The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is considering a significant shift that would allow international air travellers who are merely transiting through the country to bypass standard customs and immigration checks. The agency has launched a 30-day public consultation period, running until December 29, 2025, to gather feedback on the proposed regulatory change.
What is the Free Flow ITI Process?
The initiative, named the Free Flow International-to-International (ITI) Transit process, aims to streamline the journey for passengers who land in Canada only to catch a connecting flight to another international destination. Under the proposed system, these travellers would proceed directly from their arrival gate to the international departures area without interacting with a CBSA officer or a border kiosk.
The CBSA states the change “would continue to ensure a high level of security while providing travellers with a more efficient transit process.” The key to maintaining security would be a shift in data collection. Airlines would be required to gather and share additional passenger information with the CBSA in advance, including final destination and scheduled arrival times in Canada.
Building on a Successful Pilot Project
This proposal is not entirely new. The CBSA has been operating a similar ITI pilot project since 2018 at major airports in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. The pilot requires transiting passengers to scan their passport at a dedicated kiosk. It has processed substantial volumes, with 744,000 passengers using it in the last year, up from 737,000 the year prior.
The new regulatory change would take the concept a step further by eliminating the need for the physical kiosk interaction altogether, relying solely on pre-submitted airline data. The CBSA explained, “This would allow the CBSA to confirm that travellers have left Canada on their scheduled international flight.” All existing documentary requirements, such as needing a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization, would remain in place.
Part of a Broader Red Tape Reduction Effort
This move is part of the federal government’s broader Red Tape Review initiative, launched in July 2025. The review mandates federal departments to scrutinize regulations to remove duplication, streamline cumbersome processes, and facilitate the introduction of new technologies and services to the market.
“These proposed regulatory changes enable the CBSA to make its processes more efficient and services more effective, while maintaining the strength and security of our borders,” the agency said in its announcement. The proposed changes have been formally published in the Canada Gazette for public review and comment.
If implemented, the Free Flow ITI process could significantly reduce connection times and congestion in customs halls at hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport, improving Canada's competitiveness as a global travel transit point.