Transit Through Canada

If you are connecting through a Canadian airport on your way to another country, you may need a transit visa. A transit visa is required when your connection passes through Canadian border control and your stay in Canada is 48 hours or less.

When Is a Transit Visa Required?

You need a transit visa if you are a citizen of a visa-required country and you are passing through Canada by air for 48 hours or less. The transit visa is free of charge and allows you to pass through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.

Who Is Exempt from a Transit Visa?

• United States citizens and permanent residents
• Citizens of eTA-eligible (visa-exempt) countries transiting by air — an eTA is required instead
• Travellers who hold a valid Canadian visa
• Travellers transiting by land or sea — no eTA or transit visa is needed

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program

Certain nationals from visa-required countries may transit through Canada without a visa under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program, provided they meet specific conditions. This program is available to nationals of select countries including:

• China (People's Republic)
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Taiwan

To qualify for TWOV, you must be travelling from or to the United States, hold a valid US visa or be a lawful permanent resident of the US, travel with an eligible airline, and depart from Canada within 24 hours.

How to Apply for a Transit Visa

The transit visa application process is similar to a regular visitor visa application. You will need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of onward travel (e.g., connecting flight itinerary)
• A valid visa for your final destination (if required)
• Evidence that you will leave Canada within 48 hours

There is no government fee for a transit visa application.

Our Services

• Determine whether you need a transit visa, eTA, or visitor visa
• Transit visa application assistance
• Guidance on the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program
• Consultation on complex transit routing through Canada