Expansion of Preclearance Program Is a Boon for Travelers and the US
David Inserra / Ginny Montalbano /
The Department of Homeland Security is taking a positive step forward in making international travel more efficient and secure.
Customs and Border Protection recently picked 11 foreign airports that it will consider for preclearance. Included in these 11 are airports in Scotland, Italy, Japan, Brazil, and St. Maarten.
This decision follows in the footsteps of DHS’ decision in 2015 to enter into negotiations with 10 airports in countries such as Japan, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Dominican Republic.
This means that before passengers get on a direct flight to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection completes immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections long before travelers arrive to the U.S.
“Preclearance allows DHS to screen individuals prior to boarding a flight, which means we are able to identify threats long before they arrive in the United States,” DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson stated.
Expanding customs and immigration preclearance is a good step because it in effect pushes out the United States’ borders, and it is also a boon to travelers and airports.
Additionally, because preclearance screens individuals abroad, there are significantly fewer delays and lines when travelers arrive in the U.S.
Currently, there are 16 facilities active in the preclearance program. Nine are in Canada:
- Calgary International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
- Montreal Trudeau International Airport
- Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport
- Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Victoria to Washington State Ferry
- Winnipeg International Airport
Other locations include:
- Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, Bahamas.
- Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas.
- L.F. Wade Airport in Bermuda.
- Queen Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba.
- Shannon Airport in Ireland.
- Dublin Airport in Ireland.
- Abu Dhabi Airport in the United Arab Emirates.
As is clear from above, the U.S. and Canada have had great success in the preclearance partnership. This initiative contributes to a robust trade and security relationship between our two countries that is beneficial for all parties involved.
The preclearance program should continue to be judiciously expanded to include more international airports. Additionally, programs such as NEXUS, Global Entry, and SENTRI should grow as well because they expedite the immigration and customs process for vetted travelers from friendly and allied countries.
Security resources are spent more efficiently and travel becomes much easier when the U.S. pursues risk-based expedited travel programs.