Travellers looking for a faster way to get through Canada's major airports can take advantage of a new option starting in the summer.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced plans for a new Verified Traveller program that will offer a faster pre-boarding screening process for select travellers in six major airports across Canada including Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Commencing June 21, the new program will replace the existing Trusted Traveller program, providing a "faster and more efficient screening experience" for eligible travellers in Dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) notes that Verified Travellers have undergone extensive background checks and carry special photo identification.
Eligible passengers include the roughly 1.7 million Nexus members — pre-approved travellers who can cross the U.S.-Canada border more quickly — as well as military personnel, aviation workers and RCMP officers. Those eligible can access the lines without applying beforehand.
Verified Travellers have three experiences available at select checkpoints across Canada, including the Verified Traveller, Verified Traveller Transborder (U.S. Flights), and Verified Traveller Front-of-the-Line.
What are the benefits of the Verified Traveller experience for Vancouver flights?
Verified Travellers may take advantage of the following privileges:
- Leave permitted liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on.
- Leave laptops and electronics in your carry-on.
- Keep shoes, belts, light jackets and headwear on.
- Keep small items in your pockets.
- Co-travellers 17 years or younger and 75 years and older can accompany you.
This experience is available at the following airports:
- Calgary International Airport - Domestic C
- Edmonton International Airport - Domestic /International
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport - Domestic/International
- Toronto Pearson International Airport - T1 Domestic Level 3
- Toronto Pearson International Airport - T3 Domestic
- Vancouver International Airport - Domestic North
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport – Domestic/International
What are the benefits of the Verified Traveller Transborder (U.S. Flights)?
Verified Travellers on transborder flights may take advantage of the following privileges:
- Leave permitted liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on.
- Keep shoes, belts, light jackets and headwear on.
- Keep small items in your pockets.
- Co-travellers can accompany you.
This experience is available at the following airports:
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport – T1 transborder
- Toronto Pearson International Airport - T1 transborder
- Vancouver International Airport - transborder
What are the benefits of the Verified Traveller Front-of-the-Line?
Verified Travellers Front-of-the-Line may take advantage of the following privileges:
- Will receive front-of-the-line service.
- Co-travellers can accompany you.
This experience is available at the following airports:
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport - Domestic
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport – transborder
- Calgary International Airport - Concourse A
- Calgary International Airport - Concourse B
- Calgary International Airport – Concourse D
- Calgary International Airport - Concourse E
- Edmonton International Airport – transborder
- Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc International Airport - Domestic/International/transborder
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport – Domestic/International
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport – transborder
- Kelowna International Airport - Domestic/International/Transborder
- Ottawa International Airport – Domestic/International
- Ottawa International Airport - transborder
- Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport - Domestic/International/transborder
- Regina International Airport - Domestic/Int'l/transborder
- Saskatoon International Airport - Domestic/International/transborder
- St. John's International Airport - Domestic/International/transborder
- Toronto Pearson International Airport - T1 International
- Toronto Pearson International Airport – T3 International
- Vancouver International Airport - International
- Victoria International Airport - Domestic/International/transborder
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport - transborder
Who is eligible for the program?
Travellers who are eligible for the program include:
- Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
- Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID;
- Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
- International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.
Children under the age of 17 and adults over 75 may accompany a verified traveller through security, provided they are on the same reservation.
A NEXUS membership is valid for five years and costs $50 to apply for.
Your application must be approved by both the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The CBSA and U.S. CBP will each perform a risk assessment to determine whether you meet all requirements to participate in NEXUS.
- Learn more about NEXUS membership by visiting the .
- Find out more information about the requirements for the .
With files from the Canadian Press.
