Trusted Travellers

Certain individuals have been identified as low-risk travellers after undergoing extensive background checks. They carry special photo identification cards with security features that give them direct access to many airport security screening checkpoints across Canada.

Trusted Travellers include:

  • members of NEXUS and Global Entry programs;
  • currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. military, including reservists, all with valid ID (no uniform required);
  • Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards (RAICs);
  • international aircrew in uniform with valid airline ID; and
  • those accompanying these trusted travellers on the same flight.
NEXUS is a Canada Border Services Agency program to provide low-risk travellers with faster customs and immigration processing when crossing the border between Canada and the U.S. You can apply for a NEXUS card online at www.nexus.gc.ca.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.

Simpler Screening for Trusted Travellers

Trusted Travellers sign which includes NEXUS, Global Entry, Military, Flight Crew and RAIC logos

When you arrive at the screening checkpoint:

  • look for the Trusted Traveller line sign;
  • keep your shoes, belt and light jacket on;
  • keep small items in your pockets; and
  • keep compliant liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on bags.

In Canada, all travelers must remove laptops from carry-on bags at all CATSA checkpoints.

If you are wearing a head covering, you may keep it on however additional screening of the head covering is required. If the alarm cannot be properly resolved, you may be required to remove your head covering in order for a physical search to be conducted.

Trusted travellers must still comply with screening rules for prohibited items. You must still pass through a walk-through metal detector, and your carry-on items will continue to be X-rayed. You may also be required to undergo additional search procedures.
 

If Trusted Traveller screening lines are not available, you will receive front-of-the-line service in the queue but must follow regular divesting and screening procedures when using standard screening lines.

 

Wait times