Lois Larson
If you're transiting through Canada to another country, the documents you'll need depend on how you'll travel through Canada, how long your transit will take, and your nationality. If you're travelling by air, you'll need a transit visa if you're from a visa-required country and your transit is 48 hours or less. You may be able to transit without a visa if you're from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Taiwan and meet certain conditions. If you're transiting through Canada for more than 48 hours, you'll need a visitor visa. US citizens and lawful permanent residents can transit through Canada without a visa, but they must bring the correct travel documents.
Characteristics and Values of Airport Transit in Canada
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit without a visa | Possible if you hold a passport from certain countries and meet certain conditions; you must remain in a sterile transit area within the Canadian airport while making connections |
| Transit with a visa | Required if you're from a visa-required country and your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on the way to another country, or if you'll be connecting between two international flights at one or more Canadian airports |
| Visitor visa | Needed if you plan to visit Canada and stay for more than 48 hours, even if you're transiting by air |
| eTA | Required to transit through Canada by air if you're from an eTA-required country |
| Travel documents | Necessary for US citizens and lawful permanent residents transiting through Canada without a visa |
| Transit time | If your stay at a Canadian airport exceeds 48 hours, you are no longer considered in transit and require a visitor visa |
| Application process | Online application forms are available on the Canada immigration site, and applicants are not required to pay a visa fee |
| Vaccination requirements | Fully vaccinated or provide proof of vaccination |
| Biometric data | May be required, depending on the traveller's circumstances |
| Transit guidelines | Available from Toronto Pearson Airport for step-by-step information about getting to your destination |
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What You'll Learn
Transit without a visa
If you are travelling through Canada to another country, the documents you need to carry depend on how you will travel through Canada (by air, car, bus, train, boat, or cruise ship), how long your transit through Canada will take, and other factors such as whether you are a permanent resident of the United States or a US visa holder.
If you are transiting through Canada by air, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are from an eTA-required country. You don't need an eTA if you are transiting through Canada by train, bus, boat, or cruise ship. However, you must bring the proper travel documents. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US can transit through Canada without a visa but must bring the right travel documents.
If you are from a visa-required country, you need a transit visa if your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country, or if you are connecting between two international flights at one or more Canadian airports. Your transit through Canada must be 48 hours or less, and you must not be eligible for an eTA.
If you are flying through Canada on your way to or from the United States, you may be able to transit without a Canadian visa through the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program. However, you must meet all the conditions. Your airline must verify that you are eligible for the program before you board your flight to Canada. To be eligible, you must have a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the United States that leaves Canada within 24 hours of your arrival and travel with an airline that participates in the TWOV. If you are flying through Terminal 3 or need to change terminals between flights, you are not eligible for the Transit Without Visa Program. You must remain in a sterile transit area within the Canadian airport while you make your connection. If you need to leave this area for any reason, you must see a Canada Border Services Agency officer for examination.
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Transit visa requirements
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you will need a transit visa if:
- Your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country.
- You will be connecting between two international flights at one or more Canadian airports.
- Your transit through Canada will last 48 hours or less.
- You do not have a valid visitor visa.
If your transit through Canada will be longer than 48 hours, you will need to provide a visitor visa.
If you are flying through Terminal 3 or need to change terminals between flights, you are not eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program. In this case, you must remain in a sterile transit area within the Canadian airport while you make your connection.
To apply for a transit visa, you must access the online application form from the Canada immigration site. Applicants who enter Canada to take an international flight to another country must fill out an Application for Temporary Resident Visa, Family Information, Document Checklist, and other required records. The application process is free of charge.
Please note that not all foreign citizens need a visa to transit through Canada. Citizens of Canada and the United States do not need a Transit Visa. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
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Visitor visa
A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, is a document that permits people from visa-required countries to enter and stay in Canada for up to 6 months. This is different from a transit visa, which only allows travellers to stay in Canada for up to 48 hours. Travellers with a visitor visa can leave the airport during their stay, whereas those in transit must remain within the secure transit area or sterile zone.
