Verified Traveller lines in Canada; what are the benefits and who is eligible

Enjoy a more efficient travel experience if you fly through one of the Canadian airports that offer the Verified Traveller program (which replaced the Trusted Traveller program). It’s the Canadian equivalent of the TSA Pre-Check, offering similar benefits.  

Transport Canada announced that the Canadian government is working to improve the airport security screening process, providing flyers with a quicker and more expedited experience while continuing to keep Canadians safe with established high-security standards. The program was officially launched on June 21, 2023. If you are eligible to be a Verified Traveller, several perks will make your airport visit more enjoyable.   

Which airports have Verified Traveller lines?

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has set up pilot projects for Verified Traveller lines at Ottawa International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport as of August 2023, and there are already dedicated lines at the following airports: 

• Toronto Pearson International Airport – T1 and T3, Domestic
• Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport – Domestic
• Edmonton International Airport
• Calgary International Airport – Domestic 
• Winnipeg Richardson International Airport 

Other airports in the country offer Verified Traveller Front-of-the-line services, including those listed above (except for Montreal-Trudeau) and others such as Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. 

What are the benefits of being a Verified Traveller?

Once checked in, head to the security checkpoint through dedicated screening lines to save time and avoid inconvenience. Enjoy front-of-line service and a smoother screening process, as you can keep certain items in your bag that you previously needed to remove and place separately on the X-ray conveyor belt.  

Leave permitted liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on luggage, as well as laptops and electronics. Small items may remain in your pockets, and you can wear shoes, religious or cultural headwear, belts and light jackets as you walk through the metal detector or body scanner.   

You can also have children or elderly co-travellers accompany you through the expedited line if they are under 17 or over 75.   

The hours for pre-board screening checkpoints may vary based on demand, but all Verified Traveller services will be available when open. During CATSA’s trial programs in Ottawa and Halifax, the hours vary throughout the day. At Ottawa International Airport, the dedicated Verified Traveller service is open from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The front-of-the-line service is available 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. At Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the dedicated service hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Additionally, front-of-the-line service is available from 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.   

How do I become a Verified Traveller in Canada?

The program offers additional benefits to travellers who have undergone extensive background checks at dedicated security screening lines within Canada.   

Travellers eligible for this program include NEXUS and Global Entry members, active Military Personnel, Canadian aircrew, workers with RAIC, and RCMP and Canadian police officers.   

NEXUS is a Canada Border Services Agency program, whereas Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program. Both allow eligible travellers to experience faster customs clearance. You can apply for a NEXUS card online. If you are an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces or U.S. military, including reservists with valid identification, you can also use this line.  

Canadian and international aircrew must be in uniform and present their airline identification. Airport workers who hold Restricted Area Identification Cards (RAICs) are also considered Verified Travellers.   

Eligible offers and constables must have their badge and proper photo ID issued by their respective organizations.