It is recommended for passengers to arrive at the Airport at least two hours before boarding a domestic or U.S.-bound flight and three hours before boarding an international flight. Please consult your airline for any specific requirements.

Assistance

  • There is no porter service at the Ottawa Airport, however curb-to-cabin VIP Assistance Service is available and can be arranged in advance.
  • Please contact your airline prior to arriving to the Airport if:
    • You would like airline staff to help you get from the check in counter to the plane
    • You would like to find out if assistance is available for unaccompanied minors
  • There are multiple services in place for passengers with a disability. Visit our Accessibility page for more info.
  • Call 613-248-2025 when you arrive at the departures curb if you have a disability and need assistance to get from the curb to the terminal.

Check-in

Airline check-in counters, including baggage drop off, are located on Level 3. There are separate check-in areas for passengers taking a Canada/International flight, and for passengers taking U.S.-bound flights (the airline counters for U.S.-bound flights are located at the North end).

Notes:

  • Airline personnel are available to offer assistance. 
  • Passengers checking-in to their flight at the Airport must do so at the designated check-in counters managed by the airline with which they are flying.
  • Most airlines offer online check-in prior to arriving to the Airport.
  • If you only have carry-on baggage and no other baggage to check, you can proceed to the express check-in kiosk on Level 2.

Baggage

Airline check-in counters, including baggage drop off, are located on Level 3. There are separate bag drops for passengers taking a Canada/International flight, and for passengers taking U.S.-bound flights (the airline counters for U.S.-bound flights are located at the North end).

Notes:

  • Baggage carts are available free of charge to help you carry your belongings to and from the terminal.
  • Passengers dropping off their bags must do so as designated by the airline with which they are flying.
  • Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline. Contact your airline for information regarding the weight and size restrictions of your luggage, the total number of pieces you are permitted, the cost of checking each piece and how best to transport oversized items like car seats, golf clubs, skis and strollers.
  • Consult the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s list of items permitted and non-permitted in your carry-on and checked luggage. Valuables and medication should be packed in your carry-on luggage.
  • Airline personnel are available to offer assistance. 
  • PARS 2000, located on Level 1, can securely store items like winter coats, boots or luggage for a small fee while you are away. 
  • Be aware that authorities may search your luggage at any point during your trip. 

Identification

Valid government-issued identification is required to board a flight. Passport Canada recommends always travelling with a valid passport as it is the only proof of citizenship and identity accepted in all countries.

Canadian citizens flying internationally, including to the U.S., must present a valid passport to confirm their citizenship and identity.

For flights within Canada, valid government-issued photo identification is required.  

Security screening

All passengers, including infants and children, must undergo security screening prior to boarding an aircraft. The security screening process is handled by the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority. Security screening agents are on duty at least two hours before all flight departures. Wait times vary on the time of day and flight operations. 

For more information, visit www.catsa.gc.ca, call 1-888-294-2202 or email [email protected]

Canada/International

If you are travelling within Canada or anywhere other than the U.S., pre-board security screening checkpoints open daily at 4:00 a.m. from May to November and 3:00 a.m. daily from November to April. There is a dedicated line for NEXUS cardholders, families and passengers requiring assistance. For those travelling with infants, there are exemptions to the liquids and gels regulations. Passengers flying within Canada or to a destination other than the U.S. will not be required to pass through Customs at the Ottawa Airport.

Verified Traveller program

CATSA launched a pilot of its Verified Traveller program at YOW on August 9, 2023 at the Canada/International security screening. The full service line is open during peak hours (4:00 - 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.) and the front-of-the-line service is open 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 - 11:00 p.m. 

Verified Travellers benefit from:

Leaving in their carry-on:

  • permitted liquids and aerosols
  • laptops and electronics

Keeping on their person:

  • shoes, belts, light jackets and headwear
  • small items pockets

Having co-travellers accompany them through the security process:

  • 17 years or younger
  • 75 years and older

​Verified Travellers have undergone extensive background checks and carry special photo identificaton cards.

