Many nations worldwide, including Canada, require transit passengers to possess a valid Canada Visa Transit to layover or wait for their next flight. In this article, let's deep into details about Canada Visa Transit so you can be well-prepared for the next trip to this beautiful country - Canada! 

What is a Canada Visa Transit?

A Canada Visa Transit is an official document the Canadian government gives for individuals who wish to layover or transit through Canadian airports, waiting for their next flights to another country.

The Canada Visa Transit will have valid for a certain period and will valid for up to 02 entries. The Canada Transit Visa will not allow you to leave the international transit area.

You may need to transit through Canada on your way to another country. The document you need to transit through Canada depends on:

• how you will travel through Canada (by air, car, bus, train, boat, including cruise ship)
• how long it’ll take you to transit through Canada
• the nationality of your passport
• other factors, such as whether you are a permanent resident of the United States or a US visa holder

Who needs to apply for a Canada Visa Transit?

You need to get a Canada Transit Visa if you are:

• Citizens from visa-required countries must apply for a Canada visa transit if they wish to transit or layover at Canadian airports. They do not leave the airport during the waiting period.

• You only transit to Canada in 48 hours or less.

• You will be connecting to another international flight at the same Canadian airport.

• Citizens with no visitor visa, meaning that if you already have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you can use that visa for transit purposes without applying for a Canada Visa Transit

• You only transit using airplanes. You can not apply for a Canada Transit Visa if you cross the Canadian Border by another mode of transportation other than a plane.

Do I need to apply for a Canada Visa Transit if I am from an eTA-eligible country?

Citizens from an eTA-eligible nation need to apply for an eTA for transit purposes if:

• You are from an eTA-required country

• You transit through air

eTA-required citizens do not need to apply for a Canada Visa Transit and eTA if they transit using:

• Car

• Cruise ship

• Train

• Bus

• Boat

Who does not need to apply for a transit visa?

US citizens and Permanent Residents

Us citizens and US permanent residents who wish to transit through Canadian airports do need to apply for a transit visa in the following mode of transportation:

• Air

• Bus

• Train

• Car

• Boat

• Cruise Ship

US citizens and permanent residents must only carry valid documents when transiting Canadian airports.

Participating in Transit Visa Program

You do need to apply for a Canada Visa Transit if you participate in:

China Transit Program

• You have a valid US visa

• You are Chinese citizens, and the People’s Republic of China issued your passport.

• You are on the way to the US, or you are from the US transiting through a Canadian airport.

• You leave Canada within 24 hours

• You fly in participating airlines and land at participating airport

• You are not leaving the airport during your stopover

Transit Without Visa Program

• You have a valid US visa

• You are from Indonesia, Philipines, Taiwan, and Thailand

• You are on the way to the US, or you are from the US transiting through a Canadian airport

• You leave Canada within 24 hours

• You fly in participating airlines and land at participating airport

• You are not leaving the airport during your stopover

You must remain in a transit area within the Canadian airport while connecting to or from the United States. This transit area physically separates you and your baggage from other passengers and goods. If you must leave this area for any reason, you must see a Canada Border Services Agency officer for examination.

Participating airports for China Transit Program & Transit Without Visa Program:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, only if you’re flying through Terminal 3 or need to change terminals between flights, you’re not eligible for the Transit Without Visa Program

• Vancouver International Airport

• Calgary International Airport

• Winnipeg International Airport

Who cannot apply for a transit visa?

You cannot apply for a transit visa if you stay in Canada for more than 48 hours or leave Canada while transiting. In this case, you must apply for a visitor visa. 

How to apply for a Canada transit visa?

Citizens from visa-required nations need to apply for a Canada visa transit if they wish to make a flight connection to another country.

Step 1: Check your eligibly of whether or not you can apply for a transit visa         

Step 2: Create your online account portal

            You need to create an online account and choose the correct visa type you wish to apply.

Step 3: Gather all necessary documents

            The online account portal will display all the necessary that applicants need to apply for their Canada Visa Transit.

Step 4: Submit the documents

            After gathering all documents, you need to scan and submit it to the portal. Please note all documents must be either in English or French. Documents not in English or French need to be translated and notarized by a certified notarized translator.

Step 5: Wait for biometrics & photo capture

            When notified by the IRCC, visit the VFS global center at your home country for biometric collection and photo capture. It is a mandatory requirement to get your Canada Visa Transit. Failure to do so will result in a visa denial.

How much is the Canada Visa Transit?

The Canada Visa Transit is free of charge. However, if applicable, you need to pay for biometric and photo and passport delivery services at the VFS center.

What is the processing time for Canada Visa Transit?

The Canada Visa Transit will be processed in several weeks. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants need to apply for their Canada VIsa Transit in advance to avoid any delay. It is best to apply two months before your flight transiting through Canadian airports.

How to apply for an eTA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air

Citizens from eTA-required nations must apply for an eTA before transiting through Canadian airports. To apply for an eTA, the following documents are required:

• Given name and surname
• Date and place of birth
• Passport number
• Passport issue and expiry date
• Email address
• Mobile phone number
• Current Adress

Your eTA will be electronically linked with your passport and valid for up to five years or until the expiry date of your passport.

The processing fee for an eTA is $CAD 7, and the applicants must apply using the online system and pay the fee using a credit or debit card.

The processing time for getting an approved eTA is typically within minutes. However, in some rare cases, the processing time can be extended for further verification. Therefore, it is recommended to apply in advance so you do not miss your flight.

If you need to apply for a Canada Transit Visa or have any further concerns, we are more than happy to help you by calling our hotline +1 315 715 8498 or email us at [email protected].

If you want to know step-by-step Canada visitor visa, please click here.