+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

COMING to CANADA 1st time what to bring?

singleman

VIP Member
Jul 28, 2018
3,616
1,681
App. Filed.......
00-05-2020
File Transfer...
00-00-2021
List of the main items that go in the carry-on bag:

  • Passport
  • Visa and COPR
  • Money and credit/debit cards (notify the bank about your trip prior your departure)
  • Have some cash in Canadian dollars You can get from Western Union or Money Gram. Try Canadian coins too , may need to call. These days whatsapp does the trick. And most Airports have FREE wi-fi incl DELHI. But I needed Loonies or coins at Toronto to get a cart for luggage.
  • A list of important phone numbers
  • A doctor’s note translated into English and prescription medicine
  • Contact lenses with the container, 2 set of glasses, sunglasses (if applicable)
  • A camera and charges
  • Laptop with charger (most have international voltages)
  • A change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste (in case your luggage is delayed)
  • Small makeup bag for men/women : carry small paste, toothbrush all others things but no liquids over 50 ml? or sharp things
  • NON-slippery warm shoes
  • I buy and use Foot Deodorant Sport Spray since you don't wanna give smell to fellow passengers, but then keep it in check-in luggage, British Airways used to give out FREE socks for relaxing
  • Your personal mobile with charger which will accept Canadian SIM cards as we have no restrictions now
  • Personal GOLD jewelry. There is NO LIMIT on GOLD for 1st time arriving in Canada= confirmed
  • I recommend Winter Warm Underpants as when Airplane goes 33000 your legs may feel colder ( depending on your age )
  • My mom before flying used 2 tabs/day for 2 days so her ankles/legs won't swell. I think it was water pills or diuretics.
  • I recommend EAR PLUGS for all ages it is a real good thing if you wanna sleep. Also helps to reduce disturbances, ringing etc. We see kids Or fellow passenger bugging u too much :) crying very loudly when airplane lands, that is because Cabin pressure
  • Carry a Ball pen , most passengers starts to borrow from each other to fill out Canada Customs Form which they will give you before landing.
  • IF you want to import more things then declare at arrival;- " Goods to Follow" goods on a sep form
LIKE it? OK then press THUMBS up icon rt corner below.. :)
May ask more if any doubts :) I will try to upload a Canadian Custom form here as a Sample. Here it is:--
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/e311-eng.pdf
Please ask Qs RE; how to fill out this form. Thanks
 

starnaenae

Champion Member
Aug 9, 2016
2,792
837
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Mexico
App. Filed.......
March 1 2017
Doc's Request.
March 27, 2017, July 10, 2017
AOR Received.
AOR 1:March 17 2017 AOR 2: May 10, 2017
File Transfer...
April 8, 2017
Med's Request
Upfront - PASSED
Med's Done....
December 12 2016
Interview........
NOT REQUIRED
Passport Req..
March 5, 2018
VISA ISSUED...
March 13, 2018
LANDED..........
April 30, 2018
Passport money cell phone and cardsshould never be in a carry on. Should always be on a person
 
  • Like
Reactions: adi.urban

Hurlabrick

Champion Member
Sep 4, 2016
2,358
575
Ottawa, ON
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
23-06-2016
AOR Received.
12-07-2016
File Transfer...
23-08-2016
Med's Done....
08-06-2016
Passport Req..
21-12-2016
VISA ISSUED...
24-12-2016
LANDED..........
11-04-2017
Many (all?) of the major Canadian airports now have computer kiosks for customs declarations and no longer hand out paper customs cards. Certainly true in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver (from my personal experience).
 

aby1098

Hero Member
Sep 25, 2011
509
221
Category........
FAM
Many (all?) of the major Canadian airports now have computer kiosks for customs declarations and no longer hand out paper customs cards. Certainly true in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver (from my personal experience).
you can use the kiosk machines only if you have a Canadian passport or PR card . for first time travellers you have to go through a different entering formality .
 

aartisujith

Star Member
Jun 7, 2018
71
42
35
India
Category........
Visa Office......
NDVO
App. Filed.......
31-05-2018
AOR Received.
06-07-2018
File Transfer...
09-08-2018
Med's Request
13-07-2018
Med's Done....
25-07-2018
Passport Req..
29-11-2018
VISA ISSUED...
19-12-2018
LANDED..........
19-01-2019
Awesome!! Thank you so much
 

Hurlabrick

Champion Member
Sep 4, 2016
2,358
575
Ottawa, ON
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
23-06-2016
AOR Received.
12-07-2016
File Transfer...
23-08-2016
Med's Done....
08-06-2016
Passport Req..
21-12-2016
VISA ISSUED...
24-12-2016
LANDED..........
11-04-2017
you can use the kiosk machines only if you have a Canadian passport or PR card . for first time travellers you have to go through a different entering formality .
Not according to CIC? Here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pik-bip-eng.html

My wife landed to declare PR last year, and as a 'foreign national' had to use the kiosk. Sure after that part she was then directed to another line to complete landing formalities, but used the machines instead of paper customs declaration.
 

aartisujith

Star Member
Jun 7, 2018
71
42
35
India
Category........
Visa Office......
NDVO
App. Filed.......
31-05-2018
AOR Received.
06-07-2018
File Transfer...
09-08-2018
Med's Request
13-07-2018
Med's Done....
25-07-2018
Passport Req..
29-11-2018
VISA ISSUED...
19-12-2018
LANDED..........
19-01-2019
What is this kiosk? I read the article. But i am confused.
 

