Billy Bishop Airport Toronto Preclearance Facility

Toronto is getting a new U.S. border checkpoint and here's what it will look like

Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport now has a rendering of what its new preclearance facility will eventually look like.

Coming to the beloved island airport in 2025, Canada's Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra confirmed last week that the federal government has allocated up to $30 million of funding to build the space.

Designed to make the process as efficient as possible, the facility will use next-generation travel technology, such as facial recognition software.

Billy Bishop Preclearance Facility

Artist rendering of the new preclearance facility. Photo by CNW Group/PortsToronto

From there, travellers will be able to clear U.S. Immigration and Customs before departure in Toronto, rather than having to do it once landing at U.S. airports.

This will open up new markets in the U.S., allowing Canadians to access smaller airports which do not currently have CBP. At least 10 new American cities will be added for those flying out of Billy Bishop, including Philadelphia and Atlanta.

The addition of the facility should also help to reduce airport congestion and wait times, while siphoning a lot of traffic from Pearson International Airport by providing a convenient new connection point (especially for downtown residents).

The construction of the facility is expected to take between 18 and 24 months to complete, and intends to be operational in 2025.

Lead photo by

Jamie McCaffrey


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

Here's how to plan an epic Ontario road trip from Toronto this summer

You can take a 5 day cruise in Ontario staying in beautiful small towns

Five Ontario cities were just crowned the best in Canada for tourists to explore on foot

This town near Ontario is like a suburban Venice with quaint homes lining canals

Toronto is one step closer to getting a new U.S. border checkpoint

40 breathtaking waterfalls in Ontario you need to see at least once

Air Canada flight lands back at Toronto airport after mid-flight engine issue

Canadians sound off on airline industry as Competition Bureau asks for feedback amid probe