Archive for February 12th, 2010

Automated Border Clearance Kiosks now available at Vancouver Airport

Henry Chang | February 12, 2010 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

As most of you know, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics start today. Given the added congestion that will inevitably result from this event, it is important to mention that Canadian Border Service Agency (“CBSA”) has established Automated Border Clearance self-serve kiosks at Vancouver International Airport (“YVR”).

Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who have a valid Canadian passport or permanent resident card have the option of using an Automated Border Clearance kiosk to facilitate their admission upon their return to Canada. Although these kiosks may not be used by foreign nationals, their use by Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents will allow CBSA to focus its resources on foreign nationals visiting for the Olympics, which should speed up the inspection process for these travelers as well.

The self-serve kiosks are quick and easy to use and, unlike other programs such as NEXUS, will involve no advance registration process or fee. One person can make a declaration for up to four people using one kiosk, provided they all live at the same address.

Automated Border Clearance kiosks are being tested on a trial basis and will be available at YVR for two years. This will enable both the CBSA and YVR to evaluate the concept, validate projected costs and benefits, and fine-tune operational procedures and technology.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who use the Automated Border Clearance kiosk will follow this procedure:

  1. Fill out the CBSA Declaration Card;
  2. Use one of the Automated Border Clearance kiosks, located in the Canadian inspection services area, and follow the instructions on the screen; and
  3. Proceed to the designated border services officer for a verification of your travel documents.

Before using Automated Border Clearance, travelers should have the following items readily available:

  1. A completed CBSA Declaration Card;
  2. A valid Canadian passport or permanent resident card; and
  3. Receipts for purchases made abroad.