by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 10:15 AM ET, Thu July 10, 2025
Canada is preparing to follow the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) lead after it announced plans to eliminate the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings.
On July 8, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the TSA will no longer require travellers to take off their shoes at airport checkpoints, citing advancements in threat detection technology.
The change will affect airports across the U.S., as well as U.S. pre-clearance areas within Canadian airports.
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According to a report by The Canadian Press, Transport Canada has acknowledged the development and stated it will work closely with the TSA to "ensure requirements are aligned."
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The move marks a step toward harmonized screening procedures between the two countries, particularly for passengers travelling from Canadian airports to the U.S.
Currently, Canadian travellers are not required to remove their shoes for domestic or most international flights unless specifically directed by a screening officer.
The exception has been U.S.-bound flights processed through American pre-clearance facilities, where TSA procedures have historically applied.
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With the U.S. dropping the rule, Canadian airports with U.S. pre-clearance facilities—such as Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Montreal-Trudeau—are expected to update their protocols accordingly.
No firm date has been announced for when the changes will take effect in Canada.
The TSA says the policy shift is part of its broader modernization effort, as security technology continues to evolve.
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