Transportation

Airline data replaces customs kiosks at some Canadian airports

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June 29, 2026

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The Canada Border Services Agency is streamlining international-to-international passenger connections at select Canadian airports by eliminating the need for transit travelers to stop at customs kiosks or meet with border services officers, according to a press release. Under the new Free Flow International-to-International Transit process, airlines will transmit passenger information directly to the CBSA, allowing eligible travelers to proceed directly to their connecting flights while maintaining border security.

The initiative removes a key self-service step from the passenger journey by replacing airport kiosk check-ins with advance electronic data provided by air carriers. Travelers must still meet all entry and transit requirements, including holding the necessary visas or electronic travel authorizations and a confirmed onward international flight departing Canada within 24 hours. The streamlined process has been successfully implemented at Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport's Terminal 1 and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport.

CBSA officials said the program is designed to improve the traveler experience while allowing border personnel to focus on higher-risk activities. The agency described the initiative as part of its broader effort to modernize border operations through new technologies and updated processes. Other Canadian airports may apply to adopt the program, giving them the option to eliminate customs kiosk check-ins for eligible international transit passengers in the future.