by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:55 AM ET, Mon June 29, 2026
Travellers passing through Canada’s three busiest airports from one international flight to another will no longer have to present themselves to Canadian Borders Services. The new “Free Flow International-to-International Transit” program means connecting international passengers will be able to head from their arrival gate to their departure gate without going through customs. Passengers travelling to the U.S. will still be required to pass through preclearance, meaning they will proceed directly to the U.S. connection area, where they and their baggage will be re-screened for security, and processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The program is designed to make things quicker and easier for those transiting through Canada. “The Free Flow International-to-International Transit process is one of the ways the CBSA is improving the traveller experience while maintaining the security of Canada's border,” says Rob Chambers , Vice President, Travellers Branch, Canada Border Services Agency. “We are working with our airport partners to provide a simpler and more efficient process for travellers to get to their international destinations without delay. The CBSA is putting in place tools and technologies, and updating processes to build the border of the future.
Air carriers are required to collect and share passenger flight details (final destination and scheduled departure time) directly with the CBSA to verify that travellers have left the country as intended.
There are a few caveats for the Free Flow program, which will be effective at Terminal One at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal Trudeau (YUL) and Vancouver International (YVR).
Travellers must have a valid identification and travel documents, including a Transit Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when applicable. They will have to remain within the designated international departure area of the airport and must have a confirmed airline ticket for an international flight departing Canada within 24 hours of arrival. Additionally, travellers must be flying on an airline that provides automatic baggage transfers.
Passengers will need to process through customs as usual if the airline doesn’t offer automatic baggage transfer, if a traveller is arriving or departing from Terminal Three at Pearson, if the connection is longer than 24 hours (including if it is cancelled or delayed) or if the traveller leaves the international terminal or exits the secure side.
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