Key Takeaways
- Canada and the United States are moving forward with two preclearance projects to allow more travelers to be screened before crossing the border.
- The projects include the introduction of preclearance operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the establishment of Canada’s first preclearance operation in the United States.
- Over 16 million people were pre-cleared to fly to the United States from Canada in the 12-month period ending September 30, 2024.
- The United States conducts preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal, with plans to expand to other locations in the future.
- The preclearance initiative aims to enhance national security and streamline travel by allowing travelers to clear U.S. inspections and screenings in Canada before entering the United States.
Introduction to Preclearance
The concept of preclearance allows travelers to be screened and cleared by U.S. border officers before crossing the border, making it a crucial aspect of the extended border strategy between Canada and the United States. This approach enables officials to intercept potential threats before they reach the border, ensuring a safer and more efficient travel experience. With the decline in Canadian travel to the United States due to frosty bilateral relations, there were concerns about the future of preclearance arrangements. However, recent assurances from both countries have confirmed that two preclearance projects are set to proceed this year, despite initial doubts cast by U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra.
Current Preclearance Operations
The United States currently conducts preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal at Prince Rupert, B.C. These operations have been successful, with over 16 million people pre-cleared to fly to the United States from Canada in the 12-month period ending September 30, 2024. In fact, three out of five travelers pre-cleared to enter the United States depart from the Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal airports. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has emphasized that preclearance operations in Canada remain a critical component of the agency’s extended border strategy, designed to enhance national security and streamline travel.
New Preclearance Projects
One of the new preclearance projects is the introduction of preclearance operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The facility is complete, and final steps are being taken to begin processing passengers. The Toronto Port Authority has confirmed that work wrapped up in late December, and the airport is now conducting training and testing. Public Safety and the port authority expect preclearance operations to begin at the airport by spring, which will enable travelers to clear U.S. inspections and screenings before entering the United States. Air Canada has announced plans to expand service from Billy Bishop this year, with new daily routes to four U.S. destinations, largely due to the airport adding preclearance.
Canada’s First Preclearance Operation in the United States
The other preclearance project is the establishment of Canada’s first preclearance operation in the United States, which was announced by the Canada Border Services Agency last year. The operation is planned for Cannon Corners, N.Y., on the border with Quebec, about 80 kilometers south of Montreal. Although implementation has been delayed, both countries have confirmed that the project is going ahead this year, with no launch date set. The Canadian border agency is finalizing key elements, including revision of relevant policies and procedures and minor infrastructure adjustments. Other possible sites for U.S. preclearance operations in Canada include Montreal’s central rail station and Quebec City’s airport.
Future Expansion of Preclearance
An internal Public Safety briefing note has identified several other locations in Canada where preclearance could be established within the next five years. These locations include Vancouver’s central rail station, the cruise terminal at Canada Place in Vancouver, the Belleville ferry terminal in Victoria, a possible new rail station in Windsor, Ont., and the port of entry at Lacolle, Que. While discussions are ongoing with the United States and transportation partners, there are no immediate plans to establish additional operations. The expansion of preclearance operations will likely continue to enhance national security and streamline travel between Canada and the United States, making it an essential aspect of their bilateral relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the preclearance initiative between Canada and the United States is a critical component of their extended border strategy, designed to enhance national security and streamline travel. With the introduction of new preclearance operations at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the establishment of Canada’s first preclearance operation in the United States, the two countries are committed to making travel safer and more efficient. As the relationship between Canada and the United States continues to evolve, the expansion of preclearance operations will likely play a vital role in shaping their bilateral relationship and ensuring the security and prosperity of both nations.