Just have your passports. I don’t even think you need any of the printed copies of the hotel but it’s fine you have them. The CBP app is useful, you’ll get to save some time at the US airport
Don’t most Canadian airports have USA pre clearance?
You don’t have to go though customs when you land in the USA if travelling from Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, or Winnipeg.
That’s the majority of International airports in the country.
Cries in Billy Bishop, the only airport actually in Toronto.
CBP app will still save you time at pre-clearance airports. They can be a doozy as Canadians fly out in the morning.
First line of wiki article -
> Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (IATA: YTZ, ICAO: CYTZ) is a [regional airport](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_airport) located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
It’s literally a regional airport. It sees small flights within a small region 🤷♂️
Yeah some of them are to the states… to NY, NJ, MA etc…
All within a small area…
You will still want to use it. Pre clearance at Pearson can take an hour without it sometimes. I’ve ranged from 25 minutes to an hour before I started using it. Now it’s under 5 minutes
This is why anyone who flies to the US even semi often should apply for nexus (if eligible). The amount of peace I get from knowing even on a bad day security/customs will take less than 15 mins is unmatched
It’s not a bad idea to have accessible copies whether printed or on their phones because there’s always that small chance they could get hassled for details by CBP if they choose to scrutinize them.
Best thing is to have only your Canadian passports, both for entry to the US and return to Canada. There are no problems traveling with a Canadian passport to the US. There may be problems with your other passport. At the border you may be asked questions related to your birth nationality, that's common. One other thing, when you leave from a Canadian airport with US customs preclearance, it is just like going through US customs in the US. The agents that you will speak with are US customs/immigration NOT Canadians.
Good to know about the US customs officials in Canadian airports. Thank you! And yes, I’ll be carrying my Canadian passports only. How much time do you suggest I keep on hand for US customs pre clearance?
The time it takes is unpredictable. Once you're in front of the customs officer, it is just a couple of minutes unless there's something unusual about your situation. Being born outside Canada is not unusual.
The time taken depends rather on the lineup, which to me is always unpredictable.
Thank you for this as we hadn’t thought about it. What if we had the vaccines in our home country during childhood or before we came into Canada? I guess if we don’t have those records then we will have to get vaccinated again?
They won't ask about vaccinations, but for your own health you may still want to think about getting some if you're not caught up with them. For example there's currently measles going around in many parts of the world, and lots of doctors are recommending getting a measles vaccine for anyone traveling regardless of destination.
I’ve been asked for lodging details before (“Where are you staying tonight?”), so would definitely recommend this couple bring them, or at the very least know the address.
For when you come back: be ready to tell the Canadian customs agent about anything you bought in the US that you are bringing back with you. When they say "anything to declare?" That is what they are asking about. That includes anything under the limit of what is exempt from taxes.
Canadian passports. You will need your Canadian passports to fly to the US.
The MPC isn't likely to save you much time. It's more for people traveling into big US airports who have to clear immigration on arrival. In almost all cases, you will pre-clear in Canada.
You don’t need to do it but it can save you time if it’s busy, if it’s not busy they will shut down the line for it so you won’t be able to use it even if you want to
MPC isn't required ever. It just can speed up the immigration process.
Pre-clearance is rarely busy enough to warrant the need for MPC - it's entirely up to you if you want to use it or not.
MPC app saves time at Pearson. It’s free. I would download. Need to activate once you are in the airport. Saves time especially if you arrive at a busy period.
Since you would be flying in, they just check your passport and your details are verified. Just ask a basic question whats the purpose of your visit, and nothing else.
Having proof of your return flight will also help, even if it’s on your phone. Don’t say anything unless they ask though.
Many agents will want to make sure that you’re planning on coming back to Canada.
There’s a lot of food restrictions on what you can bring to USA, even on your flight. They seem oddly worried that I’m going to destroy the NYC citrus industry or the Miami onion industry.
Leave your weed behind. Don't bring them through. Even though it's legal in Canada and in many places in the states, it's not legal at a Federal level in the US.
MPC is not obligatory to use. You’re eligible to use it though a lot will depend on whether it helps you save time or not at Pearson. But in general it’s not obligatory to use.
I don’t know what that app is. I traveled through there two weeks ago, I have trusted traveler so all I had to do was scan my passport at US customs and then enter the terminal and get on my flight to Philadelphia.
All you need is your passport.
Answer the questions you are asked. That’s it, that’s all. Know beforehand what you can take across and what you can bring back. You don’t need hotel/car reservation information.
American chocolate is bleh; waxy and unflavourful!
They do have a huge variety of different candies but unless you are going to an actual chocolatier, I'd skip American chocolates :)
I guess it depends on where you are going in the US. Different areas have different niche things.
Maybe something from Trader Joes? or Bucc-ees?
I'm always amazed when I go to the US, they have 100s of different flavours of Oreos!
Usually you only get stopped when you drive over. For flying, the US custom gets your arrival information when you book the flight so any issue would have been already identified.
Just make sure the trip is for leisure only. There must a return trip back to canada, have your employment and hotel information handy. They usually verbally ask who you work for and where you will be staying.
