Stay in transit
Bags checked through; connection stays in the controlled international route.
CANADA CONNECTION GUIDE
Canada Transit Visa
Find the document that fits your real route: a transit visa, visitor visa, eTA—or, in limited cases, transit without a visa.
UP TO48 hoursQualifying air transit
APPLICATIONNo feeTransit visa applicants
VALID FOR1 or 2 entriesAs issued by IRCC
01 / START HERE
What is your situation?
Immigration rules and processing times change. This independent guide is not legal advice; the official IRCC result controls.
02 / ROUTE FIRST
Your route changes the document
Do not decide from layover duration alone. Follow the passenger and baggage path.
Collect or recheck
Baggage claim normally means presenting yourself for entry.
Leave the airport
A visit—even under 48 hours—requires the entry document for your passport.
Land or sea
The dedicated transit visa does not cover these border crossings.
03 / FOUR POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
Which document might apply?
Transit visa
For visa-required travelers connecting by air for 48 hours or less who do not hold a visitor visa and are not eTA-eligible.
Visitor visa
For visa-required travelers visiting Canada, transiting longer than 48 hours, or crossing by land or sea.
eTA
For eTA-required or otherwise eligible travelers flying to or through Canada; eligibility depends on passport and circumstances.
Transit without visa
Only for specified passport holders, routes, airlines, airports and time limits. Every condition must be met.
04 / DOCUMENTS
Application checklist
Valid passport or travel document
National identity document
Complete itinerary and confirmed onward travel
Permission to enter the final destination
Financial evidence if relevant
Any requested supporting documents
05 / APPLICATION
Apply without avoidable delays
1Run the official checkerUse passport nationality, mode of travel and exact plans.
2Create or access the IRCC PortalChoose visitor or transit visa and answer consistently.
3Upload the evidenceItinerary, identity document and passport are listed as mandatory.
4Submit the applicationThe transit visa application fee is currently zero.
5Complete biometrics if instructedWait for the biometric instruction letter and use an official location.
6Travel with the decision documentsKeep approval and onward-entry evidence available.
06 / RECHECK IF PLANS CHANGE
When plans break
Delay beyond the limit
If transit becomes longer than allowed, your document or exemption may no longer fit.
Missed connection
TWOV travelers may lose exemption when disruption pushes them outside program conditions.
Terminal change
Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 is specifically required for some TWOV routes; Terminal 3 or switching terminals does not qualify.
Separate tickets
The airline may not check baggage through, forcing entry and a different document.
Canada transit visa FAQ
Is the transit visa free?⌄
IRCC currently lists no application fee for a transit visa. Biometrics for a transit-visa application are also listed without a fee when required.
Can I visit Canada during my connection?⌄
Not on the basis of an airport transit visa alone. Visa-required travelers planning a visit need a visitor visa.
Is 48 hours an automatic exemption?⌄
No. Up to 48 hours defines qualifying transit-visa use; your passport may still require a visa or eTA.
Can I apply at the airport?⌄
Apply before travelling. IRCC directs applicants to apply online, with limited paper exceptions.
Does every child need a document?⌄
Each traveler needs the correct travel document. Include family information and follow IRCC instructions for minors.
Is TWOV open to everyone?⌄
No. It has exact passport, U.S.-journey, airline, airport, terminal and timing conditions.
07 / CANADA.CA
Official Canada sources
Reviewed 4 September 2026 · Next review December 2026