Fact Sheet

This document is also available in PDF (25 Kb)
January 2005

NEXUS Air Pilot Project

The NEXUS Air pilot project is a joint initiative of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and United States Customs and Border Protection that will facilitate quick and secure entry into Canada and the United States for pre-approved, low-risk air travellers. The NEXUS Air pilot project was implemented at the Vancouver International Airport in November 2004.

The program is open to citizens and permanent residents of Canada and citizens and resident aliens of the U.S. who have resided in either country, or a combination of both countries, for the last three consecutive years. NEXUS Air allows low-risk, pre-approved travellers to clear customs and immigration by simply looking into a camera that recognizes the iris as proof of identity. This allows both Canada and the United States to focus efforts on unknown or high-risk travellers and goods.

The iris recognition biometric technology used in this program is new, safe, innovative, and secure. This non-invasive biometric technology is considered the most accurate and fastest in the world. In just a few seconds, the iris image is captured with a digital black-and-white camera from a comfortable distance, without bright lights or lasers.

Members receive an identification card and use the self-serve kiosks at the Vancouver International Airport where their iris image is verified. Members can then enter Canada or the United States without further interaction with customs and immigration unless randomly selected for inspection. To make declaring goods simpler, Canadian residents may declare imported goods on a Traveller Declaration Card and have duties or taxes payable charged to their pre-authorized credit card.

NEXUS Air builds on the Government of Canada's CANPASS Air Program, which was implemented at Vancouver International Airport, Halifax International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal's Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport and most recently at Calgary International Airport. CANPASS Air has proven the viability of using iris recognition biometric technology to identify travellers.

The NEXUS Air partner agencies have also been working with the Vancouver Airport Authority to lessen wait times for Nexus Air members. When travelling to the United States from the Vancouver International Airport, Nexus Air members will be able to access the Priority Lane for airport security screening by showing their NEXUS Air card and boarding pass to a screening officer. NEXUS Air members will continue to be subject to the same rigorous security standards as all travellers.

NEXUS Air is an initiative of the Smart Border Declaration 32-point Action Plan.

Photos of NEXUS Air kiosk.

For media information