LHR → YVR → SFO
London to San Francisco via Vancouver
Flying London Heathrow to San Francisco with a connection in Vancouver means one important thing: you clear U.S. border checks in Canada, before you board. Here's what happens between your two flights.
- Because you're precleared at YVR, you land in San Francisco as a domestic arrival — no U.S. passport control at SFO.
- Whether you must collect your bags at YVR depends on your airline and whether your bags are checked through. Ask when you check in at Heathrow.
Step by step at YVR
Arrive at YVR
- Travel documents
Check your travel documents
Check official requirementsCheck whether your passport needs a visa or travel authorization for the United States — even just to connect.
- Note
Use YVR Connections if eligible
If your bags are through-checked and you're eligible for YVR's Connections Program, follow USA Connections on Level 4. If not, follow International Arrivals to Level 2 for the standard arrivals flow.
Why?
From YVR - Connecting Through YVR, last checked October 2026.
- Passport control
Canada Customs may be required
May be requiredYVR's Level 4 international connection flow does not list a Canada Customs stop. Travelers using standard arrivals clear Canada Customs on Level 2.
Why?
From YVR - Connecting Through YVR, last checked October 2026.
- Baggage
Check whether your bags are checked through
May be requiredIf you have checked bagsConnection procedures depend on whether your bags are through-checked. If they are not through-checked, you must claim them and check in again.
Why?
From YVR - Connecting Through YVR, last checked October 2026.
- Security
Security screening
RequiredFor an international-to-U.S. connection, YVR directs you through pre-board security before U.S. Preclearance. Travelers using standard arrivals also go through airport security before the onward departure.
Why?
From YVR - Connecting Through YVR, last checked October 2026.
- Passport control
U.S. Preclearance
RequiredYou clear U.S. customs and immigration here at YVR, before reaching your gate. When you land in the U.S. you won't go through U.S. border checks again.
Why?
From CBP — Preclearance, last checked September 2026.
Continue to the U.S. gates (E)
Why?
From YVR - Connecting Through YVR, last checked October 2026.
Go to your departure gate
Your gate will be shown on your boarding pass and the departure screens.
Depart for San Francisco
More detail: connecting at YVR