Flying to Canada
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Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Pacific
Flying to Canada
I am trying to make sense of the regulations for a flight for a corporate airplane (Part 135) to go to Canada and back.
I understand EAPIS fine, and the need for the customs decal, but how does Canpass work and what do I need to do to let US customs know what is going on? Do they use EAPIS instead? Do I need to call US customs as well as EAPIS? How do I get the number, is there a web site I can put down details of my flight plan and organize to be met on arrival back in the US?
If I just call the Canpass number without paying for the membership for a flight to and from a regular port of entry is that OK?
I understand EAPIS fine, and the need for the customs decal, but how does Canpass work and what do I need to do to let US customs know what is going on? Do they use EAPIS instead? Do I need to call US customs as well as EAPIS? How do I get the number, is there a web site I can put down details of my flight plan and organize to be met on arrival back in the US?
If I just call the Canpass number without paying for the membership for a flight to and from a regular port of entry is that OK?
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 409
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From: Toledo, OH
Canpass is Canadian Customs. You call give them the required information prior to departing. And at least 2 hours prior to arrival. Then you cal them when you get on the ground. They will wither allow you to go to the FBO or have you wait for them to inspect. Usually commercial operators Part 135 get inspected. As for calling US Customs you have to do that in addition to filing a EAPIS report.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 101
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From: Canada
Just to add to the above...
Don't forget to file an OUTBOUND eAPIS (Canada doesn't care, but the US wants to know when you're outbound.)
Then, for Canada... from 2h to up to 48h before, call 1-888-CANPASS to talk to Canadian customs. You'll have to have your manifest with passport numbers, birth dates, etc. ready. They'll also ask about alcohol & firearms. They'll ask what airport and where on the field you're going to, if applicable (at some airports there's a specific customs FBO or a separate customs "ramp".) If your arrival time changes by more than 1/2 hr, you need to update your ETA.
Upon landing, go to the customs ramp or pre-determined FBO; I fly Canadian registered aircraft so 90% of the time I don't get met, so I won't shut down the engines if I'm planning on moving to park in another area - I just call them from the sat phone or cell phone and they tell me to move on or that I'll be met. (They're not as crazy here about remaining on board your aircraft like they are in the US - you can totally go into the FBO to call CANPASS if no one is there to meet you.) But... as the other poster mentioned, since you're corporate with an N number, you have a higher chance at being met.
On your return, file your eAPIS again (again, Canada doesn't care you're leaving but the US wants to know when you're entering) AND call your destination Customs folks (number in the AFD as part of each airport's info) to advise them... and keep in mind you need to make this call during normal business hours. If your ETA changes more than 15 minutes either side, call them to update. You'll be met by US Customs, usually at the FBO of your choice, just confirm with them when you call, but don't get out of the airplane until Customs says you can.
Some more info here:
CANPASS - Corporate Aircraft: Telephone Reporting
and if you're not a CANPASS member and/or don't qualify, you'll just have to follow these rules, which are pretty much the same except you're restricted to certain airports/times for entry into Canada:
Customs - CANPASS
But I would recommend calling the CANPASS folks well beforehand and just clarify things... better safe than sorry!
Don't forget to file an OUTBOUND eAPIS (Canada doesn't care, but the US wants to know when you're outbound.)
Then, for Canada... from 2h to up to 48h before, call 1-888-CANPASS to talk to Canadian customs. You'll have to have your manifest with passport numbers, birth dates, etc. ready. They'll also ask about alcohol & firearms. They'll ask what airport and where on the field you're going to, if applicable (at some airports there's a specific customs FBO or a separate customs "ramp".) If your arrival time changes by more than 1/2 hr, you need to update your ETA.
Upon landing, go to the customs ramp or pre-determined FBO; I fly Canadian registered aircraft so 90% of the time I don't get met, so I won't shut down the engines if I'm planning on moving to park in another area - I just call them from the sat phone or cell phone and they tell me to move on or that I'll be met. (They're not as crazy here about remaining on board your aircraft like they are in the US - you can totally go into the FBO to call CANPASS if no one is there to meet you.) But... as the other poster mentioned, since you're corporate with an N number, you have a higher chance at being met.
On your return, file your eAPIS again (again, Canada doesn't care you're leaving but the US wants to know when you're entering) AND call your destination Customs folks (number in the AFD as part of each airport's info) to advise them... and keep in mind you need to make this call during normal business hours. If your ETA changes more than 15 minutes either side, call them to update. You'll be met by US Customs, usually at the FBO of your choice, just confirm with them when you call, but don't get out of the airplane until Customs says you can.
Some more info here:
CANPASS - Corporate Aircraft: Telephone Reporting
and if you're not a CANPASS member and/or don't qualify, you'll just have to follow these rules, which are pretty much the same except you're restricted to certain airports/times for entry into Canada:
Customs - CANPASS
But I would recommend calling the CANPASS folks well beforehand and just clarify things... better safe than sorry!
Last edited by surveytheworld; 21st October 2013 at 21:30.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 555
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From: Western USA
ALWAYS call local US Customs at your port of entry prior to departing Canada when re-entering the US. EAPIS is not enough.
If crossing the border on a VFR flight plan, get a squawk code from either Nav Canada or Canadian ARTCC when airborne for the crossing. 1200 is OK going into Canada, but not for crossing back to the lower 48. They don't care about a code crossing into Alaska, just the Lower 48.
I would also outline Canadian customs requirements with your pax...especially that no handguns can be brought into Canada without very specific procedures being followed.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Contacts
If crossing the border on a VFR flight plan, get a squawk code from either Nav Canada or Canadian ARTCC when airborne for the crossing. 1200 is OK going into Canada, but not for crossing back to the lower 48. They don't care about a code crossing into Alaska, just the Lower 48.
I would also outline Canadian customs requirements with your pax...especially that no handguns can be brought into Canada without very specific procedures being followed.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Contacts
Last edited by Desert185; 25th October 2013 at 15:18.
