How Much Cash Can You Fly With? Canada’s Currency Declaration Rules Explained

When it comes to international travel, one of the most common questions passengers ask is: How much cash can I legally bring on a plane? In Canada, the answer is simple—there’s no limit to how much money you can bring in or out of the country. Whether it’s Canadian dollars, foreign currency, or other monetary instruments, you’re free to carry any amount you wish.

However, there’s an important catch: if you’re traveling with CAD 10,000 or more (or its equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This requirement applies whether you are arriving in Canada or leaving the country.

What Counts as “Cash” Under Canadian Law?

The CAD 10,000 threshold applies to more than just paper currency. According to the CBSA, you must include all monetary instruments when calculating your total. This includes:

·       Canadian and foreign banknotes and coins

·       Traveler’s cheques

·       Money orders and bank drafts

·       Negotiable bonds and stocks in bearer form

For example, if you are traveling with CAD 7,000 in cash and USD 3,000 in traveler’s cheques, the combined value could exceed the CAD 10,000 limit depending on the exchange rate—and must be declared.

How to Declare Cash When Flying

If you are carrying CAD 10,000 or more, you will need to complete a Cross-Border Currency or Monetary Instruments Report before you travel.

·       Form E677 – for personal funds you own and control

·       Form E667 – for funds you’re carrying on behalf of someone else

·       Form E668 – for funds sent by courier

You can obtain these forms at airports, land border crossings, or from the CBSA website. When you arrive or depart, present the completed form to a border services officer.

What Happens If You Don’t Declare?

Failing to declare amounts of CAD 10,000 or more can lead to serious consequences. CBSA officers have the authority to seize the funds immediately and may impose fines ranging from CAD 250 to CAD 5,000. In severe cases—especially where money laundering or criminal activity is suspected—the funds can be permanently confiscated, and legal action may follow.

It’s worth noting that officers are trained to detect large sums of undeclared cash, and routine inspections include questioning about the amount of money travelers are carrying.

Does the Limit Apply Per Person or Per Group?

While the law is technically applied on a per-person basis, travelers should be aware that CBSA may treat family members or groups as a single unit if they believe funds have been split up to avoid declaration. If your group’s combined funds exceed CAD 10,000, the safest option is to declare the total amount.

Why This Rule Exists

The cash declaration rule isn’t meant to prevent you from traveling with your own money. Instead, it’s part of Canada’s broader strategy to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of financial crime. By tracking large cash movements across borders, authorities can better identify suspicious transactions while allowing legitimate travelers to continue their journeys without restrictions.

Tips for Traveling with Large Sums of Cash

·       Declare in advance – Have your form ready before reaching customs to save time.

·       Keep documentation – Carry receipts, bank withdrawal slips, or proof of the money’s source to answer any questions.

·       Consider safer alternatives – For very large sums, wire transfers or bank drafts may be more secure.

·       Avoid splitting funds to bypass the limit – This can still result in penalties.

Final Thoughts

You can carry as much cash as you want when flying into or out of Canada—but if the amount is CAD 10,000 or more, you are legally required to declare it. The process is straightforward, and honest declaration can save you from hefty fines or seizure of your funds.

For most travelers, the declaration process is quick and painless. Being prepared, understanding what counts toward the limit, and following CBSA’s rules will ensure your trip starts and ends without financial complications.