Primary Inspection Kiosks
2019-05-24
Canada's airports are modernizing to improve border-related service and meet the need to manage increasing volumes of international travellers.
If you arrive at one of Canada's busiest international airports, you can now verify your identity and make an on-screen declaration using primary inspection kiosks.
The CBSA, in collaboration with airport authorities, began introducing these new kiosks in March 2017 and continued installing them at Canada's major airports throughout 2018-2019.
Download our eDeclaration mobile app to save even more time when you arrive by air in Canada.
How to use the kiosks
- Step 1: Scan your travel document
- Step 2: Take your photo
- Step 3: Verify your fingerprints (only for select foreign nationals and permanent residents)
- Step 4: Answer a few questions to complete your declaration
- Step 5: Take your kiosk receipt to a border services officer
Who can use the kiosks?
- Most travellers arriving in Canada by air, including returning residents and foreign nationals.
- Each kiosk is fully accessible, in compliance with Canadian standards
Who cannot use the kiosks?
- Travellers with a non-machine-readable travel document
- Unaccompanied minors
These travellers will be directed to a border services officer for in-person processing.
Special Services
- NEXUS members should continue to use dedicated NEXUS kiosks for expedited processing or can opt to use a passport for regular processing at a Primary Inspection Kiosk.
- Foreign representatives (diplomats) and their families should continue to use the special services counter for in-person processing.
Where to find them
Kiosks are available at the following locations:
- Vancouver International Airport – YVR
- Calgary International Airport – YYC
- Edmonton International Airport – YEG
- Winnipeg Richardson International Airport – YWG
- Terminal 3 of Toronto Pearson International Airport – YYZ
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – YTZ
- Ottawa International Airport – YOW
- Montreal-Trudeau International Airport – YUL
- Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport – YQB
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport – YHZ
Located at Ottawa, Edmonton, Billy Bishop Toronto, and Calgary
Located at Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, and Winnipeg
Located at Terminal 3 of Toronto Pearson
Passport stamping for permanent residents and foreign nationals
- The CBSA no longer stamps all passports at airports with Primary Inspection Kiosks.
- If you need a stamp in your passport as a proof of entry into Canada you must request a stamp from a border services officer after completing a kiosk transaction.
- If your passport is not stamped, you are only authorized to stay in Canada for up to 6 months from the day you initially entered Canada, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If the border services officer authorizes a period of stay of some other duration, either more or less than 6 months, the officer may issue you a document and should stamp your passport indicating the date by which you must leave Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Why was I not able to use the eDeclaration mobile app at my arrival airport?
The eDeclaration mobile app can only be used at a Primary Inspection Kiosk. The updated list of airport terminals with Primary Inspection Kiosks can always be found on the app itself and on the CBSA website.
Do I have to use a Primary Inspection Kiosk?
You are asked to use the kiosks where they are available as this allows us to provide you the best service. If you are ineligible or unable to use a kiosk, you will make your declaration to a border services officer when you arrive.
What happens if I land at an airport that does not have Primary Inspection Kiosks?
If you are arriving at an airport without the kiosks, you will be given a declaration card onboard your flight to Canada. You are expected to complete the form and make your declaration to a border services officer when you arrive.
Why are you taking my picture?
Your picture is taken at the kiosk to help confirm your identity and declaration. Your kiosk picture is compared to your travel document. Your picture is also printed on your kiosk receipt, so the border services officer can confirm you made a declaration.
Why are you verifying my fingerprints?
Your fingerprints are verified to help confirm your identity. Your fingerprints are compared to the fingerprints provided at the time of your application and ensure that the person seeking entry is the same person who was granted a visa, permit, or permanent residence. Canadian citizens are not required to provide fingerprints.
Are all travelers required to verify their fingerprints?
Not all travelers will be required to verify their fingerprints. Travellers who provided fingerprints to the Government of Canada when applying for a work permit, study permit, temporary resident permit, temporary resident visa (visitor visa), or permanent residence will be asked to verify their fingerprints when using PIK. Canadian citizens are exempt from the requirement to verify their fingerprints at PIK.
How will my declaration be used? Is my information secure?
The information you enter on a Primary Inspection Kiosk is encrypted and transferred securely to the CBSA. The kiosk deletes your data once your receipt is printed. Your data and a copy of the receipt are retained within CBSA systems, in accordance with government information, privacy and security policies.
What happens if the kiosks don't work?
In the event of a kiosk outage, the Customer Service Representatives at the airport will direct you to make your declaration to a border services officer.
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