  • NEXUS: NEXUS is a Canada Border Services Agency program to provide eligible travellers with faster customs and immigration processing when crossing the border between Canada and the U.S. You can apply for a NEXUS card online at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
  • Global EntryGlobal Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, lower-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
  • Military: Serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and US military, including reservists, all with valid ID (no uniform required);
  • Air Crew / RAIC: Canadian aircrew (in uniform) and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards and International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID;
  • RCMP/Police: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations.

Please note that the Verified Traveller pilot program is not in place for US-bound passengers.

graphic map of the security screening queueing area. Words 'CANADA/INTERNATIONAL Security screening'. Coloured lines with arrows (pink, blue, green, orange) depicting queues/

 

U.S. flights

Once checked in, passengers proceed through the security screening, located on Level 3, beyond the check-in counters.

Agents are on duty until the last flight closes.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manages the preclearance service at the Ottawa Airport.

Passengers leaving Ottawa on a direct flight to the United States will clear CBP once they have passed through the CATSA security screening process, and before they get to the gate area to board their flight.

This means that a passenger will be screened by a CBP officer before departure and will not have to submit to any other formalities when arriving in the United States. Note that in all cases, CBP officers are empowered to request a secondary inspection. You will be directed to an adjoining room and, if need be, your checked luggage will be recalled.

Hours of operation

Daily, 4:15 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

  • Seasonal hours may affect the opening time – for up-to-date hours, visit www.cbp.gov/travel/preclearance#benefits
  • Hours of operation are not modified to accommodate delayed flights. If your flight is delayed, and you haven’t passed through the CBP process before 7:30 p.m., you may miss your flight

During peak periods (4:30 - 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.), passengers flying to the United States should plan to arrive at the Airport two hours prior to their flight's departure time.

Canadian Citizens wishing to apply for U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) work status (TN-1 or L-1), should arrive early to ensure sufficient time to adjudicate your application.

Mobile Passport Control 

The free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app can speed up your entry to the United States.

The MPC app allows you to:

  • submit your passport information and customs declaration before you enter the CBP preclearance area
  • create a profile for each traveller in your group (up to 12) on a single application form

Save time, in three easy steps!

  1. Download the MPC app
    App Store | Google Play
  2. Fill out the form in advance   
  3. Submit your request once you have arrived at YOW, no later than 2 hours before your flight  

Blue image with letters 'MPC' and words Mobile Passport Control

NEXUS

The NEXUS program, jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and CBP, is designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States (U.S.) for low-risk, pre-approved travellers.

  • NEXUS membership is valid for 5 years.
  • There is a $50 (USD) processing fee.
  • A traveller with a NEXUS card is automatically considered a Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Verified Traveller

NEXUS Enrollment on Arrival

The NEXUS Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) service is a two-step interview process for conditionally approved NEXUS applicants.

  • The CBSA will complete the first interview (Canadian portion).
    • Appointment required
  • The CBP preclearance agents will complete the second interview (U.S. portion)
    • No appointment required
    • Interview completed during the preclearance of a traveller taking a direct flight to the U.S.

How to apply for NEXUS card using the EoA service at YOW.

  1. Apply for a NEXUS card online.
  2. Once conditionally approved, book the Canadian portion of your interview through your Trusted Traveller Programs System account.
  3. Go to your interview at the NEXUS enrollment centre on Level 1 of the terminal, at the North end. CBSA officers will complete the Canadian portion of the NEXUS interview. Bring the required documents with you:
  • A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, bring them all.
  • Documents providing evidence of residency. Examples are: driver's license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. This is not required for minors.
  • A permanent resident card (if applicable).

If you don’t have a direct flight to the U.S. booked that day, you can leave YOW. You do not need to complete the CBP interview on the same day.

