If you are from a visa-required country and your flight has a layover in Canada of 48 hours or less, you must apply for a Transit Visa before travelling. Applying for a Canadian Transit Visa is completely free ($0 CAD), but you still must submit an online application to IRCC.
Major Canadian airports like Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver International (YVR), and Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) serve as massive global transit hubs connecting Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Many international travellers are surprised to learn that even if they never leave the airport terminal, Canadian law often requires them to hold a visa just to catch their connecting flight. If you attempt to board your plane without the correct Canadian transit documents, the airline will deny you boarding.
Understanding whether you need a Transit Visa, a standard Visitor Visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depends entirely on your passport, your flight itinerary, and how long your layover is. While the process of obtaining a Transit Visa is straightforward and free of charge, it still requires advance planning to ensure a smooth journey through Canadian airspace.
Step-by-Step Process for Transiting Through Canada
The rules for transiting apply universally across all international airports in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages the application process online, meaning you can apply from anywhere in the world.
Step 1: Check Your Passport and Eligibility
First, determine your status. If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (like the UK, Australia, or Japan), you do not need a Transit Visa; you simply need an eTA ($7 CAD). US citizens need neither. If you are from a visa-required country (like India, Nigeria, or Brazil) and your layover is under 48 hours, you need a Transit Visa. If your layover is 48 hours or more, you must apply for a standard Visitor Visa.
Step 2: Check for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Exemptions
Canada has special exemptions. For example, under the China Transit Program (CTP), certain eligible Chinese nationals flying to or from the United States through specific Canadian airports (like YVR or YYZ) do not need a Transit Visa if they hold a valid US visa and meet strict airline conditions. Always check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date transit exemptions before applying.
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
If you confirm you need a Transit Visa, you must apply online via the IRCC secure portal. The application form is virtually identical to the standard Temporary Resident Visa form (IMM 5257). When asked for the purpose of your trip, you must select “Transit.” You will need to upload a copy of your passport and your confirmed flight itinerary showing your connection through Canada.
Step 4: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
Even though the visa is free, the Canadian government still requires security checks. If you have not provided biometrics to Canada in the past 10 years, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. You must take this letter to your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa and Travel
Once IRCC approves your application, they will request your physical passport. You will send it to the nearest VAC, where the physical Transit Visa counterfoil will be affixed to a blank page. Once returned, you are clear to board your flight and transit smoothly through Canada.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
One of the biggest benefits of the Canadian Transit Visa is that the government waives the application fee. However, some minor associated costs may apply. All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Service / Fee Type | Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Visa Application Fee | $0 | IRCC charges absolutely no fee for this visa type. |
| Biometrics Fee (If needed) | $85 | Mandatory if you have not given biometrics to Canada in the last 10 years. |
| VAC / Courier Fees | Varies | Costs to safely mail your passport to the VAC for stamping. |
It is important to remember that if your layover extends past 48 hours, the system will switch your application to a Visitor Visa, triggering the standard $100 CAD fee.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Do not leave this to the last minute. Processing times for a Transit Visa generally mirror those of a standard visitor visa. Depending on the volume of applications at your local visa office, processing can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Factoring in the time needed to mail your passport back and forth, you should apply at least two months before your scheduled flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave the airport while on a Transit Visa?
Generally, no. A Transit Visa is intended strictly for you to stay within the international transit area of the airport while waiting for your connecting flight. If you want to leave the airport to explore the city, you should apply for a regular Visitor Visa.
What happens if my flight is delayed and my layover exceeds 48 hours?
If severe weather or airline issues cause an unexpected delay extending your stay slightly past 48 hours, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the airport have the discretion to manage the situation, but you must remain in the transit zone.
Do I need a Transit Visa if I have a valid US Green Card?
No. Lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from needing a Transit Visa or a regular Visitor Visa to enter Canada. You only need to apply for an eTA ($7 CAD) and travel with your valid Green Card and passport.
Can I apply for a Transit Visa at the airport upon arrival?
No. Canada does not issue transit visas or visitor visas upon arrival at the airport. You must apply online and have the visa physically stamped in your passport before you will be allowed to board your flight to Canada.
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