Effective August 9th, American citizens and permanent residents of the United States, who currently reside in and will be travelling from the U.S., and who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be able to enter Canada. More details and requirements can be found here.
Starting November 8th, the US/Canada border is open for tourism travel. For requirements for foreign nationals and US citizens, see here.Some of the worlds most beautiful natural landscapes and incredible cities lie just across the Canadian border. This two-minute video gives an overview of the process, as well a brief description of many of the items.
The pilot in command must have a current:
All U.S. registered aircraft must have:
A valid Airworthiness Certificate. If a Special Airworthiness Certificate - Experimental, download, print, and carry this form - https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/ultralights/sfa/media/tcauth.pdf
Up to 2,300 lbs. | $100,000 public liability only |
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2,301 to 5,000 lbs. | $500,000 public liability only |
5,001 to 12,500 lbs. | $1,000,000 public liability and $300,000 passenger liability per passenger on board |
Canada will start phasing in space-based ADS-B starting in 2023.
Both Nav Canada and Transport Canada have confirmed that aircraft using controlled airspace above 12,500 feet in Canada (class A and B) will have to be equipped with ADS-B capable of transmitting to Nav Canada’s Aerion space-based ADS-B system by February 23rd of 2023.
To be compliant, aircraft must have ADS-B antennas on the top of the aircraft capable of transmitting 1090 MHz extended squitter signals to satellites. The mandate for Class C, D and E controlled airspace will be phased in starting after 2025, to allow time for equipage.
You are required to provide advance notification to CBSA by calling 1-888/CAN-PASS (226-7277). You must provide notification no less than two (2) hours but no more than 48 hours prior to your arrival. A filed and activated flight plan is required for border crossing, and your first landing in Canada must be at an airport of entry. You will be required to provide the customs office with information about yourself, passengers, your flight, and airport of entry. After arrival at your airport of entry, if there is no customs officer present, immediately contact the Canadian CANPASS office again at the same number and receive an arrival report number or be advised to await a customs inspection.
Thanks to an agreement between the FAA and Transport Canada, flying an experimental aircraft into Canada is now easier than ever. All that is needed is the document Standardized Validation of a Special Airworthiness Certificate—Experimental, for the Purpose of Operating a United States-Registered Amateur-Built Aircraft in Canadian Airspace which details the restrictions (minor in nature) applicable in Canadian airspace. Download the form and carry it with the aircraft at all times in Canada.
To access weather information and file flight plans while flying in Canada, contact Canadian Flight Service by calling 866/WX-BRIEF (992-7433). This telephone number can only be used within the borders of Canada. More specific flight services and local weather advisories can be obtained by contacting the individual Flight Information Centres within each Canadian province.
For remote areas, take tiedown equipment with you and have your ADF or GPS in good working order. Slot reservations are required for Toronto Pearson International Airport for VFR and IFR aircraft. A Mode C transponder is required when flying into any terminal control area and Class C airspace in Canada. Mode C transponders are also required in some Class D and E airspace, normally associated with some terminal areas and some control zones. The terminal charts (VTAs) and the Canada Flight Supplement provide the details.
Certain rifles and shotguns for sport, competition, or survival and ammunition are permitted in Canada, but be sure you declare them when going through customs. An advance permit is required from Canadian authorities for certain restricted firearms.
Canada has MF, or mandatory frequency areas at some non-towered airports. The type of reports to be made via radio are very similar to our CTAF traffic advisory reports, but they are required when in Canada.
Overflights that originate and end in the United States require that the pilot must file a flight plan, and Canadian regulations must be observed when flying in Canadian airspace. Write “Canada overflight” in the remarks section of the flight plan.
Note: The Canadian government charges U.S.-registered aircraft for ATC services based on the aircraft certified gross weight. The current fee is $21.92 CAN per quarter for aircraft under 2 metric tons (4,410 lb gross) and $73.22 for aircraft between 2 and 3 metric tons (up to 6,614 lb gross). See the NavCanada Guide to Charges for details for aircraft in higher weight classes. Also, weight-based fees for use of the airport terminal may apply at some airports.
A foreign-registered aircraft is charged on the basis of the first recorded arrival into a Canadian aerodrome or entry into Canadian airspace, excluding flights between two points in the U.S.
eAPIS is not required for Canadian overflights if taking off and landing at U.S. airports.