Key Takeaways
- The United States conducts preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal at Prince Rupert, B.C.
- Over 16 million people were pre-cleared to fly to the United States from Canada in the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2024.
- The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa says preclearance operations in Canada "remain a critical component" of the agency’s extended border strategy.
- The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is expected to begin preclearance operations by spring, with Air Canada expanding service to four U.S. destinations.
- Canada and the U.S. are discussing possible expansion of preclearance operations, with several locations in Canada being considered.
Introduction to Preclearance Operations
The United States conducts preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal at Prince Rupert, B.C. This process allows travelers to clear U.S. customs and immigration before departing from Canada, streamlining their travel experience. According to Public Safety, around the globe, three out of five travelers pre-cleared to enter the United States depart from the Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal airports. In the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2024, more than 16 million people were pre-cleared to fly to the United States from Canada.
U.S. Embassy Response to Preclearance Operations
The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa has stated that U.S. Customs and Border Protection "regularly and continuously assesses staffing and resources" to ensure alignment of mission priorities with current operational needs. The embassy added that preclearance operations in Canada "remain a critical component" of the agency’s extended border strategy and are designed to enhance national security and streamline travel. This response was in relation to comments made by Peter Hoekstra, who suggested that sustaining preclearance operations was a "business question." However, Hoekstra insisted that his intent was not to be "confrontational" and that he was simply raising a valid point.
Expansion of Preclearance Operations
In June 2023, the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport announced that it would introduce preclearance operations for travelers to the U.S. Ottawa pledged money for planning, design, and construction of the preclearance facility. The U.S. Embassy has stated that the facility is complete and "final steps" are progressing for Customs and Border Protection to begin processing passengers. According to the Toronto Port Authority, work wrapped up in late December, though the addition remains out of view behind construction hoarding. The airport is now conducting training and testing, and Public Safety and the port authority expect preclearance operations to begin at the airport by spring.
Air Canada Expansion and Preclearance Operations
Air Canada has announced plans to expand service from Billy Bishop this year with new daily routes to four U.S. destinations — New York, Boston, Washington, and Chicago — largely due to the airport adding preclearance. This expansion is a direct result of the increased efficiency and convenience provided by preclearance operations. The Canada-U.S. agreement allows preclearance operations to be conducted for land, marine, and rail transportation as well as air travel, making it possible for travelers to clear customs and immigration before arriving in the United States.
Future Preclearance Operations
A Canada-U.S. agreement allows either country to establish preclearance operations in the territory of its neighbor. Just over a year ago, the Canada Border Services Agency announced plans to open its first preclearance operation in 2025 at Cannon Corners, N.Y., on the border with Quebec, about 80 kilometers south of Montreal. However, the Canadian border agency says implementation is delayed as it finalizes key elements, including revision of relevant policies and procedures and minor infrastructure adjustments. Both countries say the preclearance initiative is going ahead this year, but no launch date has been set. Montreal’s central rail station and Quebec City’s airport have been mentioned as possible sites for U.S. preclearance operations.
Possible Expansion of Preclearance Operations
An internal Public Safety briefing note prepared last year said there are several other locations in Canada where preclearance "could realistically be established" within the next five years. The note listed five possible preclearance locations: 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., across from Detroit; and the port of entry at Lacolle, Que. Public Safety told The Canadian Press "discussions are ongoing" with the United States and transportation partners about possible expansion of preclearance in Canada, but there are no immediate plans to establish additional operations. As the preclearance program continues to grow and expand, it is likely that more locations will be added in the future, further streamlining travel between Canada and the United States.