Us Customs At Toronto Airport: What You Need To Know

Toronto Pearson Airport has US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP), allowing travellers to the US to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight. This means that travellers can bypass CBP and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections upon arrival in the US and proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination. US CBP processing takes place from 3:30 am until 9:00 pm in Terminals 1 and 3.

US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) at Pearson Airport

Pearson Airport in Toronto has a US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) facility, allowing travellers to the US to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight. This means travellers can bypass CBP inspections upon arrival in the US and proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination.

The US CBP facility at Pearson Airport is located in Terminals 1 and 3. In both terminals, CATSA security screening begins at 3:00 am, after which passengers can enter the US CBP hall for processing, which takes place from 3:30 am until 9:00 pm.

To streamline the inspection process, travellers can use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, created by US CBP. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can complete their travel information, answer CBP inspection questions, capture a photo of themselves and each member of their group, and follow the instructions provided on their receipt. It is important to note that the MPC app does not replace a physical passport, which is still required for travel.

Additionally, NEXUS cardholders and passengers with mobility issues may use a dedicated line at US customs by presenting their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or Customs Declaration form.

For travellers arriving at Pearson Airport from international destinations, including the US, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) screens all travellers. International travellers can use a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) to confirm their identity and submit their customs declaration. Up to five travellers can use a kiosk together.

NEXUS cardholders can use a dedicated line at US customs

Toronto Pearson Airport has a US Customs and Border Protection facility, allowing travellers to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight to the US.

NEXUS is a program for Canadian and American citizens that allows members to clear the border faster when travelling between the United States and Canada. At Toronto Pearson Airport, NEXUS cardholders can use a dedicated line at US customs. To do so, they must show their boarding pass and valid NEXUS card or Customs Declaration form. They can also use a kiosk to speed up the process, where their travel identification is verified and an iris scan confirms their identity. The kiosk will then print out a receipt, which will allow them to pass through US customs more quickly.

The Global Entry program is similar to NEXUS, allowing members to get through security and US Customs faster. Members have been pre-approved and are considered low-risk travellers. They can use NEXUS kiosks, presenting their passport or US permanent resident card. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

CANPASS is an older program that has been replaced by NEXUS. However, CANPASS members can still use the dedicated line to clear customs more quickly.

Primary inspection kiosk (PIK) for international arrivals

Pearson Airport in Toronto has US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) facilities, allowing travellers to the US to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight. This means travellers can bypass CBP inspections upon arrival in the US and proceed directly to their connecting flight or destination.

The Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) project is a large-scale IT initiative that partners the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with airport authorities across Canada to enhance security, reduce wait times for travellers, and modernise the border process at international airports. The introduction of the new kiosks allows the CBSA to move to fully digital border processing.

When arriving at Toronto Pearson on an international flight, travellers can use a PIK to confirm their identity and submit their customs declaration. The process involves scanning travel documents (e.g. passport or permanent resident card), taking a photo, answering a few questions to complete the declaration, and then taking the kiosk receipt to a border services officer. Up to five travellers can use a kiosk together, as long as they are from the same country.

To save time, travellers can complete their declaration in advance using the CBSA CanBorder - eDeclaration mobile application. They can then scan their eDeclaration code at the kiosk upon arrival, reducing the projected PIK processing time by approximately 40%. Alternatively, travellers can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within the ArriveCAN app to fill in their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada. This allows them to take advantage of Express Lanes for faster processing on arrival.

Mobile Passport Control app for smoother departures

Toronto Pearson Airport offers US Customs and Border Protection, allowing travellers to the US to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight.

To make the departure process even smoother, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app has been introduced. This free, secure app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It allows eligible travellers to submit their travel document, photo, customs declaration information, and passport information (including name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship) through their smartphone or mobile device.

Upon arrival at eligible Preclearance locations, users must select their mode of entry as "Preclearance" before choosing their departing Preclearance Port of Entry. If not using preclearance, travellers will select "U.S. airport" and then their arrival airport or seaport and terminal. A self-photo and answers to CBP inspection-related questions are also required.

Once the transaction is submitted through the app, travellers will receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. They can then bring their physical passport and mobile device with the digital QR-coded receipt to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States. This streamlines the entry process, reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.

MPC is currently available at 53 sites, including 35 US International Airports, 14 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry.

Advance CBSA Declaration for faster arrival at Toronto Airport

Pearson Airport in Toronto has US Customs, allowing travellers to the US to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight. The airport also has a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that screens travellers landing in Canada. If you are arriving on a US or international flight, you will need to confirm your identity with CBSA and declare any goods that you are bringing into the country.

To speed up this process, you can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within ArriveCAN to fill in your customs and immigration declaration before your arrival. This can be done up to 72 hours in advance, and users can take advantage of new Express Lanes, saving even more time when they land.

Here's how it works:

• Download and open the ArriveCan App. If you are a new user, add your information. If you have used it before, simply sign in.
• You will receive a confirmation of your Advance CBSA Declaration, along with a reference number, via email.
• Scan your travel documents (e.g. passport or permanent resident card) at the airport kiosk or eGate. Note that a maximum of 5 travellers can use one kiosk at a time.
• The kiosk or eGate will display your reference number and declaration information. If your declaration changes before you arrive, you can edit it at the kiosk or eGate.

Please note that NEXUS cardholders and airline passengers with priority access or mobility issues may use a dedicated line at US customs by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or Customs Declaration form.

Frequently asked questions