US Customs and Border Protection has introduced Mobile Passport Control, an app that allows you to digitally submit your information for smoother departures from Pearson when you and your family are travelling to the States.
The MPC app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Passengers must then create a profile with their passport information, name, gender, date of birth and country of citizenship.
Once you arrive at Pearson, you can:
- Select the airport and terminal from the app’s list
- Take a selfie and answer the inspection-related questions
- Submit your transaction through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code
- Bring your physical passport and mobile device with your QR-coded receipt to a CBP officer to help speed inspection prior to departure
If you’re travelling with your family, the app allows for a single household to submit one transaction, including answers to CBP inspection-related questions. It also eliminates the need for a declaration form as you can answer the CBP inspection-related questions electronically via your mobile device prior to arriving at Customs.
Arriving from an international destination?
The Canada Border Services Agency screens all travellers landing in Canada at Pearson Airport. If you’re arriving on a US or international flight, you’ll need to confirm your identity with CBSA and declare any goods that you’re bringing into the country. 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
- Scan your travel document
- Take your photo at the kiosk when prompted
- Answer a few questions to complete your declaration
- 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
NEXUS members and diplomats
If you are a NEXUS member, you can 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.
Visas and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Before you book your flight to Pearson Airport, check to see if you need a visa or an eTA to visit or transit through Canada.
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.