The US and Canada signed an agreement on June 2 to open preclearance operations at six new Canadian airports starting September 1. Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Victoria, Kelowna and Quebec City join existing sites in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. US Customs and Border Protection officers will staff the facilities.
Preclearance allows passengers to complete immigration, customs and agriculture inspections on Canadian soil. Average connection times at US hubs are expected to drop by 45 minutes. The program builds on the 2019 preclearance agreement between the two countries.
Background shows the original five airports processed 16 million travelers in 2025. Canadian airports invested CAD 340 million in new inspection halls and technology. The expansion supports recovery of transborder traffic to pre-pandemic levels.
Airlines operating US routes from the new cities include Air Canada, WestJet and Porter. Smaller carriers will gain access to US destinations previously limited by customs constraints.
What this means for you
Book connecting itineraries through US hubs with confidence that preclearance will reduce missed connections. Arrive at Canadian airports two hours before departure for US-bound flights. Carry the same documents required for standard US entry including ESTA or visa.
Global Entry members can use expedited lanes at all new locations. Avoid checking bags if possible since preclearance does not include baggage recheck for some itineraries.
More Canadian cities are expected to join the program by 2028, further simplifying cross-border travel.