Transit Through Canada

If you’re traveling to another country and need to transit through Canada, the document requirements will depend on several factors, including your mode of travel, duration of stay, nationality, and immigration status. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you determine what you need for a smooth transit through Canada.

Factors That Determine Your Transit Requirements

  1. Mode of Travel:
    • By air (international flights connecting through Canadian airports).
    • By car, bus, train, or boat (including cruise ships).
  2. Duration of Transit:
    • Less than 48 hours.
    • More than 48 hours.
  3. Nationality and Immigration Status:
    • Your passport country.
    • Whether you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or hold a valid U.S. visa.

Document Options for Transit Through Canada

1. Visitor Visa

You need a visitor visa if:

  • You’re from a visa-required country and plan to:
    • Visit Canada, even if it’s for less than 48 hours.
    • Stay in Canada for more than 48 hours while transiting.
  • You’re traveling by bus, car, train, boat, or cruise ship from a visa-required country.

2. Transit Visa

You need a transit visa if:

  • You’re from a visa-required country and:
    • Your international flight stops at a Canadian airport en route to another destination.
    • You’re connecting between two international flights at one or more Canadian airports.
    • Your transit lasts 48 hours or less.
    • You do not have a valid visitor visa.
    • You are not eligible for an eTA.

3. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

You need an eTA if:

  • You’re from an eTA-required country and:
    • Transiting through Canada by air.
    • Your transit is part of a connecting international flight.

Exceptions:

  • You don’t need an eTA if transiting by train, bus, boat, or cruise ship, but you must have valid travel documents.

4. Transit Without a Visa

  • U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents:
    U.S. citizens and U.S. Green Card holders can transit through Canada without a visa by air, car, bus, train, or boat. Ensure you carry:
    • A valid passport or travel document.
    • A valid U.S. Green Card (for lawful permanent residents).
  • Passport Holders from Specific Countries:
    Citizens from China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, or Taiwan (without a personal identification number) may transit without a visa if they meet certain conditions.

Documents You Must Carry

When transiting through Canada, always have the following documents ready:

  • A valid passport or travel document for your entire journey.
  • A valid visa, transit visa, or eTA (if applicable).
  • For U.S. permanent residents: A valid Green Card or equivalent proof of status.
  • Proof of onward travel, such as airline tickets or itinerary.

Key Notes

  • Duration of Transit: If your transit exceeds 48 hours, you will require a visitor visa.
  • Mode of Entry: eTA is required for air travel but not for land or sea travel.
  • Advance Application: Apply for the required document well before your travel date to avoid delays.

By ensuring you have the correct documentation, you can transit through Canada smoothly and focus on reaching your final destination.

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