Smart Gates at Vancouver Airport
May 11, 2016, 12:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: HBA
Programs: Qantas FF Platinum, VA Velocity
Posts: 163
Smart Gates at Vancouver Airport
I'll be travelling to Canada for the first time in a couple of weeks, Australian passport and have STA (or whatever it's called!).
Does anybody know a) if the airport has smart gates for immigration (presumably yes?) and b) will I be able to use it?
I know that when travelling to USA even with an ESTA, the first time you can't use smart gate. Wondering if Canada is the same.
Thanks, folks!
Does anybody know a) if the airport has smart gates for immigration (presumably yes?) and b) will I be able to use it?
I know that when travelling to USA even with an ESTA, the first time you can't use smart gate. Wondering if Canada is the same.
Thanks, folks!
May 11, 2016, 6:54 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
No, there are no smart gates at YVR's Canada Border Services hall.
You'll fill out a customs card on the plane and your first interaction will be with an officer who will screen you for both immigration and customs purposes.
You'll then proceed to the baggage carousel (if applicable), pick up your bag, and proceed to the exit where you'll encounter another officer. They'll wordlessly collect your card and send you to the exit to the greeting area, unless you've been flagged to be sent to secondary for further inspection - For example, if they suspect you're coming to Canada to work.
You'll fill out a customs card on the plane and your first interaction will be with an officer who will screen you for both immigration and customs purposes.
You'll then proceed to the baggage carousel (if applicable), pick up your bag, and proceed to the exit where you'll encounter another officer. They'll wordlessly collect your card and send you to the exit to the greeting area, unless you've been flagged to be sent to secondary for further inspection - For example, if they suspect you're coming to Canada to work.
Last edited by gglave; May 11, 2016 at 7:47 am
May 11, 2016, 9:40 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 415
Vancouver does have smart gates, although CBSA calls them ABC Kiosks (Automated Border Control.) Currently only Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as US citizens, can use them.
May 11, 2016, 12:45 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,684
Vancouver does have smart gates, although CBSA calls them ABC Kiosks (Automated Border Control.) Currently only Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as US citizens, can use them.
The CBSA system you mentioned has been around at YYZ for over a year. It only verify the validity of one's travel documents to save step for the CBSA agent without having to scan passport and wait for the result. You are given a receipt which is a copy of your declaration form plus some codes.
May 11, 2016, 12:47 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,684
Vancouver does have smart gates, although CBSA calls them ABC Kiosks (Automated Border Control.) Currently only Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as US citizens, can use them.
The CBSA system you mentioned has been around at YYZ for over a year. It only verify the validity of one's travel documents to save step for the CBSA agent without having to scan passport and wait for the result. You are given a receipt which is a copy of your declaration form plus some codes. With that receipt one is still asked some questions by the CBSA agent.