The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced the Free Flow International-to-International Transit process at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montreal–Trudeau International Airport, allowing international passengers to bypass in-person border check-ins and proceed directly to connecting flights.
Under the new system, airlines provide passenger travel information to the CBSA in advance, enabling security verification without requiring travellers to stop at customs or use kiosks. Rob Chambers, vice-president of the CBSA's travellers branch, stated: "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."
How the Streamlined Process Works
Passengers arriving from an international destination and connecting to another international flight at a participating airport no longer need to physically meet a border services officer. However, air carriers must collect and share flight details with the CBSA to confirm travellers leave the country as intended. Travellers must still hold valid visas and travel documents for their final destination, along with a confirmed ticket for an international flight departing Canada within 24 hours of arrival.
The process has been successfully tested and is now operational at Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson, as well as at Vancouver International and Montreal–Trudeau. Other airports can apply to adopt the process by contacting the CBSA.
Impact on Travellers and Security
The initiative aims to reduce wait times and simplify connections for international passengers while maintaining border security. Chambers added: "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."
This change comes as some travellers expressed trepidation about crossing the U.S. border amid ongoing tariff disputes and political tensions. The streamlined process is expected to benefit thousands of passengers annually, enhancing Canada's competitiveness as a transit hub.