4. You must be taking a direct flight to the U.S. from YOW to complete the CBP interview at YOW.

  • Proceed to Level 3 of the terminal, North end
  • If applicable, check in with your airline and check your luggage
  • Go through the CATSA security screening
  • Proceed to the CBP preclearance
  • Inform the officer that you wish to complete your interview for your NEXUS EoA application.
  • Complete the interview. If conditionally approved, the officer will
    • take your photo
    • take your fingerprints
  • If approved, wait to receive your card in the mail.

Notes:

  • Give yourself enough time to conduct the CBP portion of the interview.
  • Applicants are served in the order in which they arrive.
  • Interviews take place when operationally feasible. 
  • Recommended interview times are 7:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:00-2:00 p.m.  
  • Applicants who arrive outside of the recommended times could experience significantly longer wait times.

Global Entry

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveller Program, offered by CBP, that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

  • Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years.
  • There is a $100 (USD) processing fee.
  • A traveller with a Global Entry card is automatically considered a Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Verified Traveller.

Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival

Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) is a service that allows Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interviews at YOW.

How to apply for Global Entry card using the Enrollment on Arrival service at YOW.

  1. Apply for Global Entry online.
  1. Once conditionally approved, bring these documents with you to the Airport for your interview.
  • A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, bring them all.
  • Documents providing evidence of residency. Examples are: driver's license (if the address is current), mortgage statement, rental payment statement, utility bill, etc. This is not required for minors.
  • A permanent resident card (if applicable).

Notes:

  • Applicants are served in the order in which they arrive.
  • Interviews take place when operationally feasible. 
  • Recommended interview times are 7:30-10:30 a.m. and 12:00-2:00 p.m.  
  • Applicants who arrive outside of the recommended times could experience significantly longer wait times.

I-192 waiver applications

  • Effective June 24, 2020, CBP no longer processes inadmissibility waivers at Preclearance locations in Canada. 
  • Waiver applicants should submit their application online via e-SAFE.
  • CBP does not process forms I-192I-212 and I-824 at YOW, only at designated ports of entry.

Travelling with an animal

The Ottawa Airport Authority, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Ottawa Police Service have canine units with working dogs in the terminal. Animals other than service animals or travelling animals are not permitted in the terminal.

In the interest of maintaining safety and security for everyone, it’s important that any passengers who are accompanied by an animal adhere to Airport rules. 

From the time you arrive at the Airport, and check-in and/or board your flight, your animal must remain in a carrier at all times. Please refer to your airline for particular rules and regulations for travelling with an animal.

A designated animal relief area is located across the street from the terminal (Level 1) along the Parkade (P1). The area is clearly marked and plastic bags and garbage containers are available for disposal.

There are animal relief areas past security:

  • Near Gate 18 in the Canada/International gate area
  • Near the bottom of the escalator in the U.S. gate area

Travelling with cannabis

It is illegal to transport cannabis across Canada's international borders.

Since October 17, 2018, it is legal for adults 19 or older to travel from Ottawa, to a destination within Canada, with 30 grams of cannabis in their possession.

For more information about travelling with cannabis, visit:

Cannabis in Canada 
Cannabis and international travel 
Cannabis and the border - Don't travel with it 

Visas

Each country sets its own visa requirements. Make sure you know the rules before your trip. Some citizens require a Visa to enter the United States. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov. Travellers to the United States can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program.

Waiting to board

  • Once you have passed through CATSA screening and/or CBP customs, locate your gate. Find a seat and settle in to wait for the airline personnel to make announcements about boarding your flight.
  • Check the status of a flight on any of the monitors that display flight information, which are located throughout the terminal. 
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building; select ‘YOW Free Wi-Fi’ in your device settings. Several outlets are available throughout the Airport to charge your devices.
  • Restaurants and convenience stores are located pre- and post-security. Concession employees will warm up baby bottles or food upon request. 
  • The only designated smoking area at the Airport is pre-security, in the 02 parking lot at the north end of Level 1. Smoking and vaping cannabis is prohibited on Airport property. The use of e-cigarettes is not permitted in the terminal. There is no area to smoke once you've gone through the security screening.