Sachin Walls
If you're planning to travel to Toronto, you may be wondering if you can get a visa on arrival at the airport. The answer depends on several factors, including your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the specific rules and regulations of the Canadian immigration authorities. In some cases, you may be eligible for visa-exempt entry or the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. However, it's important to note that the eligibility requirements for these programs vary, and not all travellers will qualify. Let's explore the options and considerations for obtaining a visa when arriving at Toronto's Pearson Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Depend on nationality and conditions met; some countries are exempt from visas for transiting through Toronto Airport |
| Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program | Travellers transiting through Canada to/from the US may not need a visa but must meet certain conditions; the airline must verify eligibility before boarding |
| Customs and immigration | The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) screens travellers landing in Canada; international travellers must confirm their identity and declare goods using a kiosk or eGate |
| Advance declaration | Customs and immigration declaration can be completed up to 72 hours before arrival through the ArriveCAN app, allowing for faster processing at the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program
The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program allows eligible foreign nationals to transit through Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada without a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). However, the TWOV Program only operates in Terminal 1 of the airport. To be eligible for the TWOV Program, an airport authority must meet specific criteria:
- The airport must have a functioning U.S. in-transit pre-clearance (USITPC) facility.
- The airport must have the required facilities to allow passengers under the program to go directly from the airplane to a USITPC facility or to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) area for examination, or to a designated transit area for Fifth Freedom Right flights.
- The airport must have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the CBSA, outlining the terms and conditions of the program.
It is important to note that not all travellers are eligible for the TWOV Program. For example, Indian citizens are ineligible for the program and are required to obtain a transit visa. To determine eligibility, travellers can check the eligibility requirements on the IRCC website or use the airport's connecting guide by inputting their airline information. Additionally, travellers flying through Terminal 3 or changing terminals between flights are also ineligible for the TWOV Program and must see a CBSA officer for examination.
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eTA requirements
The eTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is an authorization that allows citizens from certain countries to travel to Canada by air. It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, and travellers must still meet basic requirements upon arrival, such as demonstrating sufficient funds for their stay and convincing a border services officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit.
Citizens from select visa-required countries are eligible to apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa. To be eligible, travellers must be arriving in Canada by air and hold a valid passport from one of the eligible countries. Additionally, travellers must have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa. This US visa must be valid on the day of the eTA application but does not need to be valid for entry into Canada.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, are ineligible for eTA and must travel with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents are also exempt from eTA requirements and must carry a valid permanent resident card or travel document. Similarly, US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US are exempt from eTA requirements and must carry proper identification, such as a valid US passport.
It is important to note that the eTA is only valid for air travel to Canada. If entering Canada by train, bus, boat, or cruise ship, travellers must obtain a visitor visa, even if they are from an eTA-eligible country.
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Customs declaration
When arriving at Toronto Pearson Airport, all travellers landing in Canada will be screened by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). If you are arriving on a US or international flight, you will need to confirm your identity with CBSA and declare any goods that you are bringing into the country. This can be done at a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate, where you will be asked to scan your travel documents and take a photo. Up to five travellers can use a kiosk together, as long as they are from the same country.
To save time, you can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within the ArriveCAN app to fill in your customs and immigration declaration before your trip, up to 72 hours in advance. Once you arrive at the airport, you can scan your travel documents at the kiosk or eGate, which will pull up your reference number and declaration information.
There are detailed rules about what you may bring into Canada, and some items may be subject to duty, taxes or restrictions, or even prohibited. Travellers to the US clear US customs and immigration before boarding their flight. NEXUS cardholders, airline passengers with priority access, and those with mobility issues may use a dedicated line at US customs by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or Customs Declaration form.
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Visa requirements for Indian citizens
Indian citizens require a visa to enter Canada. The type of visa will depend on the purpose of your visit. The primary types of visas Indian citizens can apply for to enter Canada are:
- Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa—TRV): For tourism, visiting family or friends, and short business trips. This visa typically allows multiple entries and permits stays of up to 180 days per visit.
- Work Permit
- Study Permit
To apply for a Canada Visitor Visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Valid passport: Ensure it's valid for at least six months beyond your arrival in Canada.
- Proof of ties to India, such as property ownership, family connections, or stable employment.
- Clearly explain why you’re visiting and show evidence of plans to return home.
If you are transiting in Toronto, Indian citizens are required to obtain a transit visa.
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US Customs
At Toronto Pearson Airport, travellers can use a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate to confirm their identity and submit their customs declaration. Up to five travellers can use a kiosk together. They will need to scan their travel documents, take a photo, and answer a few questions. NEXUS cardholders, airline passengers with priority access, and travellers in wheelchairs or with mobility issues may use a dedicated line at US customs by showing their boarding pass and a valid Nexus card or Customs Declaration form.
To save time at Toronto Pearson Airport, travellers can use the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within the ArriveCAN app to fill in their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance. Additionally, travellers can download the Mobile Passport Control app to submit their information digitally before travelling. This app is available to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with approved ESTA.
It is important to note that a pre-clearance location does not allow travellers to obtain their visa earlier than their departure date. Travellers will need to apply for their visa at the pre-clearance location when departing for the US.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are from and where you are going. If you are flying to or from the US, you may be able to transit through Toronto without a visa under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program. However, you must meet certain conditions, including having a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the US that leaves Canada within 24 hours of your arrival.
To be eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program, you must have a passport from one of the countries listed on the Government of Canada website.
Yes, Indian citizens are required to obtain a transit visa for a stopover at Toronto Airport.
You can save time when clearing customs and immigration at Toronto Airport by using the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within the ArriveCAN app. This allows you to submit your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada.
There are detailed rules about what you may bring into Canada through Toronto Airport. Some items may be subject to duty, taxes, restrictions, or even prohibited.
