Now, Vancouver Joins Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax Stanfield, Victoria, Toronto Pearson, And More As Canada Aligns With U.S. To Eliminate Shoe Removal Requirement At Security Checkpoints

Canada is preparing to eliminate the long-standing airport shoe removal rule for U.S.-bound travelers, following the lead of the United States, which recently updated its security protocols. This move comes as both countries adopt advanced screening technologies that make the process faster, more efficient, and less intrusive—without compromising safety. Major Canadian airports like Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax Stanfield, Victoria, and Toronto Pearson will be among the first to implement the change, improving the travel experience for millions each year.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a tedious airport security line, juggling your belongings while awkwardly peeling off your shoes right after loading your bags into the scanner, you’re far from alone. This long-standing routine, while rooted in safety measures, has often felt like a hassle for travelers. But change is finally underway—and it’s good news.

The United States has officially eliminated the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during security checks, and Canada has announced plans to follow suit with similar updates to its airport screening protocols.

Canada Prepares to Ditch Shoes-Off Rule at Airports Following Major U.S. Travel Policy Shift

Travelers flying from Canada to the United States may soon enjoy a smoother security experience as Canada moves to mirror a significant policy overhaul recently introduced by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The long-standing requirement to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints—a routine many passengers have found inconvenient—may soon be a thing of the past.

U.S. Leads the Way in Easing Airport Security Protocols

Earlier this week, the TSA officially announced the end of the mandatory shoes-off policy at most U.S. airport security checkpoints. This decision marks a major shift from the rules that have been in place for nearly two decades. The policy change was implemented on July 8, 2025, at selected U.S. airports equipped with updated screening systems, allowing travelers to keep their footwear on while passing through security.

Why the Rule Was Introduced in the First Place

The original rule dates back to post-9/11 security reforms. It was introduced in response to a failed terrorist attack in 2001, when Richard Reid, often referred to as the “shoe bomber,” attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his footwear on a transatlantic flight from Paris to Miami. By 2006, shoe removal had become a standard practice for passengers at both American and Canadian airports.

New Tech Brings a New Era of Convenience

What’s different now? Thanks to advances in airport screening technology, the TSA has determined that removing shoes is no longer necessary in many locations. Modern scanners can now detect potential threats without requiring travelers to disrobe at every checkpoint.

This technological breakthrough is behind the agency’s decision to finally retire the cumbersome shoes-off protocol, starting with the busiest and best-equipped airports. In the coming months, more airports across the U.S. are expected to adopt the same approach as they upgrade their security infrastructure.

Canada Plans to Follow Suit

Following the U.S. announcement, Canadian transportation officials have confirmed they are reviewing similar updates to their own screening policies. While there is no official implementation date yet, Canada’s move is expected soon as part of an ongoing effort to harmonize travel procedures between the two countries.

Both countries frequently coordinate on security policies, especially at cross-border hubs, and Canada’s planned shift reflects this strong partnership. Once approved, travelers departing from major Canadian airports could also benefit from the new no-shoes rule when traveling internationally—including to the U.S.

A Win for Travelers and Airports

For passengers, this change means faster processing, fewer delays, and a less stressful airport experience. Families with children, elderly passengers, and travelers with mobility challenges will particularly benefit from not having to remove and put on footwear in crowded lines.

Airport staff are also expected to benefit from increased efficiency and shorter lines. With streamlined procedures, more travelers can move through security faster—without compromising safety.

What to Expect Next

While not every airport will implement this change overnight, travelers departing from major U.S. hubs like Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles may already see the updated protocols in action. Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, are likely candidates for early adoption once policy revisions are finalized.

Until the full rollout is complete, travelers are advised to check with their airline or airport website for the latest information on security procedures before flying.

TSA Officers May Still Request Shoe Removal in Certain Cases

Although the mandatory removal of shoes at U.S. airport security checkpoints is being phased out, travelers should be aware that exceptions still apply. If security personnel notice anything suspicious or require additional screening, passengers may still be asked to take off their footwear for closer inspection.

Canada to Align Screening for U.S.-Bound Travelers

In Canada, passengers typically aren’t required to remove their shoes during regular domestic or international screenings—unless they are selected for additional screening or traveling to the United States via preclearance facilities.

These preclearance zones, located in major airports such as Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, follow U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) protocols. As a result, Canadian travelers heading to the U.S. from these airports have been required to follow the same shoe removal process that was mandated in the U.S.

However, with the U.S. now officially dropping this long-standing policy at many major airports, Canadian authorities are moving to adjust their procedures accordingly. Transport Canada has confirmed that they are actively working with their American counterparts to modernize security processes on the Canadian side for travelers heading south.

Timeline for Implementation Still Pending

While no exact launch date has been announced, the policy change is expected to be implemented soon. Once in place, travelers departing from Canadian airports with U.S. preclearance will no longer need to remove their shoes as part of the standard security screening process—mirroring the recent U.S. update.

Where This Policy Update Will Have the Greatest Impact

The change will be most noticeable at Canadian airports that offer U.S. preclearance services, such as:

Travelers departing from these airports to the U.S. will soon experience streamlined screening procedures, reducing both the time spent in security lines and the physical inconvenience of removing shoes—especially beneficial for families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Airports Where the Policy Change Will Be Most Noticeable

The upcoming shift in security protocols will be most evident at Canada’s busiest airports that host U.S. preclearance facilities. These locations have traditionally required passengers heading to the U.S. to follow TSA rules—shoe removal included. With the U.S. relaxing that mandate, travelers flying out of the following Canadian airports are likely to benefit first:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)
• Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
• Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
• Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

If you’ve flown to the United States from any of these airports, chances are you’ve had to remove your shoes during the screening process. That familiar step may soon be phased out as the new screening policy takes hold.

Security Will Remain a Top Priority

Despite the easing of footwear rules, both American and Canadian officials emphasize that the commitment to strong security remains unchanged. Advanced screening technologies and updated threat detection systems will ensure high safety standards continue.

In other words, the process may become more traveler-friendly, but airport security remains as vigilant as ever. The updated approach aims to balance efficiency with robust safety protocols, offering travelers more comfort without sacrificing protection.

The Bottom Line

Travelers flying from Canada to the U.S. can expect a smoother experience in the near future as both countries modernize their airport screening procedures. While the removal of shoes may soon be history at preclearance airports, security will stay firmly in place—just more efficient and less intrusive.

Canadians flying to the U.S. may soon say goodbye to the long-standing routine of taking off their shoes at airport checkpoints. This anticipated change promises to streamline the security process and make the travel experience noticeably smoother.

As Canada and the United States adopt more advanced screening technologies, this seemingly small adjustment reflects a broader move toward making international travel more efficient and passenger-friendly—while still maintaining high security standards.