japan one day before me. I booked a room for 3 people for 2 nights, but when my parents checked in, there was only one bed in the room. Although my parents don't speak English, they went to the front desk to explain that I would be joining them the next day and that they needed another bed. They were told that an extra bed would be added the next day. However, when we returned to the room at night on the following day, nothing had changed, and we were given the option to either have a bed added at that late hour or change rooms. We were tired and just wanted to take a shower right away, so we decided to switch rooms, but there was no apology whatsoever, which left a very poor impression.
When we called to request toiletries, they took a long time to arrive, and we ended up having to go down to the front desk ourselves. When I explained the situation, I was told that it generally takes about 10 minutes. It would have saved us the extra trip if they had just mentioned that over the phone in the first place.
I have no particular complaints about the cleanliness or the location, but considering the high price of the hotel, I felt that the service and overall experience did not match the cost.DariUS$ 240
44 Ulasan
Toronto|9.25km dari pusat bandar
The rooms looked a little old, but other than that everything was fine until it came to the bathtub. The frame was not fitted against the floor, so every time you stepped in the entire bottom would move like you were walking on a pool cover. I swear to God I thought I was going to fall through the floor the first time I stepped in. Felt like you were surfing every time you showered and you couldn’t close your eyes for fear of falling over from losing your balance lol. I was in room 452DariUS$ 102
Great107 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is great, just a 5-minute drive from Union Station, which made check-in super convenient. The breakfast was excellent and very filling. I specifically booked a lake-view room this time, but next time I'd like to try a room facing a different direction. The service was also fantastic. After checking out, we went to Niagara Falls and were able to store our luggage at the hotel for a full 24 hours, completely free of charge. The bellman was incredibly helpful and even assisted us with our oversized bags.DariUS$ 233
Great109 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.18km dari pusat bandar
Accidentally stayed at the same hotel as Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup. For the first two days, the lobby was chaotic with fans and police everywhere. It finally quieted down on the third day. However, the hotel service was quite poor. They took my laundry but forgot to wash it, and it was returned dirty...DariUS$ 282
Very Good59 Ulasan
Toronto|16.15km dari pusat bandar
Everything was great – 5-star standards, breakfast, ambiance, and facilities. The only downside was the excessive noise. It even has a Starbucks and a swimming pool downstairs! I'd still choose to stay here again next time!!!!DariUS$ 121
🧳 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)
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📌 1. Is the Canada Arrival Card (CAD) mandatory?
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📌 2. Is CAD the same as a visa?
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📌 3. Who needs to submit the Advance Declaration?
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📌 4. How do I submit the Canada Advance Declaration?
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📌 5. When should I submit it?
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📌 6. What info is required?
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📌 7. Do I still need to fill out a paper form on the plane?
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📌 8. What happens after I submit the declaration?
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📌 9. Can I edit my submission if my flight changes?
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📌 10. Is ArriveCAN and the Advance Declaration free?
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📌 11. Which airports accept the Canada Advance Declaration?
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