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4 ways to enter

Canada visas

Canada transit visa

You may need a transit visa even if you stay inside the airport. Some travellers can use an existing travel permission or a special transit waiver.

Ways to get a Canada transit visa

  1. Transit visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need to pass through Canada and lack visitor travel permission or a transit exemption need this visa.

  2. Existing visitor travel permission

    Other permit

    Travellers already authorized to travel to Canada as visitors through a visa, an eTA or an exemption do not need a separate transit visa.

  3. Transit Without Visa Program

    Transit without a visa

    Eligible citizens of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan can transit to or from the United States if they meet all programme rules. For Taiwan, this route applies to passports without a personal identification number.

    Stay
    Leave Canada within 24 hours.

    Passports that qualify (4)

    1. Check that your nationality, U.S. visa and travel history meet the programme rules.
    2. Travel on an approved airline through a participating airport.
    3. Stay in the designated airport area and leave Canada within 24 hours.

  4. China Transit Program

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers who meet the China Transit Program's passport, route, airline, airport and U.S. visa rules can transit without a Canadian visa or an eTA.

    Stay
    Leave Canada within 24 hours.
    1. Check that you meet the passport and U.S. visa requirements.
    2. Choose an approved airline and participating Canadian airport.
    3. If travelling to the United States, depart from one of the permitted airports.
    4. Stay in the designated airport area and leave Canada within 24 hours.

Who needs it

Foreign travellers passing through Canada need a transit visa if they do not already have visitor travel permission and do not meet a transit exemption.

Who doesn't

Travellers with a valid visitor visa, an appropriate eTA or an exemption do not need a separate transit visa. Eligible travellers can also use the special transit programmes.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
Under the special transit programmes, you must stay in the designated airport transit area. Leaving that area is not allowed.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
The Transit Without Visa Program and China Transit Program require an approved airline, a participating airport, a connection to or from the United States, and departure from Canada within 24 hours. You must stay in the designated airport area. Travel to the United States requires a valid U.S. visa. An expired U.S. visa can be accepted when travelling from the United States if you did not overstay and are not under a removal or deportation order.

Good to know

  • The 24-hour limit applies to the special transit programmes.
  • For travel from the United States under a waiver, stay in the international transit area.
  • For travel to the United States under a waiver, clear U.S. immigration and customs and stay in the designated area after those checks.
  • Staying inside an airport does not automatically remove the visa requirement.
  • The transit visa's own stay limit, fee and application steps are not stated.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Canada?

Foreign travellers passing through Canada need a transit visa if they do not already have visitor travel permission and do not meet a transit exemption. Travellers with a valid visitor visa, an appropriate eTA or an exemption do not need a separate transit visa. Eligible travellers can also use the special transit programmes.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Canada?

There are 4 options: Transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Existing visitor travel permission (a special permit); Transit Without Visa Program (transit without a visa); China Transit Program (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay in transit in Canada?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. The Transit Without Visa Program and China Transit Program require an approved airline, a participating airport, a connection to or from the United States, and departure from Canada within 24 hours. You must stay in the designated airport area. Travel to the United States requires a valid U.S. visa. An expired U.S. visa can be accepted when travelling from the United States if you did not overstay and are not under a removal or deportation order.

Can I stay inside the airport in Canada without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: Under the special transit programmes, you must stay in the designated airport transit area. Leaving that area is not allowed.

What rules do I have to follow on a Canada transit visa?

The 24-hour limit applies to the special transit programmes. For travel from the United States under a waiver, stay in the international transit area. For travel to the United States under a waiver, clear U.S. immigration and customs and stay in the designated area after those checks.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Canada?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Canada visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Canada be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Canada transit visa rules?

On Canada's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Canada?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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