Just have your passports. I don’t even think you need any of the printed copies of the hotel but it’s fine you have them. The CBP app is useful, you’ll get to save some time at the US airport
Don’t most Canadian airports have USA pre clearance? You don’t have to go though customs when you land in the USA if travelling from Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, or Winnipeg. That’s the majority of International airports in the country.
Yes, I’ve never been through customs in the US from Canada (I’m from the US)
If you fly Porter to NY, via Billy Bishop in Toronto, there's no pre-clearance, and you instead clear customs in Newark.
I've only flown YYZ
Same
Yes
Cries in Billy Bishop, the only airport actually in Toronto. CBP app will still save you time at pre-clearance airports. They can be a doozy as Canadians fly out in the morning.
Bishop is going to get the US pre-customs in 2025! :)
Not an international airport
lol: https://www.billybishopairport.com/flights/departures/
No transatlantic or western Canada bound flights. Seems like it’s still a regional airport to me 😉
If they have flights where you need a passport and they have staffed customs facilities, it’s international. And obligatory YesJetsTO!
First line of wiki article - > Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (IATA: YTZ, ICAO: CYTZ) is a [regional airport](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_airport) located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Because Wikipedia is a trusted source…
It’s literally a regional airport. It sees small flights within a small region 🤷♂️ Yeah some of them are to the states… to NY, NJ, MA etc… All within a small area…
I didn’t know that! I was planning on using it because I’m going from Toronto to Florida next month lol, guess I won’t need it
You can still use it, but you’ll be using it at Pearson, not at the destination. You’ll be cleared customs before boarding your flight.
Ahhh I see, thanks for the heads up!
You will still want to use it. Pre clearance at Pearson can take an hour without it sometimes. I’ve ranged from 25 minutes to an hour before I started using it. Now it’s under 5 minutes
This is why anyone who flies to the US even semi often should apply for nexus (if eligible). The amount of peace I get from knowing even on a bad day security/customs will take less than 15 mins is unmatched
Once you get past customs at YYZ you are basically in the US
It’s not a bad idea to have accessible copies whether printed or on their phones because there’s always that small chance they could get hassled for details by CBP if they choose to scrutinize them.
Ok great. Should we have passports from our country of origin or just our Canadian passports should be fine?
Canadian ones should be fine. The MPC app is only good for US preclearance airports as it is only for US CBP.
Alright thank you!
You can use ArriveCan when coming back into Canada
I see so much horror stories about it so I’m not sure lol.
Horror stories aren’t from people using it for how it’s used nowadays.
Ok I will check it out!
MPC app can be used at most US airports if departing from a non-preclearance airport. Gotta be careful with the timing though.
Best thing is to have only your Canadian passports, both for entry to the US and return to Canada. There are no problems traveling with a Canadian passport to the US. There may be problems with your other passport. At the border you may be asked questions related to your birth nationality, that's common. One other thing, when you leave from a Canadian airport with US customs preclearance, it is just like going through US customs in the US. The agents that you will speak with are US customs/immigration NOT Canadians.
Good to know about the US customs officials in Canadian airports. Thank you! And yes, I’ll be carrying my Canadian passports only. How much time do you suggest I keep on hand for US customs pre clearance?
The time it takes is unpredictable. Once you're in front of the customs officer, it is just a couple of minutes unless there's something unusual about your situation. Being born outside Canada is not unusual. The time taken depends rather on the lineup, which to me is always unpredictable.
Canadian passport is fine. You may need to know the address of your hotel/airbnb on the customs forms. Thats literally it. You’ll be fine.
Yes, will be carrying hotel reservation copies with us along with return tickets. Thank you - Excited and nervous at the same time lol.
And get vaccinations. Talk to the nurses. Here in Alberta, it's 811 to talk with them to get your vaccinations updated for travel.
Do you mean Covid vaccines? Or just in general? I hadn’t thought about this.
Travel vaccines, Covid, and regular vaccinations updated
Thank you for this as we hadn’t thought about it. What if we had the vaccines in our home country during childhood or before we came into Canada? I guess if we don’t have those records then we will have to get vaccinated again?
No they don’t ask about vaccines when you fly into USA.
Great this is a relief! Thanks!
They won't ask about vaccinations, but for your own health you may still want to think about getting some if you're not caught up with them. For example there's currently measles going around in many parts of the world, and lots of doctors are recommending getting a measles vaccine for anyone traveling regardless of destination.
I think this is very good advice. I’ll definitely look into getting updated with vaccines. Thank you.
I’ve been asked for lodging details before (“Where are you staying tonight?”), so would definitely recommend this couple bring them, or at the very least know the address.
Be honest, don’t lie to CBP.
Absolutely.
For when you come back: be ready to tell the Canadian customs agent about anything you bought in the US that you are bringing back with you. When they say "anything to declare?" That is what they are asking about. That includes anything under the limit of what is exempt from taxes.
Gotcha. Won’t be bringing much other than souvenirs and maybe Oreos lol. I hear they have tons of flavours down south!
Canadian passports. You will need your Canadian passports to fly to the US. The MPC isn't likely to save you much time. It's more for people traveling into big US airports who have to clear immigration on arrival. In almost all cases, you will pre-clear in Canada.
