Canada Introduces Verified Traveller Programme for Faster and Easier Airport Screening

Canada has recently announced the launch of its new Verified Traveller programme, which is set to take effect on June 21, 2023. The purpose of this program is to enhance and expedite the screening process for travellers across the country.

It may be noted that the Verified Traveller programme will replace the existing Trusted Traveller programme, offering a range of benefits to participants.

Verified Traveller Programme

Under the upcoming, Verified Traveller Programme dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be established at select domestic and international checkpoints in several major Canadian airports.

These airports include;

• Vancouver International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport
• Calgary International Airport
• Winnipeg International Airport
• Toronto-Pearson International Airport T1 and T3
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

#VerifiedTravellers include NEXUS, Global Entry, Canadian and US Military, RAIC holders, International aircrew, RCMP and Canadian police officers.
Find out more at: https://t.co/3rgql7lmAi pic.twitter.com/lfjQoxkeIJ

— CATSA (@catsa_gc) June 7, 2023

Key Benefits of the Verified Traveller Programme

The Verified Traveller programme aims to provide a more efficient and convenient screening experience. Participants in the programme will enjoy the following benefits:

1. Leave permitted liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on: Verified Travellers will no longer be required to remove these items from their bags during the screening process.

2. Leave laptops and electronics in your carry-on: Participants can keep their laptops and electronic devices in their carry-on bags, simplifying the process and saving time.

3. Keep shoes, belts, light jackets, and headwear on: Verified Travellers will be allowed to keep these items on, eliminating the need for removing them during the screening process. However, additional screening of headwear or head coverings will be required, and if an alarm is triggered, a further physical search may be necessary.

4. Keep small items in your pockets: Participants can conveniently keep small items such as keys, coins, and phones in their pockets, streamlining the screening process.

5. Co-travellers 17 years or younger and 75 years and older can accompany you: Verified Travellers can be accompanied by passengers within these age ranges, providing flexibility and convenience for families and elderly travellers.

Eligibility for the Verified Traveller Program

The new Verified Traveller program will help ease congestion over time, as the use of dedicated Verified Traveller lines grows.

The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on. Eligible travellers include:

• Members of NEXUS and Global Entry;
• Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, with valid ID;
• Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards;
• International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.

Compliance with Screening Rules

While Verified Travellers enjoy certain privileges during the screening process, it is important to note that they must still comply with screening rules regarding non-permitted and prohibited items.

All participants will be required to pass through a walk-through metal detector or full-body scanner as part of the standard security procedures.

Additional Benefits for Transborder Travel

In addition to the benefits offered at domestic and international checkpoints, several airports will provide verified travellers with front-of-the-line service and additional advantages at transborder checkpoints, specifically for flights to the United States.

These extra perks aim to facilitate a seamless travel experience for participants flying across the border.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Verified Traveller programme demonstrates Canada’s commitment to improving the efficiency and convenience of the screening process at its airports.

By streamlining procedures and offering enhanced benefits to verified travellers, the program aims to create a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers while maintaining the highest level of security.