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 place has it all. The service and valet parking was very easy to deal with. The rooms are big and clean. The lounge is very nice and comfortable. The gym, pool and hot tub are also great features. I recommend staying here.DariMYR 1,506
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.DariMYR 1,038
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.DariMYR 1,784
Amazing105 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.DariMYR 1,758
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.DariMYR 1,226
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.Parking is available at the property.DariMYR 254
0 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.91km dari pusat bandar
Set in Toronto's Old Toronto, RivetStays - The Dan Leckie is positioned to meet the needs of those traveling for fun or business.DariMYR 309
Business travel
Very Good128 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is conveniently located to great eateries and restaurants just round the corner. It is also near to Eaton Center great for shopping and a huge urban eatery with lots of varieties of food for everyone. The hotel room is a little small but there's a gym, indoor heated pool and laundrette which is very useful. Finally, Hilton hotel is famous for its home-baked cookies which is given out to guests staying in the hotel.DariMYR 670
Very Good262 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
Great location in downtown Toronto. Staff was friendly and helpful. The only issue we had was that we couldn’t turn the AC on ourselves. Somebody from the front desk came and helped us, but we weren’t able to control the temperature after that. I’m not sure if that’s an overall issue or just a problem with our room.DariMYR 594
Great127 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.DariMYR 713
Very Good331 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
It's Hilton. As expected. Great location with nearby amenities. Beautiful view from the rooms. No water for the coffee machine though. Pic is of the CN Tower as viewed from the room. Would have stayed longer but it's too cold now for me in Canada, so will return in the Spring. Highly recommend.DariMYR 629
Great67 Ulasan
Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar
Stayed at Cambridge July 18 to 22 2025
Parking and check in was easy and quick
Room was always well cleaned when we returned at the end of the day. Mattress is not very firm and gave both of us sore backs by the end of our stay.
Stayed in room 1205 and no scenic views.
For the price and location to restaurants and shopping you can’t beat staying at Cambridge.DariMYR 487
Very Good110 Ulasan
Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar
A very comfortable stay in a spacious room with a lovely view from the 15th floor. Well equipped gym but the pool was closed for repairs. The TV had poor signal and despite reporting to reception, it was still not fixed when we checked out after 3 nights.
The metro station is around the corner for a 30minute ride into city centre. There is a shopping centre across the street with a huge supermarket and a good liquor store.DariMYR 471
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.DariMYR 565
Very Good104 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.DariMYR 256
Breakfast
Great77 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.DariMYR 476
Great128 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.37km 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.DariMYR 481
Very Good128 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!DariMYR 758
Good134 Ulasan
Toronto|9.25km dari pusat bandar
Pretty nice hotel. Location is OK, but not as close to downtown as I would have liked. Of course the traffic in Toronto plays a part as well. They have everything you need on the property as far as food, pool, and gym. Parking could be better, but was sufficient.DariMYR 310
Great90 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar
Lovely hotel and great location and view. The bathroom in the room we were in had a broken bath tub plug and the shower also did not work properly.DariMYR 728
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?DariMYR 570
Great79 Ulasan
Toronto|2km dari pusat bandar
The overall cleanliness of the hotel is pretty good. Canada is not dirty after all. The cleaning is OK. It is not a big problem for a temporary stay. It is also close to Yorkville and is the cheapest hotel nearby. The breakfast is great and the price-performance ratio is very high.DariMYR 699
Very Good132 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.DariMYR 655
🧳 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)