Technical problems have disrupted border inspection kiosks at several Canadian airports, creating potential delays for international travelers arriving in the country. The Canada Border Services Agency confirmed the issues affecting the automated systems used to process arriving passengers.
What Travelers Need to Know
The technical difficulties began affecting multiple airports across Canada on November 13, 2025. While the CBSA has not specified which airports are experiencing the most significant impacts, travelers should prepare for the possibility of longer processing times when arriving from international destinations.
Border inspection kiosks have become a critical component of Canada's border security infrastructure in recent years. These automated systems allow travelers to complete their customs declaration electronically, streamlining the entry process under normal circumstances. When functioning properly, they significantly reduce wait times compared to traditional paper-based declarations.
Alternative Processing Methods Implemented
With the primary automated systems experiencing downtime, border services officers have shifted to manual processing methods. This includes processing paper declaration cards and conducting more extensive verbal interviews with arriving passengers.
The CBSA recommends that travelers ensure they have all necessary documentation readily available, including passports, visas, and any required supporting documents. Being prepared can help minimize delays during the manual processing that has become necessary due to the technical issues.
Broader Context of Airport Operations
This technical disruption occurs amid ongoing efforts to modernize Canada's border security infrastructure. The electronic kiosk system was implemented to enhance security while improving the traveler experience through faster processing times.
Travelers arriving in Canada should monitor updates from both their airlines and the CBSA for the latest information on resolution timelines. The border agency has not provided an estimated time for when full kiosk functionality will be restored across all affected airports.
While such technical issues are relatively rare, they highlight the importance of maintaining both automated and manual processing capabilities at border crossings. The CBSA has contingency plans for such situations, though they typically result in increased processing times during peak travel periods.