starnaenae

Champion Member
Aug 9, 2016
2,792
837
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Mexico
App. Filed.......
March 1 2017
Doc's Request.
March 27, 2017, July 10, 2017
AOR Received.
AOR 1:March 17 2017 AOR 2: May 10, 2017
File Transfer...
April 8, 2017
Med's Request
Upfront - PASSED
Med's Done....
December 12 2016
Interview........
NOT REQUIRED
Passport Req..
March 5, 2018
VISA ISSUED...
March 13, 2018
LANDED..........
April 30, 2018
you can use the kiosk machines only if you have a Canadian passport or PR card . for first time travellers you have to go through a different entering formality .
Incorrect. All passengers now use kiosks
 
  • Like
Reactions: lucky1990

singleman

VIP Member
Jul 28, 2018
3,616
1,681
App. Filed.......
00-05-2020
File Transfer...
00-00-2021
Many (all?) of the major Canadian airports now have computer kiosks for customs declarations and no longer hand out paper customs cards. Certainly true in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver (from my personal experience).
Agree But in Calgary I had to fill same paper and then insert in the computer kiosk , may be changed now. In airplane they still give out forms. And few new comers born in their late 40s and up aren't computer users , I said some not all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lucky1990

singleman

VIP Member
Jul 28, 2018
3,616
1,681
App. Filed.......
00-05-2020
File Transfer...
00-00-2021
Terminal 3 - declaration forms are not paper based any longer. You can actually complete it on your phone (download the app).
Terminal 1 - you still need to fill out declaration card and insert into kiosk
It is getting all electronic now ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: lucky1990

singleman

VIP Member
Jul 28, 2018
3,616
1,681
App. Filed.......
00-05-2020
File Transfer...
00-00-2021
Not according to CIC? Here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pik-bip-eng.html

My wife landed to declare PR last year, and as a 'foreign national' had to use the kiosk. Sure after that part she was then directed to another line to complete landing formalities, but used the machines instead of paper customs declaration.
Good info. I thought same for new 1st time comers as PRs. There are lot of paper work to be done. New person as a PR MUST see an officer in person where it takes around 1/2 hour or more? to fill all documents. Some needs a translator. Some officers are kind enough to ask if your relative is waitng outside? then call that person to come in and help do the translation. It happened when my mom came alone , I had to go in for translation.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lucky1990

fjmeer

Star Member
Aug 27, 2018
65
2
List of the main items that go in the carry-on bag:

  • Passport
  • Visa and COPR
  • Money and credit/debit cards (notify the bank about your trip prior your departure)
  • Have some cash in Canadian dollars You can get from Western Union or Money Gram. Try Canadian coins too , may need to call. These days whatsapp does the trick. And most Airports have FREE wi-fi incl DELHI. But I needed Loonies or coins at Toronto to get a cart for luggage.
  • A list of important phone numbers
  • A doctor’s note translated into English and prescription medicine
  • Contact lenses with the container, 2 set of glasses, sunglasses (if applicable)
  • A camera and charges
  • Laptop with charger (most have international voltages)
  • A change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste (in case your luggage is delayed)
  • Small makeup bag for men/women : carry small paste, toothbrush all others things but no liquids over 50 ml? or sharp things
  • NON-slippery warm shoes
  • I buy and use Foot Deodorant Sport Spray since you don't wanna give smell to fellow passengers, but then keep it in check-in luggage, British Airways used to give out FREE socks for relaxing
  • Your personal mobile with charger which will accept Canadian SIM cards as we have no restrictions now
  • Personal GOLD jewelry. There is NO LIMIT on GOLD for 1st time arriving in Canada= confirmed
  • I recommend Winter Warm Underpants as when Airplane goes 33000 your legs may feel colder ( depending on your age )
  • My mom before flying used 2 tabs/day for 2 days so her ankles/legs won't swell. I think it was water pills or diuretics.
  • I recommend EAR PLUGS for all ages it is a real good thing if you wanna sleep. Also helps to reduce disturbances, ringing etc. We see kids Or fellow passenger bugging u too much :) crying very loudly when airplane lands, that is because Cabin pressure
  • Carry a Ball pen , most passengers starts to borrow from each other to fill out Canada Customs Form which they will give you before landing.
  • IF you want to import more things then declare at arrival;- " Goods to Follow" goods on a sep form
LIKE it? OK then press THUMBS up icon rt corner below.. :)
May ask more if any doubts :) I will try to upload a Canadian Custom form here as a Sample. Here it is:--
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/e311-eng.pdf
Please ask Qs RE; how to fill out this form. Thanks
How big is your carry on dude :D
 

aartisujith

Star Member
Jun 7, 2018
71
42
35
India
Category........
Visa Office......
NDVO
App. Filed.......
31-05-2018
AOR Received.
06-07-2018
File Transfer...
09-08-2018
Med's Request
13-07-2018
Med's Done....
25-07-2018
Passport Req..
29-11-2018
VISA ISSUED...
19-12-2018
LANDED..........
19-01-2019
I am the first time traveller. On the eDeclaration app they are asking whether i am a citizen or permanent resident. What should I select? Yes or no. Coz I am entering Canada with my COPR letter. And country of residence should be India?
 
  • Like
Reactions: lucky1990

Hurlabrick

Champion Member
Sep 4, 2016
2,358
575
Ottawa, ON
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
23-06-2016
AOR Received.
12-07-2016
File Transfer...
23-08-2016
Med's Done....
08-06-2016
Passport Req..
21-12-2016
VISA ISSUED...
24-12-2016
LANDED..........
11-04-2017
I am the first time traveller. On the eDeclaration app they are asking whether i am a citizen or permanent resident. What should I select? Yes or no. Coz I am entering Canada with my COPR letter. And country of residence should be India?
You are not a PR until your CoPR has been activated. Therefore, you answer 'No' on this occasion.

But you MUST make sure that when you hand the printed declaration sheet that you get from the kiosk to the CBSA agent, that you now want to land to declare PR, he will then direct you accordingly for the next steps.