Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Announces First Canadian Land Preclearance Operation in the U.S.
January 2, 2025
Ottawa, ON – The CBSA today announced that it will establish its first Canadian land preclearance operation in the United States.
The new operation will be located at the Pacific Highway Border Crossing in Blaine, Washington, and is expected to open in 2026. Once operational, the preclearance facility will allow eligible travelers to complete their Canadian customs and immigration formalities before boarding their train, reducing wait times at the border and facilitating seamless cross-border travel.
“This is a significant milestone in the history of the CBSA and our partnership with the United States,” said CBSA President John Ossowski. “This preclearance operation will provide faster and more efficient border crossings for travelers, while also enhancing security and facilitating trade.”
The preclearance operation will be staffed by Canadian border services officers who will conduct all necessary customs and immigration examinations. Eligible travelers will include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens who meet certain requirements.
To be eligible for preclearance, travelers must:
- Hold a valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- Not be inadmissible to Canada
- Not be subject to a Canadian Customs Act or Immigration and Refugee Protection Act examination
- Not be carrying any prohibited or restricted goods
Travelers who are not eligible for preclearance will be required to complete their border formalities at the regular border crossing lanes.
The CBSA has been working closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop and implement this preclearance operation. The new facility will be located within the existing CBP facility at the Pacific Highway Border Crossing.
“This preclearance operation is a testament to the close cooperation between the CBSA and CBP,” said CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus. “It will make travel between our two countries easier and more efficient for both our citizens and visitors.”
The preclearance operation is part of the CBSA’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve border services. The agency is also investing in new technology and infrastructure to enhance security and facilitate the flow of legitimate travelers and goods.
For more information on the CBSA’s preclearance operations, please visit the CBSA website.
The CBSA announces first Canadian land preclearance operation in the U.S.
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