• Entering Canada
  • Declaring Goods
• Entering the U.S.
  • Declaring Goods
• Technology: Biometrics
• Where is it offered?

Entering Canada

NEXUS members using the air mode of transportation can enter Canada using the self-serve kiosks regardless of where they are coming from. For example, a NEXUS member returning to Canada from overseas and arriving in Montréal can use the self-serve kiosk in Montréal.

All persons entering Canada by air must complete a CBSA Declaration Card.

To enter Canada as a NEXUS member, follow these instructions:

• Proceed to the self-serve kiosk located in the Canadian inspection services area;
• Stand in front of the camera to have your irises photographed. Follow the prompts on the screen and complete the entry process. You will then receive a self-serve kiosk receipt;
• The self-serve kiosk will direct you to the cashier for the collection of duties and taxes owing, if applicable;
• Proceed to the baggage claim and then to the exit. Present your self-serve kiosk receipt and the completed CBSA Declaration Card to the border officer; and
• Unless you are directed to an inspection area or the cashier, you may proceed into Canada.

Declaring Goods

Canadian resident
If you are a NEXUS member and a Canadian resident and you are using a Traveller Declaration Card (TDC) to import goods for your own personal use, complete a TDC prior to your arrival and deposit it in the designated box near the NEXUS self-serve kiosk. The duties and taxes owing on goods that exceed your personal exemption and declared on your TDC are automatically charged to your credit card at a later date.

If you do not have TDC privileges, you will receive a receipt from the self-serve kiosk referring you to a cashier for the payment of duties and taxes owing.

• More information: I Declare

United States resident
If you are a NEXUS member and a U.S. resident, you may use the self-serve kiosk to declare goods that are part of your personal entitlement. If you have goods that exceed your personal entitlement, you will receive a receipt from the self-serve kiosk referring you to a cashier for the payment of duties and taxes owing on the excess amount.

• More information: Information for Visitors to Canada and Seasonal Residents (BSF5082)

If the self-serve kiosk is closed, NEXUS members must use the special services counter or the crew counter, or follow the regular traveller procedure and declare their goods to a border officer.

Entering the United States

All persons entering the United States must complete a Customs Declaration Form (U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 6059B).

To enter the United States as a NEXUS member, follow these instructions:

• Proceed to the self-serve kiosk located in the U.S. preclearance area.
• Stand in front of the camera to have your irises photographed. Follow the prompts on the screen and complete the entry process. You will then receive a self-serve kiosk receipt to give to the U.S. CBP officer.
• Unless you are directed to an inspection area, you may proceed to the transborder lounge.

Declaring Goods

If you are entering the United States and you are importing goods for your own personal use, you may use the self-serve kiosk to declare these goods. If the self-serve kiosk is closed, you may either use the crew counter or follow the regular traveller procedure and declare your goods to a U.S. CBP officer.

• More information: U.S. residents, Know Before You Go (English only)
• More information: Canadian residents, Canadian & Mexican Citizens/Residents (English only)

Technology:  Biometrics

Iris recognition biometric technology works with the unique patterns of the iris (the coloured ring around the pupil of the eye). There are 266 unique characteristics in the human iris, which the technology reads.

The iris recognition process involves taking a photograph of your irises. Your iris patterns are processed and encoded into a record that is stored and used for comparison any time a live iris is presented for verification. When using the self-serve kiosk, the system will compare your irises with the record stored in the database.

To get the clearest iris photo during enrolment, you must remove your eyewear (prescription glasses and contacts, as well as sunglasses and coloured or patterned contacts). At passage, you do not need to remove your prescription glasses or contacts, but you do need to remove sunglasses and patterned contacts.

There are no known health or safety issues associated with using an iris recognition device. Iris recognition technology involves a monochrome camera that uses visible and safe low-range infrared light.

During the application process, if a person indicates they have a disability that affects their vision and may make it difficult to take a clear photo of the iris, the information is added to their profile. When the person arrives at the airport, instead of using a kiosk, as a NEXUS member they can use the Special Services counter where they would answer standard customs and immigration questions. In these situations, a “non-iris capture” sticker is placed on their membership card at time of enrollment, which allows them to enjoy expedited passage using the Special Services counter.

Where is it offered?

NEXUS is offered at the following airports:

• Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
• Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
• Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport*
• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
• Calgary International Airport
• Edmonton International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport

In addition, please note that a trusted traveller kiosk is also available at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, for incoming flights only for use by members of NEXUS and CANPASS Air.

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