Fact Sheet

July 2005

CANPASS Air

CANPASS Air is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) program that facilitates efficient and secure entry into Canada for pre-approved, low-risk air travellers.

Pre-approved travellers clear customs and immigration by simply looking into a camera that recognizes the iris as proof of identity. This allows CBSA officers to concentrate their efforts on unknown or high-risk travellers and goods.

The iris recognition biometric technology used in this program is new, safe, innovative and secure. This non-invasive biometric technology is considered the most accurate and fastest in the world. In just a few seconds, the iris image is captured with a digital black-and-white camera from a comfortable distance, without bright lights or lasers.

Members receive an identification card that enables them to use the self-serve CANPASS Air kiosks at participating Canadian international airports where their iris image is verified. These members can quickly proceed to baggage claim and exit the customs premises without further interaction with a CBSA officer unless selected randomly for inspection.

The program is open to citizens and permanent residents of Canada and citizens and resident aliens of the U.S. who have resided in either country, or a combination of both countries, for the last three consecutive years. The annual membership fee of CAN$50 does not apply to children under the age of 18. CANPASS Air members must undergo security checks at registration and every year upon renewal.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, who exceed their personal exemption, must declare their imported goods. Any duties or taxes payable can either be charged using the CANPASS Air member's pre-authorized Traveller Declaration Card or be paid to the cashier before leaving the customs premises. Members can also be randomly selected for inspection to verify their customs declaration.

To be eligible for CANPASS Air, individuals must:

• be admissible to Canada under applicable immigration laws;
• reside in either Canada and/or the United States;
• provide true and accurate information on the application;
• not have been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon or rehabilitation has not been granted (alcohol-related driving offences, such as driving while intoxicated, are criminal offences in Canada);
• not have had a customs seizure within the past five years; and
• not be in violation of customs or immigration legislation.

The CANPASS Air program is currently available at:

• Calgary International Airport;
• Edmonton International Airport;
• Halifax International Airport;
• Pearson International Airport, Toronto;
• Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport, Montréal;
• Vancouver International Airport;
• Winnipeg International Airport.

The CANPASS Air program will soon be available at:

• Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Ottawa

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