Flying to the US from Canada? Upcoming Changes Could End Mandatory Shoe Checks

Travellers flying to the United States through Canadian pre-clearance facilities may soon find the screening process less cumbersome, as Canada considers eliminating mandatory shoe removal. 

The move is prompted by the United States’ decision to end mandatory shoe removal at its airport security checkpoints, a policy enacted in 2006 following the attempted bombing by Richard Reid. The US Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, announced the changes. 

This decision is supported by the integration of advanced screening technologies, which provide enhanced threat detection without requiring passengers to remove their footwear. Currently, while shoe removal is not generally enforced at Canadian airports, passengers travelling to the US via pre-clearance zones in Canada, which operate under US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) jurisdiction, are required to remove their shoes. 

Transport Canada has confirmed its intention to work with the TSA to align screening practices. While a definitive timeline remains unconfirmed, the move suggests a likely policy change eliminating shoe removal for US-bound passengers in Canadian pre-clearance terminals.

Major transit hubs such as Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International airports, which manage high volumes of US traffic, could experience reduced congestion, increased throughput, and improved traveller experiences. Frequent travellers may also welcome the elimination of this burdensome aspect of international screening procedures.

Additionally, aligning security policies reinforces the collaborative efforts between Canada and the United States to facilitate seamless cross-border travel while maintaining robust security standards.