Maple News reports that with international travel on the rise, navigating Toronto Pearson International Airport—Canada’s largest and busiest airport—can be daunting for newcomers. According to Statistics Canada, passenger traffic at Pearson increased by nearly 25% between 2022 and 2023, making it more important than ever to know the process before you land.
Toronto Pearson (airport code: YYZ) has two active terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 2 was decommissioned and demolished in 2008. All international arrivals pass through either of the remaining terminals, where travelers must go through customs and immigration before officially entering Canada.
Upon arrival, one of the first steps is to affirm your identity and submit a customs declaration. Pearson has streamlined this procedure with self-service technology through Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIKs) and eGates, designed with newcomer comfort and efficiency in mind.
These kiosks are equipped to assist travelers in multiple languages, including but not limited to English, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. To complete the process, you’ll need to scan your passport, have your photo taken, and, in some cases, provide fingerprints if you’re a foreign national.
The use of PIKs allows for quicker processing times and reduces face-to-face interaction, a benefit for travelers unfamiliar with Canadian border systems. Once you complete the kiosk process, you may either be waved through or referred to speak with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer for further processing.
Maple News emphasizes the importance of understanding this process in advance for a smoother arrival. Preparing your travel documents, downloading any required apps, and familiarizing yourself with signage and instructions at the airport can ease the stress of your first entry into Canada.
From landing to luggage claim, Pearson’s infrastructure is built to support a wide range of travelers, especially new immigrants eager to begin their lives in Canada. Whether you’re arriving on a work visa, for permanent residency, or as a student, knowing what to expect can turn uncertainty into confidence.