The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has formally launched a 30-day public consultation on a proposed regulatory package that would allow certain international passengers to transit through Canadian airports without presenting themselves to a border officer. Under the “Free Flow International-to-International Transit” model—already being piloted at Montréal-Trudeau, Vancouver and Toronto-Pearson Terminal 1—the CBSA would instead rely on advance passenger data supplied by airlines to confirm the individual’s onward departure and compliance with Canadian immigration law. More than 740,000 travellers used the pilot program in 2024, and Ottawa now wants to make the process permanent nationwide.
If adopted, air carriers will be required to transmit additional data elements—such as the traveller’s ultimate destination, scheduled departure time and seating information—before the aircraft lands in Canada. The CBSA argues that digital pre-clearance would let officers focus on higher-risk travellers and cargo while still maintaining full oversight of security and immigration compliance. Airlines and airport authorities, for their part, say the policy could cut minimum connection times, reduce missed flights and make Canadian hubs more attractive for long-haul itineraries that bypass congested U.S. airports.
![CBSA Opens 30-Day Consultation on ‘Free Flow’ International-to-International Transit Rules]()
Business-travel managers should watch the consultation closely. Global companies routing employees through Canadian hubs may soon benefit from shorter layovers and fewer visa headaches, but they will also need to ensure that passenger data is transmitted accurately and in time to avoid secondary screening. Carriers will have to upgrade IT interfaces with the CBSA and review privacy-law implications when transmitting data on non-Canadian nationals.
Stakeholders have until December 29 to submit comments via the Canada Gazette, after which the CBSA will finalize regulations. Assuming a smooth process, Free Flow could be expanded to Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa as early as the 2026 summer schedule, cementing Canada’s role as a competitive North Atlantic transit gateway.
If adopted, air carriers will be required to transmit additional data elements—such as the traveller’s ultimate destination, scheduled departure time and seating information—before the aircraft lands in Canada. The CBSA argues that digital pre-clearance would let officers focus on higher-risk travellers and cargo while still maintaining full oversight of security and immigration compliance. Airlines and airport authorities, for their part, say the policy could cut minimum connection times, reduce missed flights and make Canadian hubs more attractive for long-haul itineraries that bypass congested U.S. airports.
Business-travel managers should watch the consultation closely. Global companies routing employees through Canadian hubs may soon benefit from shorter layovers and fewer visa headaches, but they will also need to ensure that passenger data is transmitted accurately and in time to avoid secondary screening. Carriers will have to upgrade IT interfaces with the CBSA and review privacy-law implications when transmitting data on non-Canadian nationals.
Stakeholders have until December 29 to submit comments via the Canada Gazette, after which the CBSA will finalize regulations. Assuming a smooth process, Free Flow could be expanded to Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa as early as the 2026 summer schedule, cementing Canada’s role as a competitive North Atlantic transit gateway.
