Airports
The main airport for Ottawa is Macdonald–Cartier International Airport/L’aéroport international Macdonald-Cartier. The airport code is YOW.
Arriving from within Canada
Simply proceed to the Domestic Arrivals Hall in the public area of the terminal to claim your luggage at carousels 3, 4 or 5. Your flight number will be indicated above the carousel where your luggage will be available.
Arriving from outside Canada
Passengers arriving from outside of Canada must claim their luggage at carousels 1 or 2 within the Canada Customs Hall, proceed through Customs and Immigration before exiting into the public area of the terminal.
Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK Kiosks) are available at the Ottawa International Airport. The kiosks allow international travelers to verify their travel documents, complete an on-screen declaration, and confirm their identity using facial authentication (involving only a one-to-one photo comparison at the kiosk with the traveller’s passport). Those looking to save more time can complete their declaration in advance using the CanBorder – eDeclaration mobile app, which will provide a QR code to scan at a kiosk upon arrival.
Visa
It is necessary to hold either a visitor’s visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) depending on your country of origin. An eTA is for citizens of countries that are on the exempt list and which allows the holder to enter Canada by air to seek permission at the border to enter the country. However, travelers who are denied an eTA or ineligible for an eTA, will need to get a visa for Ottawa. Details on visas for those not eligible for an eTA are available on the Canada eTA page. A current list of eTA eligible countries can be found here: https://official-canada-eta.com/canada-eta-requirements/
We recommend, where possible, to use the eTA system. An eTA can be applied for online. The process is quite straightforward to follow, with approval is normally received within minutes of applying. A valid passport is an absolute must to make the application as well as a credit/debit card and an email address. With a valid eTA, issued for a period of up to five years, a visitor can travel to Canada as frequently as they like for short durations of usually up to six months.