Customs and immigration on a private flight to Canada
Every aircraft arriving from abroad must land at an airport designated for Canada Border Services Agency clearance. A charter is a commercial flight, so the CANPASS privileges that private and corporate aircraft use do not apply to it.
- Land at
- A CBSA airport of entry
- Small aircraft notice
- 2 to 48 hours
- CANPASS
- Not for charters
- Cash declaration
- CAN$10,000 or more
How arrival works
The aircraft must land at an airport of entry designated for CBSA clearance, and the operator must report the flight in advance: for unscheduled flights of 15 people or fewer, crew included, by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre between two and 48 hours before arrival. Visa-exempt passengers flying in need an eTA, unless they are US citizens or US permanent residents.
Clearance depends on the airport's CBSA designation and the number of people on board. The operator and its handler arrange it; you supply passport details before the flight.
Tell us every passenger's nationality when you ask for a quote so we can confirm visa or eTA needs before the flight is booked. For arrivals at the big airports, see Toronto Pearson, Vancouver and Montréal-Trudeau.
Sources:Canada Border Services Agency: Memorandum D2-5-1, Charter Access to AirportsCanada Border Services Agency: CANPASS Corporate AircraftImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: electronic travel authorization (eTA), operational instructions (modified 5 June 2026)
Airports of entry and their limits
CBSA Memorandum D2-5-1 covers international charter flights, including transborder flights for hire. All aircraft arriving from a foreign point must land at an airport designated for CBSA clearance unless the CBSA authorizes otherwise.
| Designation | What it can clear | How to arrange it |
|---|---|---|
| AOE (no number) | All classes of scheduled and non-scheduled aircraft | Arrival time slot agreed with the airport manager |
| AOE with a number, for example AOE/120 | Up to that number of passengers; above it only with airport manager approval, and the CBSA may stage the off-loading | Contact the local CBSA office as far ahead as possible, during weekday office hours |
| AOE/15 | Only unscheduled general aviation flights of 15 people or fewer, crew included | Call the Telephone Reporting Centre at least two hours, and no more than 48 hours, before arrival |
The carrier pays any extra cost of charter clearance. Arrivals outside the CBSA's core hours, or needing extra officers, need a cost recovery agreement. Small charter operators may be asked for advance passenger information.
Sources:Canada Border Services Agency: Memorandum D2-5-1, Charter Access to Airports
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Why CANPASS does not cover a charter
CANPASS Private Aircraft and CANPASS Corporate Aircraft let pre-screened members land at any airport of entry while it is open, or at CANPASS-only airports, after calling 1-888-226-7277 (905-679-2073 from outside Canada and the US) two to 48 hours ahead. Both are for aircraft carrying no more than 15 people, crew included.
The CBSA says Corporate Aircraft membership cannot be applied to chartered flights, and that a pilot using CANPASS privileges cannot charge passengers for passage. A paid charter clears under the airport-of-entry rules above.
On a CANPASS call the pilot gives names, dates of birth, citizenship and travel document numbers, the purpose and length of stay for non-residents, declarations of goods and currency, and the arrival time and registration. A change of more than 30 minutes, or of the arrival airport, must be reported before arrival.
Sources:Canada Border Services Agency: CANPASS Private AircraftCanada Border Services Agency: CANPASS Corporate AircraftCanada Border Services Agency: CANPASS, report your entry (modified 22 April 2025)
Passports, visas and the eTA
- Most visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or through Canada by air need an electronic travel authorization (eTA). IRCC's instructions list no exemption for private or charter aircraft.
- US citizens do not need an eTA, and since 26 April 2022 nor do lawful permanent residents of the US travelling by air.
- An eTA is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Crew members have their own exemptions from the eTA.
Cash, animals and goods
You must declare currency or monetary instruments worth CAN$10,000 or more that you carry when entering or leaving Canada. There is no limit on the amount, as long as it is declared.
All animals, plants and food brought into Canada must be declared. If you are flying with a pet, read flying private with pets.
On departure, the rules of your destination apply. For US routes, see our Toronto to New York page.
Sources:Canada Border Services Agency: travelling with CAN$10,000 or moreCanadian Food Inspection Agency: pet imports (modified 21 May 2026)
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistCan a private jet land at any Canadian airport from abroad?+
No. It must land at an airport designated for CBSA clearance, unless the CBSA authorizes otherwise. Some airports of entry limit the number of passengers they can clear.
How much notice does the CBSA need?+
For unscheduled flights of 15 people or fewer, crew included, the operator calls the Telephone Reporting Centre between two and 48 hours before arrival. Larger flights arrange a slot with the airport and the local CBSA office.
Can I use my CANPASS membership on a charter?+
No. The CBSA says CANPASS Corporate Aircraft membership cannot be applied to chartered flights, and pilots using CANPASS privileges cannot charge passengers a fee.
Do I need an eTA on a private flight to Canada?+
If you are a visa-exempt foreign national, yes: the eTA applies to travel to Canada by air, with no exemption for private or charter aircraft. US citizens are exempt.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
- 1.Canada Border Services Agency: Memorandum D2-5-1, Charter Access to Airports
- 2.Canada Border Services Agency: CANPASS Corporate Aircraft
- 3.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: electronic travel authorization (eTA), operational instructions (modified 5 June 2026)
- 4.Canada Border Services Agency: CANPASS Private Aircraft
- 5.Canada Border Services Agency: CANPASS, report your entry (modified 22 April 2025)
- 6.Canada Border Services Agency: travelling with CAN$10,000 or more
- 7.Canadian Food Inspection Agency: pet imports (modified 21 May 2026)
Clearance and paperwork handled.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.