Will I Get Stopped at the Airport If I Have a Warrant?

Updated: March 27, 2025
Legally Reviewed by Cory Wilson

If there is a warrant out for your arrest in Canada and you attempt to travel internationally, there is a high-likelihood that you will be stopped by law enforcement and arrested. This applies to both coming and going through an international terminal in Canada.  

This makes it highly likely that you will be stopped if you travel to an airport if you have an outstanding arrest warrant issued—especially when attempting to board an international flight or arriving back after an international flight.

It is therefore essential to understand the risks if you are preparing to travel with an existing arrest warrant.

Let’s take a closer look at how to address this tricky subject.

What do border officials check at airports?

It should be no surprise to anyone that airports run rigorous security checks. In the past 25 years, airport security has become far more stringent and technology has advanced to make more information about travellers more connected and available than ever.

It is not the airlines that check criminal records or warrants although thorough identity checks are conducted by airport personnel, especially during international travel. It is immigration officials at the border who have access to databases that can detect outstanding warrants.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for screening passengers at airports. Its primary role is to enforce laws related to border security, immigration, and customs in Canada. The agency manages the flow of people and goods across the border while ensuring national security and public safety.

Law enforcement databases, such as the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), are used to identify individuals with outstanding warrants, criminal records or immigration violations. The CBSA works closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other agencies to enforce Canadian laws. They will even check Interpol’s database and frequently work with the FBI at U.S. border checkpoints.

If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you are a perceived risk to the public and may be detained on the spot.

Types of warrants that can lead to being stopped

Several different types of warrants exist and each may be flagged to CBSA personnel at airports.

• Arrest warrants: these are issued for criminal charges or the failure to appear in court and will likely lead to being stopped at the airport.
• Bench warrants: issued for missing court dates or violating bail conditions, which can also lead to being stopped at the airport.
• Outstanding warrants from other countries: whether or not you are arrested at the airport may depend on whether the international databases flag your warrant and whether an extradition agreement exists between Canada and the other country concerned (you could be subject to extradition proceedings).

Whether you are returning to the country via an international flight or attempting to leave, if you have an outstanding warrant, you can be detained and arrested immediately. However, much depends on the nature of the alleged offence and whether the warrant is provincial and you land in that province—or a Canada-wide warrant.

With Canada-wide warrants, you could be arrested at any airport. If the warrant was issued for a minor offence in BC and only covers that province and you try to leave Alberta, you will stand more chance of being allowed to fly.

What are the risks of domestic air travel with a warrant in Canada?

Passenger screening at domestic airports is generally less stringent than at international airports. However, an outstanding warrant can still be flagged to airport personnel during domestic travel.

There is no strict check for warrants but if you interact with the airport police in any way and a background check is conducted, your outstanding warrant may be discovered and you can be detained.

What will happen if I’m stopped at the airport?

Detaining individuals with warrants or criminal records is a major role of the Canada Border Services Agency. So, for international flights, there is a very good chance you will be detained if you attempt to leave the country—or arrive back in Canada—with an outstanding warrant.

If this happens, the CBSA official will notify law enforcement.

However, the level of enforcement and whether you will be taken into custody depends on the nature of the warrant. For serious offences like sexual assault or murder, you will be arrested because of the security risk to members of the public but if the warrant was issued for a minor infraction like trespassing, you may still be able to travel.

If you are detained at the airport and then arrested by law enforcement, you should ask to speak to a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible.

Is it best not to travel if there is a warrant out?

If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you should think carefully about your travel plans before setting out.

Ideally, you’ll want to deal with the arrest warrant as soon as possible so that the legal processes can begin on your terms rather than being arrested at the airport. It may be best to resolve the warrant by attending a police station with your lawyer, for instance.

Consult with a qualified criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible so that you can take steps to protect your legal rights and status.

Entering the U.S. with a Canadian warrant

If you have a warrant out for your arrest in Canada, flying to the United States can cause you to be arrested either at the airport in Canada or upon arrival in the U.S.

Canada and U.S. law enforcement share criminal database information, so U.S. Customs warrant checks can bring up both American and Canadian warrants—and vice versa. Even provincial warrants can result in detention and the appropriate authorities being informed.

Call us to arrange a confidential consultation

To speak with Cory Wilson or arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with Wilson Criminal Defence, call 403-978-6052 or email us here.

About Cory Wilson

Cory has represented individuals from all walks of life including lawyers, police officers, athletes, corporate executives, teachers, and everything in between. Cory believes in access to justice for every person charged with a criminal offence regardless of their economic background.