The Government of Canada has opened a new US preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on 10 March 2026.
The facility enables passengers travelling from the airport to the United States to complete customs, immigration and agriculture inspections before departure. Travellers who complete the process will be able to arrive in the US as domestic passengers, allowing them to proceed directly to onward connections or their final destinations.
The preclearance operation has been introduced through cooperation between the Government of Canada and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The arrangement is intended to support cross-border travel while allowing authorities in both countries to address border security risks earlier in the travel process.
The new facility was partly funded through a 30 million CAD capital investment announced in 2023. Preclearance operations could contribute to increased aviation activity at the airport and may support additional routes to US destinations. Planning estimates linked to the project suggest that the airport’s annual economic contribution could increase as services expand. The development could also support employment at the airport as passenger traffic and flight routes grow.
Transport Canada said the opening of the facility forms part of wider efforts to maintain airport infrastructure and support travel and trade between Canada and the United States.
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons said:Strong transportation links are important to our economy. The new preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will make cross-border travel easier for passengers while enhancing border security and improving efficiency. By investing in modern infrastructure, we are strengthening our transportation system and ensuring Canada remains competitive, resilient, and well-positioned for continued economic growth.
As part of the initiative, amendments to the Preclearance in Canada Regulations have also come into force. The changes introduce additional screening requirements for individuals who require unescorted access to preclearance areas for their work.
Under the revised system, individuals with certain criminal records that may present security concerns will not be permitted to enter these areas. The measures apply to all preclearance sites across Canada and are designed to operate alongside the country’s Transportation Security Clearance programme.