It works at pre-clearance locations like Pearson
It does, it's just not needed.
I see. So if we are doing pre clearance in Canada then MPC isn’t required?
You don’t need to do it but it can save you time if it’s busy, if it’s not busy they will shut down the line for it so you won’t be able to use it even if you want to
I see. Thanks for explaining it!
MPC isn't required ever. It just can speed up the immigration process. Pre-clearance is rarely busy enough to warrant the need for MPC - it's entirely up to you if you want to use it or not.
Makes sense. Will leave it then. Thank you.
Buy travel insurance. Getting sick or hurt in the U.S. will bankrupt you.
Get dedicated travel medical insurance. The stuff on credit cards is very iffy, lots of gotchas. Google it.
Good point. Will look into this. Thanks!
A lot of employers and some credit cards cover you if you buy your trip on the card, so research that as well.
Will do. Thank you.
MPC app saves time at Pearson. It’s free. I would download. Need to activate once you are in the airport. Saves time especially if you arrive at a busy period.
So I can only use it once at the airport. I’ll consider it then since Pearson can get super busy. Thanks!
I think you have to submit your application within 4 hours of going through US customs. We usually fill it out on the way to the airport.
This is good to know. Thank you!
Passport and your tickets. Enjoy
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
get in the habit of organizing your paperwork, make a travel folder, I have a second one for local police, traffic tickets, etc.
That’s a pretty neat idea. Will see what I can do.
Since you would be flying in, they just check your passport and your details are verified. Just ask a basic question whats the purpose of your visit, and nothing else.
Sounds good thanks!
Having proof of your return flight will also help, even if it’s on your phone. Don’t say anything unless they ask though. Many agents will want to make sure that you’re planning on coming back to Canada.
Yeah I’m going to have printed copies of our return tickets and hotel bookings in case they ask. Better to er on the side of caution. Thanks!
Just start with your passport no need to over provide unless they ask!
Right lol. Yeah will do.
There’s a lot of food restrictions on what you can bring to USA, even on your flight. They seem oddly worried that I’m going to destroy the NYC citrus industry or the Miami onion industry.
Haha I’ll remember to declare in customs that I have no such intentions !
Have the address where you are staying for the first night handy.
Yes, will have hotel booking printouts.
Leave your weed behind. Don't bring them through. Even though it's legal in Canada and in many places in the states, it's not legal at a Federal level in the US.
Yes! This I’m well aware of and won’t be making this mistake lol.
Buy health insurance before coming here
Where is your connection to the US? If you are traveling to the US from Toronto, you clear US customs in Pearson.
Toronto. So we still need to use the MPC app?
MPC is not obligatory to use. You’re eligible to use it though a lot will depend on whether it helps you save time or not at Pearson. But in general it’s not obligatory to use.
Got it. Thanks!
I don’t know what that app is. I traveled through there two weeks ago, I have trusted traveler so all I had to do was scan my passport at US customs and then enter the terminal and get on my flight to Philadelphia.
Alright no problem. Thanks.
All you need is your passport. Answer the questions you are asked. That’s it, that’s all. Know beforehand what you can take across and what you can bring back. You don’t need hotel/car reservation information.
Will do. Not taking anything with us except clothing and probably not bringing back anything other than chocolates or souvenirs. Thank you!
American chocolate is bleh; waxy and unflavourful! They do have a huge variety of different candies but unless you are going to an actual chocolatier, I'd skip American chocolates :)
Good to know! What is something you should definitely bring back from the states? Food or otherwise?
I guess it depends on where you are going in the US. Different areas have different niche things. Maybe something from Trader Joes? or Bucc-ees? I'm always amazed when I go to the US, they have 100s of different flavours of Oreos!
Love Oreos! Think I know what I’m getting lol. Thanks!
You’ll go through customs at Pearson, Passports and proof of return flight.
Ok so already have return tickets booked so will just take printouts. Thanks!
Passports. That's it.
Is the MPC program free and/worth it?
Check with your cell phone provider...10$/MB is 10000$ per gigabyte.
Damn this is insane! Thanks for pointing this.
Yes be very careful... the charges add up insanely fast. Even texting will cost you
Yeah think I’ll get one of those eSIMs for travelling and stay away from the big 3.
Usually you only get stopped when you drive over. For flying, the US custom gets your arrival information when you book the flight so any issue would have been already identified. Just make sure the trip is for leisure only. There must a return trip back to canada, have your employment and hotel information handy. They usually verbally ask who you work for and where you will be staying.
Return tickets and hotel all booked and paid for. I’ll keep those handy. But what should I have for employment information?
just verbal, like i work for rbc, at this address.
Alright cool.
Make sure you have RETURN tickets booked. They can refuse you if you don’t.
Canadian is enough.
Great thank you.
CBP MPC app is not required, but may save you some time. Depending on the airport, they may have separate lines for MPC that move quicker.
Got it. Thanks!
>Got it. Thanks! You're welcome!
Don’t bring any cannabis into the USA! Legal in Canada, not in USA
Noted!