Jazmin Li
When travelling between the US and Canada, you may need to go through customs at the airport. This can be done through a process called 'preclearance', where travellers can clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight in Canada, and vice versa. This allows travellers to arrive in the US as domestic passengers, giving them access to more US airports that may not have customs facilities. Preclearance has been in place at Canadian airports since 1952 and is currently being expanded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport with customs facilities for US-Canada travel | Pearson Airport |
| Airport with customs facilities for US-Canada travel located in | Toronto |
| Country with preclearance arrangement with the US | Canada, Ireland, UAE |
| Preclearance agreement between US and Canada in effect since | 1952 |
| Legal basis for the preclearance agreement between US and Canada | Air Transport Preclearance Agreement, Preclearance Act of 1999 |
| New treaty signed in | March 2015 |
| Name of the new treaty | Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Preclearance |
| Mobile passport control program | Mobile Passport Control App |
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What You'll Learn
US Customs at Pearson Airport
At Pearson Airport, Terminal 1 passengers can begin CATSA security screening at 3:00 am and then enter the USCBP hall for processing, which takes place from 3:30 am until 9:00 pm. Terminal 3 passengers follow the same timings. NEXUS cardholders and passengers with mobility issues may use a dedicated line at US customs by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or Customs Declaration form.
To speed up the inspection process prior to departure, travellers can download the Mobile Passport Control app and submit their information digitally. This allows travellers to receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code, which can then be shown to a CBP officer along with their physical passport to speed up inspection.
In addition to this, travellers can also 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, allowing them to take advantage of new Express Lanes upon arrival.
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Preclearance agreements
Preclearance refers to an arrangement between two countries that allows customs and immigration officials from the country of destination to be located in the country of origin. This allows them to clear or deny the admission of travellers or goods to the destination country.
The United States and Canada have had preclearance agreements in place since 1952, with the first formalisation of preclearance operations under Canadian law taking place in 1974. The most recent agreement, the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance, came into force on 15 August 2019. This agreement allows for preclearance operations to be conducted in all modes of transport and cargo operations, and for the first time, includes rail, ferry, and cruise ship environments.
The agreement is fully reciprocal, meaning that both countries can operate preclearance facilities in the other country. The US currently conducts preclearance operations at eight Canadian airports: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.
Preclearance operations are designed to streamline border procedures, reduce congestion at ports of entry, and facilitate travel into airports that lack immigration and customs processing facilities. They also provide faster and more reliable service for travellers and enhance security by identifying potential threats early in the process.
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Advance CBSA Declaration
When travelling to Canada, you can save time at the airport by completing an Advance CBSA Declaration using the ArriveCAN app. This feature allows you to fill in your customs and immigration declaration before your trip, up to 72 hours in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete the Advance CBSA Declaration:
Download the ArriveCAN App
If you are a new user, you will need to download the ArriveCAN app and add your information. If you have used the app before, simply sign in.
Complete Your Declaration
Provide the necessary information and details for your customs and immigration declaration. You can do this at your own pace, from the convenience of your location.
Confirm Your Statements
Before submitting, carefully review your declaration and confirm that all the information is accurate and truthful.
Submit Your Declaration
Once you have confirmed your statements, submit your declaration to the CBSA. You will receive a confirmation via email, which will include a reference number.
Arrive at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, proceed to a kiosk or eGate. Scan your travel documents, and your reference number and declaration information will be retrieved. Note that a maximum of five travellers can use one kiosk at a time.
By using the Advance CBSA Declaration, you can streamline your arrival process in Canada and take advantage of the new Express Lanes. Please note that this process is currently not available for NEXUS kiosks. Additionally, remember to edit your declaration at the kiosk or eGate if there are any changes before your arrival.
In terms of customs procedures between the US and Canada, it is common for travellers to clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight to the US at Canadian airports, such as Pearson Airport. This preclearance process allows travellers to arrive in the US as domestic passengers, providing direct access to smaller domestic airports that may not have customs facilities.
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NEXUS cardholders
NEXUS is a joint initiative by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is a Trusted Traveller and expedited border control program designed for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.
NEXUS kiosks and eGates are provided by airport authorities but are built to CBSA standards and must be certified before activation. No personal information is stored on the kiosks or eGates. The only information retained is stored securely on CBSA systems, in accordance with government information, privacy, and security policies.
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Mobile Passport Control program
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a mobile app that enables eligible travellers entering the United States to submit their passport information and customs declaration form to Customs and Border Protection via smartphone or tablet. It is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA. The app is available on iOS and Android devices and is operational at 34 US airports, 14 international airports offering preclearance facilities, and 4 seaports.
MPC does not replace your passport or any required travel documents, such as ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travellers. Your passport will still be required for travel. However, it does eliminate the need for a paper declaration form. You will answer CBP inspection questions electronically in the MPC app on your mobile device. You can submit your travel details from your mode of transport or upon arrival at a port of entry.
To use MPC, download the app for Apple or Android and scan your passport. Your passport information will be saved in the app for future use. Take a self-photo and answer a few questions about your arrival and declarations. Your submission is active for four hours. By submitting these travel details through the app ahead of time, you are speeding up your interaction with the CBP officer. If you are travelling with a group, you can add up to 12 people to a submission from one device.
Travellers will then bring their physical passport and mobile device with their digital QR-coded receipt to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States. The service is completely free and does not require pre-approval. It is also easy to sign up for and use, so make sure you install it before your next trip to the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Preclearance is an agreement between two countries that allows customs and immigration officials from the country of destination to be located in the country of origin. This allows travellers to clear customs and immigration before boarding their flight.
Travellers going from Canada to the US clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight. This means that when they land in the US, it is treated as a domestic arrival.
Preclearance allows travellers to avoid waiting in line to clear customs and immigration when they land in the US. It also means travellers can fly to US airports that don't have customs facilities.
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.
