Ruth Haines
Canada typically requires most visitors, even those only transiting through an airport, to hold either a valid visa or, for citizens of specific countries, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, some travellers may be eligible for the Transit Without a Visa program, which allows citizens of certain countries to transit through specific Canadian airports on their way to or from the US without a Canadian visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit Without Visa Program | Requires a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the US that leaves Canada within 24 hours of arrival and travel with an airline that participates in the TWOV program |
| Transit Without Visa Program | Does not apply if your flight is cancelled or delayed and your layover is more than 24 hours |
| Transit Without Visa Program | Does not apply if you're flying through Terminal 3 or need to change terminals between flights |
| Transit Without Visa Program | You must remain in a sterile transit area within the Canadian airport while making your connection to or from the US |
| Transit Visa Requirements | US Visa holders need a Canadian transit visa |
| Transit Visa Requirements | Citizens of most countries need a transit/tourist visa |
| eTA Requirements | If you're from an eTA-required country, you need an eTA to transit through Canada by air |
| eTA Requirements | Most Caribbean countries need a visa to transit through Canada |
| eTA Requirements | Most Europeans only need an eTA |
| Travel Documents | US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US transiting through Canada must bring the right travel documents |
| Travel Documents | US permanent residents entering Canada by land or water directly from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon must present their US permanent resident card to an officer on arrival |
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What You'll Learn
The Transit Without Visa Program
The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program allows certain foreign nationals to transit through Canada by air on their way to and from the United States without a Canadian transit visa. This program is jointly operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the TWOV program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a passport from an eligible country or territory and meet certain conditions.
- Have a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the United States that departs Canada within 24 hours of your arrival.
- Travel with an airline that participates in the TWOV program.
- Remain in a sterile transit area within the Canadian airport while making your connection to or from the United States. This area physically separates you and your baggage from other passengers and goods.
- If you need to leave the sterile transit area for any reason, you must see a Canada Border Services Agency officer for examination.
It is important to note that if your flight is delayed or cancelled and your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will no longer qualify for the TWOV program and will need to undergo an examination by the Canada Border Services Agency. Additionally, if you are flying through Terminal 3 or need to change terminals between flights, you are not eligible for this program.
Travel Documents
When transiting through Canada by air, citizens of certain countries may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This depends on your citizenship and the travel documents you plan to carry. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US transiting through Canada do not need a visa and only need to bring the appropriate travel documents.
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eTA requirements
To enter Canada by air, certain foreign nationals need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This includes those transiting through a Canadian airport. The eTA costs $7 CAD and is valid for up to five years.
To apply for an eTA, you must have a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. You must also answer a few questions in the online application form. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. They may also ask about the purpose of your visit and how long you intend to stay. You must convince the officer that you are eligible to enter Canada and that you will leave at the end of your visit.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement. They can transit through Canada without a visa, but they must bring the proper travel documents, such as a valid U.S. passport. Similarly, those with a valid visa are also exempt from the eTA requirement.
If you are transiting through Canada to the U.S. and are eligible for the Transit Without Visa Program, you must remain in a sterile transit area within the Canadian airport. This area physically separates you and your baggage from other passengers and goods. If you need to leave this area for any reason, you must be examined by a Canada Border Services Agency officer.
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US citizens and permanent residents
It is important to note that US citizens and permanent residents transiting through Canada by air from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon can present their US permanent resident card to an officer without the need for a passport. However, it is always recommended to carry a valid passport when travelling internationally.
In certain situations, such as missing a connecting flight or a delay causing a layover exceeding 24 hours, individuals will no longer be exempt from requiring a visa under the Transit Without Visa Program. In such cases, travellers must undergo an examination by a Canada Border Services Agency officer before continuing their journey. Therefore, it is essential to check flight connections with the airline and ensure all necessary documents are in order to avoid any disruptions during transit through Canada.
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Travel documents
If you are transiting through Canada without leaving the airport, you will need to carry specific travel documents. The documents you need depend on how you will travel through Canada (by air, car, bus, train, boat, or cruise ship) and how long your transit will take.
If you are transiting through Canada by air, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada must have a valid eTA to board a flight to Canada. You can check if your country requires an eTA on the Government of Canada's website. US lawful permanent residents and US citizens do not need an eTA to transit through Canada. However, they must present a valid passport and their Green Card/USLPR card.
If you are transiting through Canada by train, bus, boat, or cruise ship, you do not need an eTA. However, you must still bring the correct travel documents. A valid passport is recommended to prove your identity and citizenship. If your proof of citizenship does not include a photo, you may need to provide separate photo identification.
Some countries may require an electronic visa, which you should print and carry with you. You can check the travel document requirements for each country you plan to transit through by contacting the appropriate embassy, high commission, or consulate. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents before your trip.
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Border services
If you are transiting through Canada to the US and do not plan to leave the airport, you may still need to meet certain requirements. These requirements depend on your citizenship and mode of transport.
By Air
If you are a citizen of a country that requires an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), you will need to obtain one before travelling through Canada, even if you do not plan to leave the airport. Most eTA applications are approved within minutes, but some may take several days, so it is important to apply in advance. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US do not need a visa to transit through Canada and only need to bring the appropriate travel documents.
By Land, Water, or Cruise Ship
If you are a US permanent resident entering Canada by land, water, or cruise ship directly from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you must present your US permanent resident card to an officer on arrival. You do not need to present your passport.
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program
The Transit Without Visa Program allows eligible travellers to transit through Canada to the US without a Canadian visa, as long as they meet certain conditions. These include having a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the US that departs within 24 hours of arrival and travelling with an airline that participates in the TWOV program. Travellers must also remain in a designated sterile transit area within the Canadian airport. If you need to leave this area for any reason, you must see a Canada Border Services Agency officer for examination.
Upon arrival in Canada, regardless of your citizenship or mode of transport, a border services officer will confirm your identity and citizenship and determine whether you can enter the country. The CBSA recommends travelling with a valid passport, but other documents may be accepted as proof of identity and citizenship.
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Frequently asked questions
Citizens of certain countries may be able to transit through a Canadian airport without a visa. However, most visitors are required to have a valid visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US can transit through Canada without a visa but must bring the right travel documents.
The Transit Without Visa Program allows citizens of Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan ROC, and the Philippines to transit via Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport, or Terminal 1 of Toronto Pearson International Airport on their way to or from the US. To be eligible, individuals must have a valid US entry visa, a confirmed onward ticket, and travel on an approved airline.
The sterile transit area physically separates transit passengers and their baggage from other passengers and goods. Transit passengers must remain in this area unless they need to leave for any reason, in which case they must see a Canada Border Services Agency officer for examination.
The documents you need to transit through Canada without leaving the airport depend on your citizenship and the requirements of your destination country. In general, you will need a valid passport, a valid visa or eTA (if required), and a confirmed onward ticket. It is important to check the specific entry and transit requirements for your destination country and any countries you may be transiting through.
