The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it’s adopting new technology to reduce wait times at the border.
The agency has announced it is building “the border of the future” using new tools and technologies as well as updated processes, laws, and policies.
“Have you heard?” the CBSA said in a recent social media
post. “We’re modernizing the border with digital tools, new technology and responsible use of data to make travel smoother.”
The border service facelift is the agency’s response to dealing with the ever-increasing number of security threats coming from terrorism and organized crime. But it says it’s also about cutting wait times for travellers and making the process less cumbersome.
CBSA didn’t release any details about the technology travellers can expect to see at the border in the future, but it did call attention to some of the new technology and digital tools it is currently using such as facial recognition. The system helps to confirm a person’s identity “securely, while making the process faster and easier,” the agency said.
“We use facial recognition technology only to verify your identity when entering Canada,” the CBSA said. “If you don’t want to use the new digital tools, you still have the option to present yourself to a border services officer.”
Amid ongoing privacy and security concerns surrounding digital recognition tools, CBSA said it has taken “careful steps to research and plan our actions.” It is also “taking the time to talk with partners, stakeholders and the public.”
Other ways the CBSA now offers to speed up the process include advance declaration forms that can be filled out ahead of time and digital kiosks and eGates that make it faster and easier for travellers to verify their identity.
How to Cut Wait Times
The summer months and holiday weekends are prime travel times for many. And that can mean longer wait times at the Canada-U.S. border as well as at international airports. Here are a few ways to make your trip run as smoothly as possible.
1. Plan Ahead
The CBSA recommends checking its
border wait times web page to plan the best time to arrive at the border. Crossing during non-peak hours such as early morning can help cut wait times as can avoiding Mondays on holiday long weekends.
2. Have Your Documents Ready
Having your
travel documents close at hand will help speed up the process whether you are travelling by land, air or water.
3. Use Advance Declaration
Travellers arriving at Canadian international airports can use
Advance Declaration prior to their arrival to gain access to express lanes and get to an airport kiosk or eGate faster.
4. Travel Prepared With Kids
If you share custody of your children or are not the parent or legal guardian, be sure to have a consent letter authorizing you to travel with them. Border services officers are always on the lookout for missing children and are likely to ask a lot of additional questions if you don’t have a letter.
5. Know Exemption Limits
If you are heading to the U.S. to go shopping, be aware of your personal exemption limits to avoid being hit with duties at the border. If you know you will be exceeding the limit, use the
CBSA duty and taxes estimator to calculate how much you will owe so you can have the money ready ahead of time.
6. Be Prepared to Declare
All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada. If you’re a returning resident, having your receipts readily available will speed up the declaration process. If you are thinking about returning with food, plants, or animals, be sure to read the
Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website to make sure the items are permitted.
