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 Good114 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.81km dari pusat bandar
The hotel was a glamorous stay right in the heart of Toronto. There’s a feeling of old luxury in the rooms and the lobby. The room had been renovated recently but they’re much smaller than newer hotels and only just fits a couple and luggage. The amenities were good, and we used the small sauna and steam room. Everything about the hotel was great despite being so compact. The toiletries provided were by Le Labo, but the scent is very strong and can be overpowering for some if you don’t bring your own.DariPKR 96,601
Amazing133 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.51km dari pusat bandar
Excellent hotel situated in the heart of the Toronto Financial District.
Thoroughly enjoyed my stay in the executive suite which I never wanted to leave!!DariPKR 122,776
Great113 Ulasan
Niagara Toronto|3.2km dari pusat bandar
Everything is great except the location is a bit far from dt! The hotel is very new and the service attitude is super good. We asked for help with printing and it was ready quickly.DariPKR 82,246
Very Good137 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.DariPKR 117,991
Great48 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.92km dari pusat bandar
The reason for choosing Ritz is to value service. But I think Ritz Toronto didn't do that! Ritz discriminates in room arrangement! When I first stayed for two nights, I was assigned to the 10th floor. I was not satisfied and asked for a higher one. I was changed to the 17th floor! As a result, when I checked in again two days later, I was assigned to the 7th floor! I was speechless! And knowing that I had just checked in a few days ago, I wonder if guests are used to it! The most unacceptable thing is that when I left, I asked the concierge to help me move my luggage into the car. I also prepared a tip. As a result, the concierge was extremely unenthusiastic. I reminded him several times but he didn't move. He moved one for every one my friend moved! He even wanted a tip. Where does his confidence come from!DariPKR 185,555
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.DariPKR 140,158
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.DariPKR 138,154
Great104 Ulasan
Fashion District Toronto|1.86km dari pusat bandar
Very sustainable hotel😂I forgot to bring toothpaste. I called and they said they didn't have any. The price of $650CAD+a night. Bottled water was also charged $7. There were no amenities but there was an Amenity Fee of $29 a night..1.5 languages
The service attitude was OK. The gym had no view. The swimming pool was only open for a few months in the summer. The rooftop bar was also closed due to recent maintenance. The price for two breakfasts booked on Ctrip was actually a $60 breakfast credit per day. The price was a bit expensive. The actual meal cost $60 per person. The excess and tax had to be paid extra. The taste was average.DariPKR 82,819
Business travel
Great140 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar
Upon arrival and checking in, very friendly customer front desk to be greeted and was provided the Doubletree classic of freshly baked cookies! I didn't know that was a thing and it was a very pleasant surprise where the attendant just pulled a hot warm cookie out of what it seems to be a heated drawer! Was a fantastic experience and it was clean to be in, would come back!DariPKR 46,092
Very Good274 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
While the hotel is perfectly situated, is clean and has all the amenities, it's as busy as an airport check in. It opens to the street from 3 sides making navigating the lobby quite intense. There are people everywhere. My room which was tidy and clean was very very cold. I had to run the fan coil at 90 F for hours to get warm. Room TV channels are limited and the TV didn't allow adding your own apps or screen sharing. Overnight parking fees are expensive even at the discounted rate. 655 Bay St parking is cheaper and easier to navigate. The self service check in worked really well allowing me to skip the huge check in queue but it made the entire hotel experience impersonal.DariPKR 39,262
Very Good127 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.35km dari pusat bandar
Right next to CN Tower, Roger Center, the location is very convenient ~ The hotel facilities are very new and clean ~ There are many restaurants and shopping aroundDariPKR 103,677
Very Good370 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
Fantastic hotel with friendly and helpful staff, clean and tidy and excellent location.
This hotel added to our experience in Toronto and we will definitely stay here again when we return.
Great amenities. The hotel room was excellent t with great furniture and a very comfortable bed.
View from our room was outstanding.DariPKR 51,777
Great79 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.DariPKR 47,483
Great267 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.24km dari pusat bandar
The hotel was in an excellent location withing walking distance to the City Hall, Eaton Center and other attractions. The Deluxe room had great views of the surrounding buildings. The room needed bit of cleaning which was promptly addressed. The a-la-cart breakfast included in the room rate was very good.DariPKR 78,443
Very Good110 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 facilityDariPKR 42,820
Very Good120 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.62km dari pusat bandar
When it's sounds like Radisson Blu, people may think of a 4-star hotel, but my experience with Radisson Blu was not so amused. The miscommunication started since we checked in. On Trip.com, it said we can have a buffet style breakfast with $25 per person, but upon asking them, they said it's a la carte and have to pay at the restaurant. There was no buffet available. They asked me to send an e-mail to confirm is the information about the breakfast is accurate as it mentioned in trip.com sadly no one responded to my e-mail until the hours of breakfast ( 8- 11 am ) and we had not breakfast in the morning.
The room is okay. It is not as exciting as it sounds like Radisson Blu. I had experience staying in Radisson blu in other countries, but the room quality they had there is not even as comparable with Radisson blu toronto downtown. The room in Radisson blu toronto downtown is like the same as some random hotel. The coffee machine was really dirty. When we complained at the front desk, they did not send any replacement. Another thing is that no dental kits were provided as it should provide in all 4 star hotels. Upon requesting at the front desk, they send us dental kits like an hour later.
