International To International Transit Canada Consultation Begins As CBSA Proposes A Modern Transit Experience

Canada continues to refine the way travellers move through its airports, and the latest update from the Canada Border Services Agency marks a meaningful step forward. The CBSA has opened a 30-day consultation on a proposed change that could reshape the airport transit experience for global passengers. The proposal focuses on improving International to International Transit Canada processes while keeping border security strong.

This development is important because millions of travellers pass through Canada every year. Many are simply connecting to a third country. With this process, Canada aims to make those connections smoother, quicker and more predictable without reducing security standards.

Canada’s airports are already known for safe and well-managed operations. Now, the country is exploring an approach that saves time for travellers and allows border officers to focus on higher-risk activities.

Why This New International To International Transit Canada Proposal Matters

The CBSA’s new proposal would remove the requirement for transiting passengers to check in with border officers when they are only passing through Canada on their way to another international destination. This idea is part of the Government of Canada’s wider Red Tape Review initiative, which seeks to make essential services easier to use.

Here is a look at the proposed process:

This approach still maintains strong border safety. Yet it reduces extra steps for travellers who are not entering Canada but simply catching their next flight.

How The Free Flow Transit System Works Today

The system is already being tested at three major airports. These airports have handled a strong number of passengers through the pilot phase.

• Montreal Trudeau Airport
• Vancouver International Airport
• Toronto Pearson Terminal One

In 2023, more than seven hundred and thirty-seven thousand travellers used the Free Flow transit system. In 2024, the number reached more than seven hundred and forty-four thousand. These figures show how important this transit option is for global travellers and how well Canada has managed the early testing.

While the process removes the need to check in with officers, transiting travellers must still have the correct documents required by their destination country. Canada continues to balance smoother travel with strong checks where they matter most.

How This Proposal Helps Strengthen Security And Improve Efficiency

The proposed change would allow air carriers to collect extra information, such as the traveller’s final destination and the date and time they reach Canada. This will help the CBSA confirm that passengers leave Canada on their planned international flight.

The Free Flow process is part of Canada’s Traveller Modernization initiative. This initiative aims to:

• Reduce wait times at airports
• Improve the flow of passengers
• Shift officers to higher risk areas
• Use technology to reduce unnecessary steps
• Strengthen national security with smarter tools

For travellers, this means a more comfortable journey. For Canada, it means better use of resources and a safer border environment.

What This Means For The Future Of Transit Through Canadian Airports

This proposal reflects Canada’s continued effort to modernize its travel systems. The consultation period allows the public, industry partners and other stakeholders to share suggestions. Once feedback is reviewed, the CBSA will be able to refine the program.

As the world moves toward more digital and streamlined travel methods, Canada continues to stay ahead by testing solutions early. Free Flow transit supports international travel, strengthens Canada’s role as a global connector and gives travellers a smoother experience without sacrificing safety.

For newcomers, tourists and international students, improvements like this help strengthen Canada’s welcoming environment and global reputation.

International To International Transit Canada Proposal Supports A Modern And Safer Travel Future

The consultation on International to International Transit Canada shows how Canada is moving toward a smoother and smarter transit system. By reducing unnecessary steps while improving security checks behind the scenes, the country continues to strengthen its position as a leader in safe and modern travel. The next steps will shape how millions of travellers move through Canadian airports in the coming years. For timely updates on Canada’s immigration policies and travel programs, follow Canada Immigration News.