To apply for a visitor visa, you must have a valid passport from a visa-required country. Passports must be valid for at least 5 years from the printed expiry date. Other documents may be required, such as proof of personal funds or no criminal record. In addition, travellers must submit their information to ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arriving at a Canadian airport. Fully vaccinated travellers must provide proof of vaccination to ArriveCAN to be exempt from pre-entry testing and quarantine requirements.
The application process for a visitor visa involves submitting an online application form and paying the associated fee. The exact process depends on the specific visa type and personal circumstances. For example, first-time users of the IRCC Portal need an invite code to create an account. After answering all the questions, a list of required documents to upload will be provided.
It is important to note that not all travellers need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Citizens from certain countries may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or eTV, which serves the same purpose as a visitor visa. An eTA is applicable to those entering Canada by air, while an eTV is for those entering by land or sea. Only nationals from visa-exempt states can apply for an eTA or eTV, and there may be additional criteria to satisfy, such as having no criminal record.
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eTA requirements
If you are transiting through Canada by air, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are from a country that requires one. An eTA costs $7 CAD and is valid for up to five years. To apply for an eTA, you need a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. You will also need to answer a few questions in the online application.
The eTA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. It does not apply to U.S. citizens or travellers with a valid visa. If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can transit through Canada without a visa, but you must bring the correct travel documents.
If you are from a visa-required country, you will need a transit visa to enter Canada, even if your transit through Canada will last 48 hours or less. If your stay in Canada is longer than 48 hours, you will need a visitor visa.
If you are flying through Canada on your way to or from the United States, you may be able to transit without a Canadian visa through the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program. However, you must meet certain conditions, such as having a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the United States that leaves Canada within 24 hours of your arrival and travelling with an airline that participates in the TWOV.
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Transit through Toronto Pearson Airport
Toronto Pearson Airport is well-connected to the city's transport network, making it easy to get to and from the airport. Here is some essential information for transiting through Toronto Pearson Airport:
By Train
The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is a direct train service that connects Toronto Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes. Adult one-way fares are $12.35, or $9.25 with a PRESTO card. Children under 12 years of age ride for free, and students save 40% on standard adult fares with PRESTO. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, and schedules are available online.
By Bus
Toronto Pearson Airport is served by several bus routes, including the 900 Airport Express bus. Buses travel to various destinations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), such as Brampton, Mississauga, and downtown Toronto. Schedules and stops for all routes can be found online.
By Car
The airport is easily accessible by car, with direct connections to major highways. Several car rental companies, such as Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National/Alamo, have offices on-site, making it convenient for travellers who wish to rent a car upon arrival.
By Taxi or Ride-sharing
Toronto airport taxis, limos, and ride-sharing services are readily available at the airport. Passengers can pre-arrange their taxi or limo service before arrival or request a ride-sharing pick-up from either terminal.
Important Notes on Transit Visas
When transiting through Toronto Pearson Airport or any Canadian airport, it is essential to be aware of the visa requirements. If you are from a visa-required country and your transit time in Canada is 48 hours or less, you will need a transit visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). A transit visa is typically required if you are connecting between international flights at a Canadian airport. On the other hand, an eTA is needed if you are eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program and are transiting through Canada by air. It is recommended to check the official Canadian immigration website to determine your specific visa requirements based on your nationality and travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality, the documents you hold, and how long you will be in Canada. If you are transiting through Canada for less than 48 hours, you may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program. However, if you are from a visa-required country, you will need a transit visa.
You can apply for a transit visa through the Canada immigration website. You will need to fill out an application form and provide the necessary documents. It is recommended that you seek legal advice to ensure a successful application.
If you are eligible for the TWOV Program, you must remain in a designated sterile transit area within the airport. If you need to leave this area, you must be examined by a Canadian Border Services Agency officer. You and your baggage will be re-screened for security, and you will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
