Calgary introduces new customs kiosks

Calgary Airport has introduced new customs kiosks to speed up the arrivals process for international passengers.

Passengers can use the self-service kiosks to verify their identification and make the required declarations.

The new self-service kiosks mean that international passengers entering Canada at YYC Calgary International Airport no longer need to fill out paper declaration cards.

Calgary Airport Authority, along with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), is introducing 80 Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK). These replace the existing 43 units and the paper declaration. The first 36 PIK units are in use and the remaining kiosks will be installed by early June.

How it works

Passengers first choose their language
Agree a privacy notice
Scan their passport or other travel document
Have the kiosk capture their facial biometrics
Answer a few questions to complete the declaration

If all is good, the kiosk prints a paper receipt (with a picture of the passenger) that the passenger takes to to a Border Control officer.

The Border Control officer checks the receipt and if all is OK, smiles and welcomes the passenger into Canada.

Passengers can also use an app on their phones to prepare their declaration in advance. On arrival they scan their quick response (QR) code at a kiosk.

Calgary Airport Authority says that once downloaded to a device, the mobile app can reduce the time it takes to complete the Canadian customs process by up to 50 per cent – every time a passenger enters the country.

Passengers can watch an instructional video in English or French before flying that takes them through the process.