Key Takeaways
- The United States and Canada are proceeding with two preclearance projects that will allow more travelers to be screened before crossing the border.
- The projects include the introduction of preclearance operations at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the establishment of a preclearance operation in New York state, near the Quebec border.
- 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.
- The United States conducts preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal, with over 16 million people pre-cleared to fly to the United States from Canada in the 12-month period ending September 30, 2024.
Introduction to Preclearance
The concept of preclearance allows travelers to be screened and cleared by U.S. border officials before crossing the border, making it possible for them to enter the United States or catch a connecting flight more quickly. This initiative is designed to push the border out and intercept potential threats before people or goods cross the border. Public Safety Canada explains that preclearance enables travelers to the United States to clear U.S. inspections and screenings in Canada, streamlining their travel experience.
Current Preclearance Operations
The United States currently conducts preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. According to Public Safety Canada, 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 September 30, 2024, over 16 million people were pre-cleared to fly to the United States from Canada. The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa emphasizes that preclearance operations in Canada remain a critical component of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s extended border strategy, designed to enhance national security and streamline travel.
New Preclearance Projects
Despite comments from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra that cast doubt on the future of preclearance arrangements, the United States and Canada have confirmed that two new preclearance projects will proceed this year. The first project involves the introduction of preclearance operations at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is expected to begin by spring. The airport has completed construction of the preclearance facility, and training and testing are currently underway. Air Canada has announced plans to expand service from Billy Bishop this year, including new daily routes to four U.S. destinations, thanks to the addition of preclearance.
Delayed Preclearance Initiative
The second project involves the establishment of a preclearance operation in New York state, near the Quebec border, which was initially planned to open in 2025. However, the implementation has been delayed as the Canada Border Services Agency finalizes key elements, including revisions to relevant policies and procedures and minor infrastructure adjustments. Both countries have confirmed that the preclearance initiative is going ahead this year, but no launch date has been set. 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 realistically 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, Ontario, and the port of entry at Lacolle, Quebec. While discussions are ongoing with the United States and transportation partners about possible expansion of preclearance in Canada, there are no immediate plans to establish additional operations. Public Safety has emphasized that the preclearance initiative is a critical component of the Canada-U.S. agreement, which allows preclearance operations to be conducted for land, marine, and rail transportation, as well as air travel.
