Noob Question about Canada Preclearance
Aug 4, 2017, 9:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Noob Question about Canada Preclearance
My daughter will be traveling by herself from the USA to Canada and back again, and wants to know what to expect on the way back. In particular:
She will be flying on Air Canada from Winnipeg to California, with a change of planes in Calgary.
Both Winnipeg and Calgary have US Customs/Immigration preclearance.
(1) Would she expect to go through preclearance in Winnipeg, or in Calgary?
(2) She is not Global Entry, but it appears that neither Winnipeg nor Calgary are equipped for Mobile Passport. Is that correct?
Thanks!
She will be flying on Air Canada from Winnipeg to California, with a change of planes in Calgary.
Both Winnipeg and Calgary have US Customs/Immigration preclearance.
(1) Would she expect to go through preclearance in Winnipeg, or in Calgary?
(2) She is not Global Entry, but it appears that neither Winnipeg nor Calgary are equipped for Mobile Passport. Is that correct?
Thanks!
Aug 4, 2017, 11:03 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Thanks - I'll let her know she'll be going through immigration in Calgary.
As for mobile passport - it's a phone app that provides Global Entry-like benefits to persons who are not in the Global Entry program, but it is not available everywhere that Global Entry is available. By registering with Customs and Border Protection through the app, and inputting your travel plans a few hours ahead, you (usually) get to go through an expedited line at immigration, and don't have to fill out the paper form.
See https://mobilepassport.us/
As for mobile passport - it's a phone app that provides Global Entry-like benefits to persons who are not in the Global Entry program, but it is not available everywhere that Global Entry is available. By registering with Customs and Border Protection through the app, and inputting your travel plans a few hours ahead, you (usually) get to go through an expedited line at immigration, and don't have to fill out the paper form.
See https://mobilepassport.us/
Aug 4, 2017, 11:04 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Be sure the layover, assuming all on 1 ticket, in Calgary is a decent amount of time to allow for preclearance. No mobile passport option.
Your daughter shouldn't have any real issues assuming she is a US citizen.
Your daughter shouldn't have any real issues assuming she is a US citizen.
Aug 4, 2017, 11:42 am
#6
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
It has been a while since I went through US Immigration and Customs at YYC, but it took well over half hour. Don't know if they now have the automatic kiosks like YVR, which would no doubt help.
Aug 4, 2017, 6:26 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
I believe American citizens may have the same restriction actually.
Aug 4, 2017, 6:52 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 264
Actually Canadians who hold a US passport may fly with their US passport, it's the only general exception