Customs kiosks scrapped for transiting passengers as CBSA pilots airline-data clearance

Trade publication “Kiosk Marketplace” reports that the Canada Border Services Agency has begun removing primary inspection kiosks for eligible transit passengers at Vancouver, Toronto-Pearson (T1) and Montréal-Trudeau. Instead of stopping at a machine to scan passports and answer declarations, through-passengers are now cleared in advance using data provided by their airline under the Free Flow ITI program.

CBSA officials told the outlet that the change lets officers "focus on higher-risk travellers and enforcement," while airports gain floor space formerly occupied by rows of kiosks. The agency says it will invite other Canadian airports to apply once they can demonstrate secure data links and sterile-zone infrastructure.



For international passengers and corporate mobility teams ensuring proper documentation remains critical, and services like VisaHQ can streamline the process. The online platform’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers step-by-step guidance for obtaining transit visas, eTAs and other travel papers, helping travellers and travel managers adapt smoothly to the new Free Flow ITI environment.

Airport operators welcome the move. Vancouver International projects a 25 % reduction in minimum connection times for Asia–Latin America itineraries that hub in British Columbia. Toronto believes it can accommodate two additional banks of wide-body arrivals during its morning peak without expanding its customs hall.

From a global-mobility perspective, the update simplifies travel policies: multinational firms routing assignees via Canada can book shorter layovers and reduce duty-of-care exposure linked to airport queueing. Travellers must still hold any Canadian visas or eTAs required for transit and have proof of an onward international flight within 24 hours.