Canada is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to help border officers decide who may need extra checks when entering the country. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has created a new system called the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI). This tool gives each traveler a “compliance score,” which helps officers quickly see if someone is likely to follow Canada’s entry rules.
Where and When It’s Being Used
The TCI is already in use at six land border crossings, but the government has not shared the exact locations. The plan is to expand it to all land borders by 2027 and later use it at airports and seaports.
How the TCI Works
The TCI reviews information about travelers in real time using five years of CBSA data and other existing databases. It looks at details like:
- Travel history from past CBSA records
- Type of transport (car, plane, or ship)
- If the traveler is alone or with others
- Type of ID shown
- Vehicle details, like license plate numbers
Based on this, the system predicts if someone is likely to follow Canadian border rules. If the system thinks there may be an issue, it flags the traveler for possible extra checks, but the final decision is always made by a CBSA officer, not the computer.
Why Canada Is Using AI
The CBSA says the TCI will help make border checks faster and more efficient. It aims to reduce false alarms, where people who follow the rules are mistakenly sent for extra checks. This should save time for travelers and help officers focus on real risks, all without hiring a large number of new staff.
Potential Concerns
While the CBSA believes the system will improve security and speed, it admits that errors could happen. For example, if an officer acts on a wrong suggestion from the system, it could cause delays or other issues for travelers.
Cost of the System
Canada has already invested over $15 million in the TCI, with about $700,000 a year for maintenance. This is part of a bigger plan to modernize the border and handle more travelers without building new facilities or hiring many more officers.
FAQs about the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI)
What is the TCI?
It’s an AI-based tool that gives travelers a compliance score to help border officers decide if someone may need extra checks.
Will a computer decide if I can enter Canada?
No. Only CBSA officers make the final decision. The TCI is just an assistant that provides a recommendation.
Can the system make mistakes?
Yes, the CBSA admits there is a risk of errors. If the system flags someone incorrectly, it could lead to unnecessary delays.
Does this mean more personal data is collected?
The TCI uses existing CBSA data and travel records. It does not mean new personal information is being collected beyond what is normally required for entry.
When will it be everywhere?
The government plans to use the TCI at all land border crossings by late 2027, and later at airports and seaports.
This new AI screening is meant to make crossing into Canada faster and safer, but travelers should still be prepared for normal checks and follow all entry rules.
📞 Call us: 04 260 7837
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/971529693030
🌐 Website: www.askkubeir.ae
📍 Office No. 45, 9th Floor, Conrad Tower, WTC, Dubai
