Transit Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Processing time
- Varies by country, apply well in advance
- Fee
- Free (no processing fee)
- Validity
- For specific transit date
- Entry
- Single entry
Required for visa-required nationals transiting through a Canadian airport. Maximum 48-hour stay in transit zone. No processing fee charged. eTA-eligible nationals use their eTA for air transit instead. Transit Without Visa Program (TWOV) and China Transit Program (CTP) allow some visa-required nationals to transit without a visa when traveling between specific countries and the United States. Not needed for ground/sea transit — those travelers need a regular visitor visa.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for citizens of visa-required countries transiting through Canada by air. eTA-eligible nationals use eTA for transit. US citizens are exempt.
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Purpose of visit
Must be in transit through Canada to another country. Must have confirmed onward travel within 48 hours.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: IMM 5257 - Application for Temporary Resident Visa (Transit); Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/transit/transit-visa/apply.html
How to apply
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Online application
Apply online through IRCC portal. Indicate purpose as transit. Provide flight itinerary showing connection through Canada.
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Document submission
Submit passport, confirmed flight itinerary showing transit through Canada, and valid visa for final destination country (if required).
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics if required (ages 14-79).
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Processing wait
Wait for processing. Apply well in advance of travel date.