Australian travellers to Canada now save time when they arrive at Vancouver airport using the new eDeclaration (Beta) mobile app, created by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in conjunction with on-screen Primary Inspection Kiosks. 

The app allows you to create a declaration for up to five travellers with the same place of residence and reduces processing time by up to 50 per cent upon arrival. 

After creating your traveller profiles on the app, simply select 'My Declaration' and answer the questions to create your Quick Response (QR) code. Scan your QR code and travel document at a Primary Inspection Kiosk, take your photo and confirm your declaration on-screen. 

From there, travellers take the kiosk receipt to a border services officer. 

The eDeclaration app operates entirely in airplane mode and can be used safely during flights. Designed with privacy and security in mind, the app limits data collection and identifies users only through a nickname. Upon arrival, your declaration is reconciled with your legal name at a Primary Inspection Kiosk.

Most travellers, including returning residents and foreign nationals, can use the eDeclaration app. Unaccompanied minors and travellers with a non-machine-readable travel document will be directed to a border service officer for processing. 

The Primary Inspection Kiosks are available at Vancouver International Airport and Ottawa International Airport, with Toronto International Airport to follow suit shortly. 

Australian and New Zealand travellers passport holders flying or transiting through a Canadian airport must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying to Canada, with the easy online application process costing just $7 Canadian. 

The eTA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Dual Canadian citizens cannot apply for an eTA and will need a valid Canadian passport to board their flight. Even if the Australian government needs them to enter and exit Australia using their Australian passport, they will still need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada.  

This means that people with dual Australian/Canadian citizenship must ensure they carry both passports when they travel. 

Entry requirements for other methods of travel, such as land and sea, have not changed. Travellers are urged to use the official website to register for an eTA. There have been reports of 'scam' websites charging up to $122 for the application. 

For further information and frequently asked questions click HERE. 

Visit www.keepexploring.com.au