Clearing immigration after an international flight can turn an otherwise smooth trip into a slog — long lines, crowded corridors, and the constant worry about missing a connection. But a behind-the-scenes travel perk allows some passengers to skip that arrival-day chaos entirely.
The U.S. Preclearance program, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has existed since 1952. U.S. Preclearance stations CBP officers at selected foreign airports so travelers can complete immigration and customs inspections before boarding their U.S.-bound flight.
Where U.S. Preclearance Exists Today
There are currently 17 full U.S. Preclearance program sites located in six countries — fifteen by air, one by sea, and one (in pilot form) by rail:
Canada
- Calgary International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Victoria International Airport
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
- Sea: Prince Rupert – Alaska Marine Highway System Ferry Terminal
- Rail (pre-inspection, with plans to expand): Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia (Amtrak Cascades service to Seattle and Portland)
Caribbean
- Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport
- Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport, Bahamas
- Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport
Ireland
- Dublin Airport
- Shannon Airport
United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
My husband and I experienced preclearance last year, for the first time, on our way home from Aruba. Here’s what it was like, along with some tips and tricks.
New preclearance facility opens in Toronto
Earlier this week, another U.S. Preclearance facility began operating — this time at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Like other preclearance locations, CBP officers at Billy Bishop Airport process immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before travelers board their U.S.-bound flight. The result is a faster, more seamless arrival in the United States.
Billy Bishop Customs preclearance also includes expedited screening for NEXUS card holders.
“Your Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport experience just got even better!” declared Porter Airlines. “When you fly to the U.S. via Billy Bishop Airport you will clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before your flight and avoid long Customs lines at your destination airport,” it added.
What to expect at Billy Bishop Airport’s preclearance
The airport provides this general process for travelers heading to the United States:
If you’re traveling to the United States, when you arrive at the airport:
- Check in with your airline (and check bags, if applicable)
- Clear airport security with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
- Complete U.S. CBP preclearance inspection
- Relax in the transborder lounge until boarding
Once you’ve completed preclearance, no further inspections are required when you arrive in the U.S. You can proceed directly to your connecting flight or final destination.
So you can plan ahead
Preclearance is similar to any international customs process and can take some time to complete. Arrive early and follow your airline’s guidance.
The airport is open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., so if you have a morning flight, don’t arrive at the airport before 5 a.m. Check-in opens at 5:30 a.m.
Tip: Use the Mobile Passport Control App
The CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is free for Apple and Android devices and can help reduce wait times, especially for families and larger groups. Heads up — MPC doesn’t replace your passport.
Looking towards the future
Another preclearance program is planned along the Canada-U.S. border. However, instead of allowing travelers to clear into the United States, this one will be used for entry into Canada. A Preclearance pilot program will begin at Cannon Corners, N.Y., on the border with Quebec (50 mi. south of Montreal), although an opening date has not yet been announced.
Preclearance doesn’t eliminate airport lines entirely, but it shifts immigration and customs processing to the departure airport — which often makes arriving in the United States much faster and less stressful.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary.
