Canada Transit Visa

• You are eligible for a transit visa if your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country
• you’ll be connecting between 2 international flights at a Canadian airport
• you’ll transit through Canada in 48 hours or less, and
• you don’t have a valid visitor visa

Check if you are eligible for a transit visa here.

The process is easy but the application processing time may vary from country to country. Mainly, you will be required to give your biometrics.

After you send the visa office your application, it will be reviewed to make sure it’s complete and has all the documents needed.

Incomplete applications are not processed and are returned.

If your application is complete, the visa office may ask you to:

• get a medical exam
• get a police certificate
• go for an interview.

The visa office processes most transit visa applications in a few weeks or less. Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to complete any additional steps.

Entry requirements to Canada vary for each country.

Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. They must present a valid Green Card and a valid passport at check-in.

Visa-exempt travellers

The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

Mostly all those documents are required that you generally need for travelling which includes:

• Passport
• National identity card
• Tickets
• Visa

There is no cost as such for the transit visa.

If you arrive in Canada without a transit visa and have to travel further via connecting flight you will be held back and forced to pay a no-show fee.

If you are still unsure what documents you require follow this link.