CANPASS - Private Aircraft Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I qualify for a CANPASS permit?

You, your spouse, and any dependent children you list on your CANPASS - Private Aircraft application form will qualify for a permit, if all of you are:

- citizens or permanent residents of Canada;

- citizens or resident aliens of the U.S. who meet the normal visitor requirements, i.e., good health, no criminal record, and the ability to financially support yourself and your dependants while in Canada; or

- citizens or resident aliens of the U.S. entering Canada to work or study, who meet all Canadian immigration requirements, which may include possession of valid written authorization from an immigration officer.

You, your spouse, and any dependent children you list on your CANPASS - Private Aircraft application will not qualify for a CANPASS permit if any of you:

- do not meet the above qualifications:

- provide false or incomplete information on your application;

- have a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted;

- had a customs seizure within the past five years;

- have been found in violation of customs or immigration legislation; or

- are inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration Act.

2. What if my A/C has CANPASS permit holders & travelers without CANPASS permits?

Whenever there is a mix of CANPASS permit holders and travelers without CANPASS permits on an aircraft, you must use the procedures for travelers without CANPASS permits, as outlined in the previous section.

3. Are there import limits?

All travelers can import goods for their own personal use. U.S. residents have to return all good to the U.S. unless they consume them in Canada.

However:

- You cannot import any promotional materials including samples, commercial goods, or equipment.

- You cannot import controlled, restricted, or prohibited animals, plants, or goods as described in the Revenue Canada pamphlet, I Declare, for Canadian residents, and in the Canadian Tourism booklet, Travel Information, for U.S. residents.

- There are restrictions on importing alcohol and tobacco products into Canada. For more information, see I Declare or Travel Information.

- If you are planning on importing a firearm or weapon (i.e., for hunting or a competition), you should read the Revenue Canada brochure Importing a Firearm or Weapon Into Canada.

- You are not allowed to bring prohibited firearms and weapons such as mace, pepper spray, and stun guns into Canada.

- Revenue Canada will seize undeclared firearms and weapons, and may initiate criminal charges.

Note: See Bringing goods into Canada at the Revenue Canada website for more information.

4. Are there penalties for not complying with the program or customs / immigration law?

- All travelers must comply with all customs and immigration legislation and any other laws Revenue Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada administer. All travelers must also comply with the appropriate telephone reporting procedures.

- CANPASS permit holders can have their membership privileges revoked for failing to comply with requirements and procedures of the CANPASS - Private Aircraft program.

- Depending on the severity of the violation, Revenue Canada can impose penalties, seize any goods and the aircraft involved, and initiate criminal charges.

- Citizenship and Immigration Canada may arrest and remove non-residents of Canada for violations of the Immigration Act.

5. What are my responsibilities?

- All travelers must declare any goods, firearms, and weapons (including pepper spray and mace) to customs.

- All travelers must show their CANPASS permit, personal identification, and any required immigration documents to a customs or immigration officer when requested.

- CANPASS permit holders cannot transfer their CANPASS privileges, identification, and documents to anyone or any aircraft no listed on their letter of authority.

6. Where is more information available?

If you want more information on the CANPASS - Private Aircraft program, you can call 1-800-461-9999.

La version française de cette publication est intitulée CANPASS - Aéronefs privés.
 

CANPASS - Private Aircraft How to Apply Complete an application form (available at the Langley Airport Manager's office or at the addresses below), and send it and the annual fee of CAN$25 to one of the following offices: Western Canada CANPASS Processing Centre 28 - 176th Street Surrey, BC   V4P 1M7 Tel: (604) 535-9346 Ontario CANPASS Processing Centre P.O. Box 126 Niagara Falls, ON   L2E 6T1 Tel: (905) 371-1477 Quebec and Atlantic Canada CANPASS Processing Centre 400 d'Youville Square Montréal, QC   H2Y 2C2 Tel: (514) 283-9900 - You can pay the CAN$25 processing fee using VISA or MasterCard, as indicated on the application, or you can attach a cheque from a Canadian funds payable to the Receiver General for Canada. (All fees are non-refundable) - Canadian and U.S. citizens have to provide proof of citizenship (i.e., a photocopy of a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or passport). - Canadian permanent residents or U.S. resident aliens have to provide proof of legal residence in either country (i.e., a photocopy of a landing card, a valid pemanent resident card, or a valid resident alien card). - If you or any or the people listed on your application need additional documentation, such as a student or employment authorization, send CAN$125 for each document along with the application. - Your CANPASS - Private Aircraft application will not be processed until all necessary documentation is received. - Revenue Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada will interview selected applicants to verify information on the application form. If an applicant's identity cannot be confirmed, further security processing, such as fingerprinting, may be necessary. - If accepted, you will receive a letter of authority and your CANPASS - Private Aircraft permit. Note: If you want to participate in any similar programs for entering the U.S., you have to apply separately to U.S. Customs and Immigration. Note: Send photocopies only. CANPASS does not require original documents, and will not return the copies you send.