Understanding the Operations of Canadian Trusted Traveler Programs

While the TPG team is primarily based in the U.S., we have a global audience.

Personally, I have a great fondness for Canada (especially Montreal), so when our Canadian friends started reaching out about their trusted traveler programs, I was eager to explore CATSA, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

It's worth mentioning that while Canadians spell "traveler" as "traveller," we will stick to American English spelling in this article for consistency.

Here are the top five questions of the week:

1. What is CATSA?

CATSA, which is Canada's counterpart to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, provides expedited security for Canadians identified as "low-risk travelers" at participating airports across Canada.

According to CATSA, "They possess special photo ID cards with security features that grant them direct access to numerous airport security screening checkpoints throughout Canada."

2. How do the trusted traveler programs of CATSA operate?

Once you are recognized as a trusted traveler by CATSA, you gain access to both Global Entry and Nexus, the latter of which is co-managed by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The application procedure is identical for both Canadians and Americans, starting at this link.

3. What are the differences between them?

Keep in mind that if you are flying out of a Canadian airport, there is no TSA PreCheck; however, CATSA provides a comparable service to expedite security with the Canada Border Services Agency.

"This offers a TSA PreCheck-like experience where travelers can keep their shoes and jackets on, although CATSA now mandates that laptops be taken out of bags. Unlike PreCheck, trusted travelers do not input their KTN or receive a boarding pass with access credentials," a Canadian TPG reader shared via email. "Instead, trusted travelers must show their trusted traveler card at the entry point. This is not a problem for Nexus members, as they must use their Nexus card at the Nexus kiosks, but it poses a challenge for Global Entry members, who don't need to carry their card to use the Global Entry kiosks and often don’t have it with them while traveling."

Similar to the Transportation Security Administration process, CATSA trusted travelers are still required to pass through a metal detector and remove their carry-on items for x-ray screening, according to CATSA.

4. Are these programs reciprocal?

While CATSA trusted travelers automatically gain the advantages of Nexus and Global Entry membership, TSA PreCheck is limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, whereas Sentri is accessible to everyone.

5. Can I utilize Nexus upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry?

While Nexus is primarily promoted for travelers entering the U.S. by car or on foot, "Nexus members can benefit from Global Entry without any additional fees by using the Global Entry kiosks at participating airports," says CBP. Just remember that your Nexus card cannot be used at Global Entry locations outside of Canadian Preclearance areas.

Have a question for next week? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or [email protected].