Frequently asked questions - Alternate reporting

1. What is alternate reporting?
2. How does one report in an alternate manner?
3. What alternate reporting programs are available when travelling to and from Canada?
4. What is the difference between CANPASS and NEXUS?
5. What individual programs are available under CANPASS?
6. What NEXUS programs are available?

1. What is alternate reporting?

Alternate reporting is a means through which travellers may satisfy their customs and immigration obligations without interacting directly with an officer.

2. How does one report in an alternate manner?

There are different types of alternate reporting, depending on the mode of travel and the type of program a traveller chooses. Generally, customs alternate reporting is done by using a telephone, presenting a proximity card, or depositing a traveller declaration card in a drop box.

3. What alternate reporting programs are available when travelling to and from Canada?

Telephone reporting is available to all general aviation aircraft and recreational boaters entering the country. In addition, there are two series of mode-specific programs, know as CANPASS and NEXUS, for frequent low-risk travellers.

4. What is the difference between CANPASS and NEXUS?

CANPASS programs are only for travellers entering Canada; NEXUS membership makes it easier to enter both Canada and the United States.

5. What individual programs are available under CANPASS?

The are four CANPASS programs: CANPASS - Air, for airline passengers using selected Canadian airports; CANPASS - Private Boats, for recreational boaters using international waterways between Canada and the United States; and two programs for general aviation traffic, the CANPASS - Private Aircraft and CANPASS - Corporate Aircraft programs.

6. What NEXUS programs are available?

Currently NEXUS - Highway is operating at a number of major land border crossings, serving people who travel between Canada and the United States by private automobile. We are now developing a NEXUS - Air program for qualifying airline passengers.