Canada has updated its travel process for international passengers. Here’s how it works

A file image of travellers at an airport. (Pexels/ClickerHappy)

The process for international travellers passing through Canadian airports on their way to other countries is being simplified.

According to a news release published Friday, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is making it “quicker and easier” for travellers to catch connecting flights under the Free Flow International-to-International Transit process.

“International passengers skip in-person border check-ins and go directly to their next flight,” the news release said.

“Instead of travellers having to stop at customs, airlines will provide the CBSA with travel information. This will keep the border secure while saving time for travellers.”

How will the process work?

International passengers making a pit-stop at Canadian airports en route to another international destination will no longer need to “physically meet with a border services officer or check in via a kiosk,” according to the news release.

Airlines are now required to collect and share passenger details, including their final destination and scheduled departure time, directly with the CBSA to verify that passengers will leave the country as intended, the news release said.

Travellers will still have to carry the proper visas and travel documents for their main destination. These documents will include a confirmed airline ticket for an international flight out of Canada within 24 hours of arrival.

However, CBSA warns that “all travellers must continue to meet applicable entry and transit requirements, including holding a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), where required.”

Is the new system operational?

The new, streamline system has been “successfully tested,” the federal agency said, and is now available for travellers at Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport (Terminal 1), and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.

“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,” Rob Chambers, vice-president of Travellers Branch, CBSA said in the news release.

“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.”