CBSA Makes International Transit Easier at YYZ, YVR & YUL
by Bruce Parkinson
The Canada Border Services Agency works to keep Canadians safe.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is simplifying the process for international travellers passing through three major Canadian airports – YYZ, YVR and YUL – en route to other countries.
Under the Free Flow International-to-International Transit process, international passengers skip in-person border check-ins and go directly to their next flight. Instead of travellers having to stop at customs, airlines provide the CBSA with travel information. The border agency says this will keep the border secure while saving travellers time.
“The Free Flow International-to-International Transit process is one of the ways the CBSA is improving the traveller experience while maintaining the security of Canada’s border,” said Rob Chambers, VP, Travellers Branch, Canada Border Services Agency.
“We are working with our airport partners to provide a simpler and more efficient process for travellers to get to their international destinations without delay. The CBSA is putting in place tools and technologies, and updating processes to build the border of the future.”
Here is how the new process works:
No Customs Check-in: Passengers heading from one international destination to another via a participating Canadian airport no longer need to physically meet with a border services officer or check in via a kiosk.
Airline Tracking: Air carriers are required to collect and share passenger flight details (final destination and scheduled departure time) directly with the CBSA to verify that travellers have left the country as intended.
Required Documents: Passengers must still carry the proper visas and travel documents for their final destination, including a confirmed airline ticket for an international flight departing Canada within 24 hours of their arrival.
Participating Hubs: This streamlined system has been successfully tested and is available at Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport (Terminal 1), and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.
The CBSA says the Free Flow International-to-International Transit process fits its mandate of making legitimate travel easier while focusing efforts on higher-risk travellers and activities.
