One of the front-page stories in COPA’s April edition of
Canadian Flight was “CANPASS is coming back.” When the article was written, the
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency was reinstating its CANPASS and telephone
reporting programs. Non-CANPASS holders were to fly to Airports of Entry during
regular business hours to be met by a customs agent.
The program has been expanded. There are more Airports of Entry and more CANPASS
Airports listed on the CCRA Web site. Customs clearance for non-CANPASS general
aviation flights into Canada has returned to its pre-September 11 service level.
Pilots of these flights telephone the CANPASS number, 1-888-CANPASS
(1-888-226-7277) at least two hours, but no more than 48 hours before flying
into Canada.
Be ready with the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the Canadian Airport of
Entry, the aircraft registration, a declaration for each passenger including
full name, date of birth, citizenship, length of stay in Canada for
non-residents, and length of absence for Canadian residents. If the aircraft is
not met at the Airport of Entry at the ETA, a second phone call is made to the
CANPASS number. The pilot will be advised to wait for an officer or given a
clearance number on the telephone.
The CCRA Web site contains more program details, including the list of Airports
of Entry, hours of operation, and CANPASS-only airports: Web site: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/customs/individuals/canpass/air/
entry-e.html; http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/customs/individuals/canpass/ air/entry-e.html.
COPA is continuing to press for further expansion of the CANPASS program.
General inquiries and requests for further information concerning adding another
airport to the CANPASS list, telephone reporting for general aviation passages
or for information on the CANPASS programs should be directed to your nearest
CANPASS Processing Centre: In British Columbia, Tel.: 604-535-9346
In Quebec, Tel.: 514-350-6137; or
In Niagara Falls, Ont., Tel.: 905-371-1477 or 1-800-842-7647.