While checking out the front desk lady, she was a trainee. I showed him the picture of the dirty coffee machine and explained our dissatisfaction. She said she couldn't do any compensation since the room was pre-paid. In return she offered me some bottle of water for our trip 😄. I mean, I don't need a water bottle as compensation. Then she offered me that the parking would be on the house. Now, I am waiting for the return of my $100 security deposit.
Apart from that the location of the hotel is very cool and convenient. Just in the herat of downtown. The CN tower was visible just from the window of our room.
Considering everything it does not meet the standard of a 4-star hotel.DariPKR 89,771
Breakfast
Very Good108 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Even though I went there suddenly, it was a good place to stay. The location was good and all the facilities in the room were good. The CN Tower was also visible from inside the room.DariPKR 29,038
Very Good79 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.64km dari pusat bandar
The location is great, among shops and restaurants. The lobby is quite small, with only a couple of couches to sit. There is a restaurant and bar in the restaurant as well, with tables and chairs but the division is not as clear between what is lounge area for hotel guests and restaurant seatings. We were waiting for our room to be serviced and my husband sat at a table to do some work on the labtop and only about 20% of the restaurant had customers with the remaining tables empty. He was approached by a couple of waitstaff and he explained that he's there to do some work and didn't want to order any food. At which point, a manager approached him and asked him to move to the sofa area and not occupy a table and he did and then the manager approached him again, asking what room are we staying in as well as other details. There's not much work/lounge space in the area at all. I feel that they could have let him sit at a table, considering many of the tables were not occupied. I've seen people sit there on a previous day with their laptops and not order anything. So it was kind of unpleasant that that happened. Also, our room had absolutely no natural light, which made it very depressing. I don't know if I would recommend this hotel for a stay in Toronto.DariPKR 52,227
Great137 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.37km dari pusat bandar
Stayed on the 5th floor of the hotel room with the bedroom facing an office space. As a result, would need to draw the curtain if privacy is needed. There were some road construction or renovations going on in the early morning (around 5am) near the office block and the construction noise can be heard from the room.
Requested for a kettle, and the kettle provided has a lot of calcific deposits at the base of the kettle.DariPKR 46,910
Great145 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar
My stay at this hotel was the best experience I've had in Toronto. It's right in the absolute city center, making it super convenient for landmarks and shopping. A Chinese guy at the front desk was especially welcoming; even though I arrived very late, he proactively arranged a high-floor, quiet room for me and gave me plenty of water, which made me feel really warm and cared for. It's a shame I was only there for the weekend and spent most of my time out exploring, so I didn't get to enjoy the hotel as much as I would have liked. I'll definitely be back next time!DariPKR 82,492
40 Ulasan
Toronto|9.25km dari pusat bandar
Small bathrooms for families trying to use it. Stale smell in the hallways. Heater in room was too powerful even on lowest setting. Air in the room was dry. TV was not a smart TV capable of streaming movies/shows from devices. Charged us for parking but did not tell us in advance when we checked in. Sheets had encrusted food stains on them. Bed was stiff and hurt our backs. Small parking lot and steep narrow ramp to get up into the parking lot, could easily result in a collision.DariPKR 25,766
Very Good90 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is ideally situated of the front of the lake with the ferries to the islands just outside. An underground stop is just across the road with links to Union station and elsewhere. There are also a selection of buses that pass and a hop on hop off stop is about 10 mins walk. You can walk most places in central Toronto from hotel if you wish and are happy walking. You can choose which street suits you best on your walk and change route for variation as only a block apart and will all get you to central Toronto. You are maybe about 15 mins from the Blue Jays and CN tower so hotel is in a great location. Billy Bishop airport is about a 20 min walk and would be convenient if you can get flights to or from there to your destination. The communal areas in the hotel look very nice, as is the entrance if being dropped off by car. However there is work going on around the outside of the hotel and if walking to and from the hotel it isn’t so pleasant on the eye. My bedroom was spacious but felt dated and would be nice to see a more updated look. However the view onto the lake more than made up for that minor irritation. The staff were all great and helpful when asked. There was various things going on from regular activities in the leisure area to free ice cream and wine ( not together unfortunately ) and music in the afternoon. The leisure facilities were great with a pool, sauna, steam room and gym as well as an outside area (5th floor) for sitting outside while the kids could play. There was a tennis court and a basket ball hoop. There was also an oppertunity to use cycles and go for a run possibly with a guide. We didn’t eat at the hotel so couldn’t comment but the did have a restaurant on the top of there south tower that would give great views. We did grab a coffee and snack from across the street and would enjoy sitting on the benches just along from the hotel looking into the lake in the morning. All in all one of the older hotels ( I think) in a great location with great views and facilities which met our needs.DariPKR 80,447
Great107 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location, with CN tower just at the door step, and a short walk to the harbourfront and union station. Many restaurants nearby too! Take the UP express from the airport and it's just a short walk to the hotel connected via the link bridge. Don't bother with taxi or Uber, it's 4 times the price and you might get stuck in a jam like me.
Rooms are big and clean! My stay was perfect!DariPKR 68,750
Very Good54 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?DariPKR 40,939
🧳 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)
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