For the majority of U.S. flights, passengers leaving Toronto will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Toronto. This means you arrive in the United States as a domestic passenger.
Cannabis Act and Travel
The Cannabis Act comes into effect on October 17, 2018, but it will remain illegal to transport cannabis across Canada's national borders. Doing so can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad. It is your responsibility to know the Cannabis Act’s implications in relation to travel to, from or through Toronto Pearson. For more information, please click here.
United States Customs and Border Protection I-192 Waiver Office Closed
Effective July 16, 2018, the USCBP Waiver officer located in Terminal 1 will be closed until further notice. Please visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information and alternative locations.
Security and Customs Wait Times
Wait times are longer than usual at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canadian Air Transport Security Association (CATSA) pre-board screening for flights before 10:00 a.m. Please arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time when departing before 10:00 a.m. For flights departing after 10:00 a.m., please arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight’s departure time.
Please check in at least 3 hours prior to departure for flights before 10 a.m.
Please check in at least 2 hours prior to departure for flights after 10 a.m.
Not sure where to go to get your boarding pass? Find check-in on our terminal maps.
- Remove or tighten all straps on duffle bags or backpacks.
- Have your travel documents and tickets ready before you reach your counter or kiosk.
A valid passport is required for all flights to U.S. destinations. Please note that for select destinations, passports must be valid for a minimum of six months from your departure date. Learn more about additional identification requirements.
Checking In for a U.S.-bound Flight
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
- Check in online or use an airport kiosk. Proceed to the airline check-in counter if you have to check a bag or require additional assistance.
- Proceed to the automated bag drop for checked and oversized baggage.
- Proceed to the pre-board security screening area.
- Proceed to the U.S.CBP hall
During peak travel hours, processes are in place to alleviate wait times and keep security lines moving. NEXUS cardholders and airline passengers with priority access may enter the U.S. CBP hall directly by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or U.S. CBP Declaration form or card.
Passengers with a valid B1/B2 Visa, ESTA, Legal Permanent Resident Card, Border Crossing Card, American Passport and Canadian passport holders without a Visa or work permit can use the Automated Passport Control kiosks to enter the U.S. These kiosks make it easier and faster to move through US CBP processing by automating the traditional paper declaration form.
- Head to your gate.
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced by U.S.-bound guests as a result of longer than usual wait times when accessing U.S. CBP.
Processes are in place to alleviate wait times during peak travel hours, and the airport is working with its government partners on long-term solutions to reduce the delays.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
All passengers with questions regarding customs at the country of their destination are advised to please contact the appropriate government department or embassy. More information may be found at the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.
Further inquiries can also be made by contacting:
- U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services at (905) 676-2563.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at (905) 676-2606 or visit their website.
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) are available online.
NEXUS is a partnership program between Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows members to clear the border faster in both countries when travelling between the United States and Canada.
CANPASS is a CBSA program that allows members to clear the border faster when travelling into Canadian airports.
All passengers departing on flights from Toronto Pearson must proceed through pre-board security screening provided by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Follow these tips to keep this process running smoothly:
- Please take off jackets, purses and carry-on bags before arriving at the front of the screening line.
- Ensure all cameras, laptops and other devices are out of your luggage and ready for inspection.
- Place all carry-on items in a tray for screening.
- Remove footwear if asked.
- Boarding passes must be shown to screening personnel and carried through the metal detector.