Frequently asked questions

The time it takes to clear customs can vary, since the process has several steps: 

1. Getting off the plane and transferring to customs 

2. Filling out a declaration form at the primary inspection kiosk 

3. Talking to a Canada Border Services Agency officer 

4. Collecting your baggage from the carousel 

5. Submitting your declaration form and undergoing a secondary search, if applicable 

6. Leaving the customs area  

See the question “How do I prepare to go through Canadian customs?” for tips on clearing customs as quickly as possible. 

When you arrive, the customs clearance process involves several steps: 

1. Getting off the plane and transferring to customs 

2. Filling out a declaration form at the primary inspection kiosk  

3. Talking to a Canada Border Services Agency officer 

4. Collecting your baggage from the carousel 

5. Submitting your declaration form and undergoing a secondary search, if applicable 

6. Leaving the customs area 

You can use the Canada Border Services Agency’s border reminder checklist to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything.  

To avoid potential penalties (such as fines, seizure, or prosecution), make sure you have the information you need before bringing items into Canada. 

For more information, please visit the Restricted and prohibited goods page of the Government of Canada website. 

No, there is no U.S. customs pre-clearance centre at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). Only the Canada Border Services Agency operates there. 

Follow these tips before you cross the Canadian border: 

1. Before you arrive in Canada, you can download the ArriveCAN app and submit your customs and immigration declaration within 72 hours of your arrival in Canada. Once you have provided your declaration, a receipt will be displayed and emailed to you. 

At Québec City airport, you will have to scan your passport at the kiosk to retrieve your declaration before finalizing the process. You will receive a printed receipt from the kiosk which you will need to show a Border Services Officer. 

Using the functionality, via the ArriveCAN mobile application, for customs and immigration declaration is optional but simplifies the procedures for entering Canada.For more information about the ArriveCAN app, please visit the Use ArriveCAN for a faster border experience page of the Government of Canada website. 

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2. You can use the Canada Border Services Agency’s border reminder checklist to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything.