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FAL - 2.0 ENTRY, TRANSIT AND DEPARTURE OF AIRCRAFT

2.1 General

(a) All flights into, from, or over the territory of Canada and landings in such territory shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of Canada regarding civil aviation.

(b) Aircraft landing in or departing from the territory of Canada must first land at an aerodrome at which customs control facilities have been provided (refer to the CFS).

2.2 Commercial Flights

Operators of international commercial flights should consult AGA 1.2 for further information on international airports and ICAO definitions.

2.2.1 Aerodrome Use for Commercial Flights

The following aerodromes can be used by aircraft flying on international operations (other than flights between Canada and the U.S.).

Regular-use aerodromes:

Calgary International
Jean Lesage International (Québec)
CFB Goose Bay (1) (2)
St. John’s
Edmonton International
Stephenville (5)
Gander International
Lester B. Pearson International (Toronto)
Halifax International
Vancouver International
Hamilton
Victoria (4)
Greater Moncton International
Winnipeg International
Pierre Elliott Trudeau International (Montréal)
Macdonald-Cartier International (Ottawa)

Alternate-use aerodromes—Refuelling only: 

CFB Goose Bay (2)
Iqaluit
Stephenville

Alternate-use aerodromes: 

Abbotsford
CFB Comox (3)
CFB Goose Bay (1) (2)

General aviation operators are not limited to the list above. They must consult the CFS for necessary information.

NOTES:

1. CFB Goose Bay may be used by all international and domestic general aviation and commercial aircraft. No prior permission required for civilian aircraft (military users: refer to the CFS).

2. Supplies and services for passengers at CFB Goose Bay are limited. Use of CFB Goose Bay as an alternate or refuelling stop should be planned accordingly.

3. While a runway at CFB Comox aerodrome is suitable for large aircraft engaged in international operations, it must be noted that facilities for refuelling and handling large civil aircraft and for the provision of immigration, health and passenger amenity services are extremely limited. Operators using the CFB Comox aerodrome as an international alternate and requiring the above-mentioned services can anticipate extensive delays and passenger discomfort.

4. For use by non-scheduled international services.

5. For regular use—general aviation.

2.2.2 International Commercial Flights Operating into and out of Canada or Transiting Canadian Airspace

All flights of aircraft operated by a foreign air operator into or out of a Canadian destination or transiting Canadian airspace are to be conducted in accordance with the
following procedures:

(a) Air transport services into and out of Canada

(i) Scheduled international services

The following requirements apply to all foreign air operators intending to conduct a scheduled air transport service into or out of Canada. The air operator must:

(A) hold a Canadian foreign air operator certificate (FAOC) issued by the Minister of Transport pursuant to section 701.01 of the CARs;

(B) be designated pursuant to a bilateral air services agreement between Canada and the foreign air operator’s State of certification, or according to any other arrangement between the two States; and

(C) be in possession of a licence to operate a scheduled international service issued by the Canadian Transportation Agency.

(ii) Non-scheduled international services

The following requirements apply to all foreign air operators intending to conduct a non-scheduled air transport service into or out of Canada. The air operator must:

(A) hold a Canadian FAOC issued by the Minister of Transport pursuant to section 701.01 of the CARs;

(B) obtain prior permission from the Canadian Transportation Agency unless the air transport service is otherwise provided for in a bilateral air services agreement between Canada and the foreign air operator’s State of certification; and

(C) be in possession of a licence to operate a non-scheduled international service issued by the Canadian Transportation Agency.

(b) Air transport services transiting Canadian airspace or conducting technical stops at Canadian airports—Aircraft registered in an ICAO Member State 

(i) By an air operator who holds a current Canadian FAOC valid for the type of aircraft being operated:

(A) Both scheduled and non-scheduled flights through Canadian airspace, including technical stops at Canadian airports, are permitted without seeking further authority from Transport Canada.

(ii) By an air operator who does not hold a Canadian FAOC valid for the type of aircraft
being operated:

(A) The foreign air operator must request a flight authorization 10 working days before the flight. The request must include the following information:

  • the name of the foreign air operator and the call sign of the flight(s);
  • the type of aircraft, the aircraft registration and the seating capacity;
  • a list of the dangerous goods being carried or, if no dangerous goods are being carried, a statement that reads: No dangerous goods are being carried;
  • a statement that reads: The aircraft is airworthy and is being operated under the authority of a normal certificate of airworthiness that has been issued pursuant to Article 31 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and
  • the proposed flight routing, including the last point of departure outside Canada; the first point of entry into Canada; the date and time of arrival at, and departure from, any Canadian airport(s); and the place(s) of embarkation and disembarkation abroad of passengers and freight.

(B) The request shall be forwarded to the Foreign Inspection Division Overflight Desk by any of the following means

(c) Air transport service transiting Canadian airspace or conducting technical stops at Canadian airports—Aircraft registered in a non-ICAO Member State

Pursuant to the CARs, a foreign air operator of aircraft registered in a State that is not a signatory to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation must obtain permission through diplomatic channels prior to operating a flight to or from a Canadian airport or through Canadian airspace. The State of the operator must provide full details of the flight in a diplomatic note to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including:

(i) the name of the foreign air operator and the call sign of the flight(s);

(ii) the type of aircraft, the aircraft registration and the seating capacity;

(iii) a list of the dangerous goods being carried or, if no dangerous goods are being carried, a statement that reads: No dangerous goods are being carried;

(iv) a statement that reads: The aircraft is airworthy and is being operated under a flight authority that is equivalent to the certificates of airworthiness that are issued pursuant to Article 31 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation;

(v) the proposed flight routing, including the last point of departure outside Canada; the first point of entry into Canada; the date and time of arrival at, and the departure from, any Canadian airport(s); and the place(s) of embarkation and disembarkation abroad of passengers and freight.

(d) State aircraft flights to and from a Canadian airport or transiting Canadian airspace 

Pursuant to Article 3 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the foreign air operator of State aircraft must obtain permission through diplomatic channels prior to operating a flight to or from a Canadian airport or one that transits Canadian airspace. The State of the operator must provide full details of the flight in a diplomatic note to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including:

(i) the name of the foreign air operator and the call sign of the flight(s);

(ii) the type of aircraft and the aircraft registration or identification;

(iii) the proposed flight routing, including the last point of departure outside Canada; the first point of entry into Canada; the date and time of arrival at, and departure from, any Canadian airport(s); and the place(s) of embarkation and disembarkation abroad of passengers and freight.

(e) Aircraft flights operated pursuant to a flight authority other than a normal certificate of airworthiness (References: Article 31 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and ICAO Annex VIII)

Where a foreign-registered aircraft is intended to be operated to or from a Canadian airport or through Canadian airspace under the authority of a special flight permit or special flight authority and the aircraft does not conform to Article 31 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Transport Canada must validate the special flight permit or authority prior to the flight being conducted.

The operator of the aircraft must contact the Foreign Inspection Division, Transport Canada, and obtain a validation of its special flight permit or authority prior to operating one or more flights to or from a Canadian airport or through Canadian airspace.

NOTES:

1. To initiate the process of obtaining a Canadian FAOC, interested foreign air operators should contact the Foreign Inspection Division, Transport Canada, at the following address:

Transport Canada
International Operations Branch
Foreign Inspection Division (AARJF)
Enterprise Building, 11th floor, Suite 1110
427 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa ON   K1R 7Y2
Canada

Tel.:       613-990-1100
Fax: 613-949-4227

Foreign Operations Applications and Inquiries – Applications
• E-mail:  FOA-AOE@tc.gc.ca

2. To be designated pursuant to a bilateral agreement, air operators should consult with their regulatory authority.

3. To apply for a licence, air operators should contact the Canadian Transportation Agency at the following address:

Secretary
Canadian Transportation Agency
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0N9
Canada

Tel.:       819-997-6359
Fax: 819-953-5562
Telex: 819-953-4254
After hours: 613-769-6274

4. Off-loading of traffic during a technical stop at a Canadian airport will be permitted where circumstances so require to ensure the safety of persons or property. Permission to transfer the traffic and/or crew to another aircraft must be obtained from Transport Canada and the Canadian inspection services: Canada Border Services Agency; Citizenship and Immigration Canada; Health Canada; and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

5. The following information is required if the aircraft is carrying dangerous goods:

(i) the class, quantity (weight in each class), and shipping name of the dangerous goods and the United Nations number, as well as a statement indicating that the dangerous goods are packaged in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations and ICAO requirements, and, if applicable, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act; and

(ii) confirmation that the civil aviation authority of the State from which the flight originates and the civil aviation authority of the air operator’s State have authorized the flight.

6. An operator must apply for a flight authority validation and submit the following documents, along with the required fee, to the fax number or address below:

(i) a copy of the certificate of registration for the aircraft;

(ii) a copy of the special flight permit or special flight authority, including all conditions required to be complied with when the aircraft is being operated;

(iii) the flight routing, including airport of departure, technical stops and airport of arrival;

(iv) a fee of $100 in Canadian funds in the form of either a cheque (payable to the Receiver General of Canada) or the credit card details for a Mastercard or Visa card (including the name of the card, the name of the card holder, the card number and the card’s expiry date); the fee will then be debited by Transport Canada.

Transport Canada
International Operations Branch
Foreign Inspection Division (AARJF)
Enterprise Building, 11th floor, Suite 1110
427 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa ON K1R 7Y2
Canada

Tel.:       613-990-1100 (general inquiries)
Fax: 613-949-4227

7. Airport access: Unless operational requirements dictate otherwise, technical stops for foreign air operators will be restricted to the following international airports:

Calgary (CYYC)
Goose Bay (CYYR) (Military)
Edmonton (CYEG)
Gander (CYQX)
Halifax (CYHZ)
Hamilton (CYHM)
Montréal-Dorval (CYUL)
Ottawa (CYOW)
Québec (CYQB)
St. John’s (CYYT)
Stephenville (CYJT)
Toronto (CYYZ)
Vancouver (CYVR)
Victoria (CYYJ)
Winnipeg (CYWG)

(i) At civilian airports, the foreign air operator is responsible for notifying the airport manager and Canada customs before the flight.

(ii) PPR is normally necessary at military (DND) airports.

(iii) For current airport information, flight crews should consult the CFS or an equivalent document.

 

2.2.3 Use of DND and Civil High Arctic Aerodromes

Commercial air operators wanting to use these aerodromes are to apply to:

Transport Canada
Attn: Director General, Civil Aviation
330 Sparks Street, 5th floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0N8

Details concerning the type of aircraft, servicing requirements and scheduling should accompany the request.

Private operators may apply directly to the appropriate DND Base Commander or contact Wing Operations at the telephone number listed in the CFS.

Alert, NWT - Commercial air operators are to apply to:

Transport Canada
Attn: Director General, Civil Aviation
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street, 5th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0N8

Private operators are to apply to:

National Defence Headquarters
DISO/DIMOD 5-3
473 Albert Street
5th Floor, Trebla Bldg
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2

NU—Eureka aerodrome was established and is operated to support the High Arctic Weather Stations. Facilities are extremely limited. Requests for meals and accommodations are to be made to:

Atmospheric Environment Services,
Prairie and Northern Region
Attn: Station Program Manager, Eureka
Suite 150-123 Main Street
Winnipeg MB R3C 4W2

Tel.: 204-983-4757
Fax: 204-984-2072
e-mail: stationprogrammanager@ec.gc.ca

2.2.4 Documents Required by Passengers for Canadian Inspection Services

Entry

Requirements for Passports

An air operator is required to present each passenger seeking entry to Canada to the Canadian Inspection Services (CIS) at a place designated for that purpose. Failure to do so is an offence and the company is liable to a fine as determined by the CIS in respect of each passenger not presented.

ALL VISITORS, including visiting crew members, to Canada require valid passports except:

  • a citizen of the U.S.;
  • a visitor seeking entry from the U.S. or St-Pierre et Miquelon who has been lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence;
  • a resident of Greenland entering Canada from Greenland;
  • French citizens who reside permanently in St-Pierre et Miquelon, seeking entry from St-Pierre et Miquelon;
  • a member of the armed forces of any designated state entering Canada pursuant to the Visiting Forces Act; and
  • a visitor who is seeking entry as, or in order to become, a member of the crew of a vehicle and who is in possession of a seaman’s identity document issued to him/her pursuant to International Labour Organization conventions or is in possession of an airline flight crew licence or crew member certificate issued to him/her in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization specifications. The flight crew licence holder must be a member of the operating crew.

In addition, certain identity or travel documents may be accepted by immigration authorities. A list of acceptable documents may be obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (see FAL 1.2 for address).

ALL IMMIGRANTS to Canada require valid passports, except a Convention Refugee who is in possession of a valid and subsisting immigrant visa. Any immigrant not in possession of a passport or one of the specified alternatives may be refused entry to Canada and removed at the air operator’s expense. In addition, certain travel documents may be acceptable, a list of which can be obtained from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (see FAL 1.2).

2.2.5 Requirement for Visas

Any air operator who carries to Canada a person who is required to obtain a visa before appearing at an airport of entry and who is not in possession of a valid visa is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine as determined by the CIS.

An IMMIGRANT visa is that portion of form IMM 1000 “Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing” that has been validated by a Canadian visa officer, and unless the immigrant is in possession of such visa, he/she may be refused admission to Canada and removed at the air operator’s expense.

In accordance with the Immigration Act, “visa” means a document issued or a stamp impression made on a document by a visa officer.

A visitor to Canada who is required to obtain a visa before appearing at an airport of entry and who is not in possession of a valid visa may be refused admission to Canada and removed at the air operator’s expense.

Without exception, every IMMIGRANT seeking to land in Canada must be in possession of a valid and subsisting immigrant visa.

A VISITOR visa may be required by citizens of some countries; contact Canadian immigration authorities for details (see FAL 1.2).

(1) Persons requiring visas to enter Canada must also be in possession of a visa to transit through Canada.

(2) Persons who are in transit through Canada on a flight that stops in Canada solely for the purpose of refuelling are exempt from the visitor visa requirement if they are on a flight bound for the U.S. and have a valid U.S. visa or were lawfully admitted to the U.S. and are on a flight originating in the U.S.

Departure formalities are not required for embarking passengers.

2.2.6 Documents Required by CIS for Cargo/Passenger Baggage

Entry

(a) Scheduled or non-scheduled commercial air operators operating international flights will not be required to submit a general declaration or equivalent document when the deplaning passengers and crew are processed by Customs personnel at a Customs facility established for that purpose.

(b) All cargo carried in this connection will be reported on a cargo control document acceptable to Canada Customs. This means that all air cargo must be reported on an IATA international format Air Way Bill or a Canadian Customs Cargo Control document. Air operators operating “all cargo flights” will not be required to submit a general declaration or equivalent document when such freight is reported on a cargo control document acceptable to Canada Customs.

Exit

A general declaration or equivalent document will not be required for any aircraft departing Canada. However, there may be occasions when a declaration or other document is deemed necessary for presentation at the first airport of entry and CIS may assist the operator in developing and processing general declaration documents.

 

2.3 Private Flights

2.3.1 General

Private aircraft overflying or landing in Canada for non-commercial purposes need not obtain prior permission; however, a flight plan must be filed.

For Customs purposes, private aircraft are considered to be any civil aircraft engaged in a personal or business flight to or from Canada and not carrying passengers and/or cargo for compensation or hire.

Customs officers determine whether or not an aircraft pilot and/or crew is operating in a private or commercial capacity. The owner, aircraft type or predominant usage of the aircraft has little bearing on this determination. Many corporate and business aircraft operate as “private aircraft” and, conversely, individually-owned aircraft may operate for compensation.

The term “passengers and/or cargo carried for compensation or hire” means a passenger(s) and/or cargo transported where some payment or other consideration including monetary or services rendered is provided and the passengers and/or cargo are not connected with the operation of the aircraft, ownership or business.

For visa and document requirements, refer to FAL 2.2.4, 2.2.5 and 2.2.6.

2.3.2 Transborder Flights

According to section 602.73 of the CARs, a flight plan must be filed for all flights between Canada and a foreign State. A transborder flight is a flight between Canada and the U.S.

(a) Flights from Canada to the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires private aircraft pilots or their designees arriving in the U.S. from a foreign location, or departing the U.S. for a foreign location, to transmit electronically to CBP passenger manifest information for each individual travelling onboard the aircraft. The CBP requires private aircraft pilots or their designees to provide additional data elements when submitting a notice of arrival and also requires them to submit a notice of departure. Private aircraft pilots or their designees will be required to submit the notice of arrival and notice of departure information to CBP in the same transmission as the corresponding arrival or departure passenger manifest information via the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) or an approved alternate system. Data must be received by CBP no later than 60 min before an arriving private aircraft departs from a foreign location destined for the United States and no later than 60 min before a private aircraft departs a U.S. airport or location for a foreign place. ADCUS and CANPASS notifications for flights departing the U.S. or Canada will no longer be accepted.

Private pilots or their designees are required to set up an eAPIS account at least five days prior to their first transborder flight. For additional information, consult the CBP web site at <http://www.cbp.gov/>.

The publication U.S. Customs and Border Protection Guide for Private Flyers outlines special arrangements and restrictions applicable to U.S. airports. This publication is available online at the following address <www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/private_flyers>.

(b) Flights from the U.S. to Canada

Pilots must land at a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) authorized AOE. The CBSA does not require citizenship information on flight plans.

Aerodromes that are designated as AOEs with customs services available are indicated in the Aerodrome/Facility Directory of the CFS or the WAS. ADCUS notifications on flight plans from the U.S. to Canada are no longer accepted, and pilots must make their own customs arrangements by calling 1 888-226-7277 at least 2 hr, but not more than 48 hr, prior to arrival in Canada (see FAL 2.3.3). Pilots must call 1-888-226-7277 again to report any change in the ETA, point of arrival or other information. If a customs officer is not there to meet the aircraft when it arrives, the pilot must call 1-888-226-7277 again. An officer at the reporting centre will advise what to do at that time. No one is permitted to exit the aircraft until authorization is given by customs, except the pilot making the phone call. Pilots are also cautioned that for flight arrivals outside of the established hours of operation, the provision of customs services may not always be available. Where available, call-out charges may be levied.

2.3.3 Documentary Requirements for Customs Clearance of Aircraft

Entry

Where the class of aircraft is private, business, tourist or military, they will not be required to submit a general declaration; however, they are required to report verbally to Customs and the aircraft may be recorded on a specified Canada Customs supplied form to ensure adequate control of the aircraft while it is in Canada.

In the Northwest Territories (North of 60 parallel), where Customs procedures are enforced by a party other than Customs, (RCMP officers or employees of a Canadian government agency), the General Declaration will be required.

CANPASS - Private Aircraft Program

Travellers on a Canadian or U.S. registered private-owned, company-owned, or small charter aircraft carrying no more than 15 passengers, arriving directly from the U.S., must use a telephone reporting system to receive permission from a Customs or an Immigration officer to enter Canada. At least two hours, but not more than 48 hours before flying into Canada they must call 1-888-CANPASS (equates to 1-888-226-7277). For flights commencing outside the geographical areas covered under the 1- 888-CANPASS number, refer to the Customs Section of the CFS for appropriate telephone numbers.

If the aircraft lands at a site not designated as a customs AOE due to weather conditions or other emergency, the pilot shall call 1-888-226-7277 or the nearest RCMP office as soon as possible.

Medevacs should enter Canada via a staffed AOE or AOE/15 within the hours of operations listed in the CFS. All arrangements for custom clearance should be done through the Customs Telephone Reporting Centre (1-888-226-7277) at least two hours prior to landing.

(a) Permit holders:

(i) must contact 1-888-226-7277, at least two hours, but not more than 48 hours before entering Canada.

(ii) can arrive at any approved AOE during airport hours of operation. (NOTE: Most municipally owned airports and some privately owned public-use airports may qualify if located within 100 km of Customs service.)

(iii) must inform the Customs officer of the ETA, airport of destination, CANPASS - Private Aircraft permit number, full name, birth date, citizenship and purpose and length of stay in Canada for travellers who are not returning residents.

(b) Non-permit holders:

(i) must arrive during Customs office hours at a designated AOE.

(ii) must contact 1-888-226-7277 at least two hours, but not more than 48 hours before entering Canada and provide the ETA, as well as their destination.

(iii) must provide: full name, birth date and citizenship for each person on board, purpose and length of stay in Canada, if travellers are not returning residents, and passport and visa details, if applicable.

(iv) must telephone, upon arrival at destination, 1-888-226-7277 a second time to inform an officer of their arrival. The Customs officer will advised if the non-permit holders are free to leave the area and enter Canada, or if they must wait for Customs and Immigration officers for completion of documentation or a routine inspection.

NOTES:1. Any aircraft with a mix of permit and non-permit holders must follow the procedures listed in FAL 2.3.3(b).

2. Penalties for non-compliance or misrepresentation may range from loss of pre-approved privileges to seizure of the aircraft and/or criminal prosecution.

3. For more information on the CANPASS - Private Aircraft Program, call 1-800-461-9999.

Exit

Same requirements as for commercial flights. (See FAL 2.2.6)

2.3.4 Public Health Measures and Requirements Regarding passports and Visas

Same requirements as for commercial flights (See FAL 2.2.5, 2.2.6)

 

2.4 Public Health Measures Applied to Aircraft

Document requirements are the same for commercial and private flights (see FAL 2.3.3).

Garbage must be removed from aircraft at the first point of entry unless prior permission is received from The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (see FAL 1.2 for address).

A permit must be obtained from The Canadian Food Inspection Agency for all animals being transited through Canada (see FAL 1.2 for address).

Vaccinations are not required.

2.5 Regulations Concerning the Importation of Plants and Animals

(a) Endangered Species

Regulations now prohibit the import or export of over 1 000 endangered species, as well as their recognizable parts and products, without proper permits. The following species and any articles made from them are only some of those which require permits: elephants (ivory); monkeys; all cats, except domestic; alligators; crocodiles; orchids; American cacti; falcons; and the larger sea turtles. For more information, contact the Administrator, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Canadian Wildlife Service. (See FAL 1.2 for address).

(b) Animals, birds, food and plants

To guard against the introduction of foreign diseases or parasites into Canada, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency controls the admission of animals, birds, plants and products derived from them, such as meats. The regulations may change quickly as a result of epidemics in other parts of the world. For import regulations contact:

(i) for animals:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Animal Health Division
59 Camelot Dr.
Nepean ON K1A 0Y9

Tel.: 613-225-2342, ext. 4629
Fax: 613-228-6630

(ii) for plants, seeds, etc.:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Plant Health Division
59 Camelot Dr.
Nepean ON K1A 0Y

Telephone: 613-225-2342, ext. 4334
Fax: 613-228-6605

(c) The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has produced a brochure entitled Don’t Bring It Back which gives the basic rules about agricultural items whose entry into Canada are controlled. It refers only to non-commercial items that might be brought to Canada for personal use. This pamphlet is available at the following website: < http://www.cfia-acia.agr.ca/ >

 
Date modified:
2012-03-27