Say Goodbye to Long Lines: Canada Simplifies Border Control for Transit Passengers
Navigating international travel can often feel like a marathon of queues and paperwork. However, for many international travellers, the experience of transiting through Canada is getting a significant upgrade. In a move to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has implemented a streamlined process that allows eligible passengers to bypass traditional border control checkpoints.
If you are flying through Canada’s busiest hubs, you may no longer need to meet with a border officer or check in at a kiosk, making your journey smoother and faster than ever before.
Where is the ‘Free Flow’ Process Available?
Currently, this streamlined transit experience is available at three of Canada’s primary gateways:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (Terminal 1)
- Vancouver International Airport
- Montréal Pierre Elliott-Trudeau International Airport
While these three major hubs are leading the way, the CBSA has opened the door for other airports across the country to apply and adopt this efficient system.
How to Qualify for the Border Control Exemption
To take advantage of the Free Flow International-to-International Transit process, travellers must meet specific criteria to ensure security and compliance. You can skip the border security lines if you:
- Hold a confirmed airline ticket for an international flight departing from Canada within 24 hours of your arrival.
- Remain within the airport’s designated international departure zone until your flight boards.
- Possess all necessary travel documentation and visas for your final destination, including a Transit Visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) where applicable.
For those whose baggage is transferred automatically by the airline, the process is even simpler, as they are directed straight to the international departure area.
When Do You Still Need to Face Border Control?
It is important to note that the exemption is not universal. You will still be required to report to the CBSA for processing if:
- Your layover exceeds 24 hours due to flight cancellations or delays.
- You choose to leave the designated international departure area to enter the city.
- Your baggage is not transferred automatically, requiring you to collect it manually.
Special Note for U.S.-Bound Travellers
If your journey takes you from an international origin through Canada and into the United States, the process differs. These passengers proceed directly to the Canadian airport’s U.S. connection area. Here, both the passengers and their luggage undergo security re-screening and are processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
A Modern Approach to Travel
This new system is an evolution of the International to International (ITI) pilot project launched in 2018. While the previous version required a passport scan at a kiosk, the updated 2026 guidelines remove that step entirely, relying instead on seamless data sharing between airlines and the CBSA.
“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,” says Rob Chambers, Vice President of the Travellers Branch at the CBSA.
For more official information on travel requirements and entry regulations, you can visit the official Canada Border Services Agency website.
