Temporary Visas - Transit Visa

A Transit Visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required by anyone from a non-visa-exempt country who is travelling through Canada to another country and whose flight will stop in Canada for less than 48 hours.

There are three types of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): single entry, multiple entry and transit. There is no cost for a transit visa, but the application process is the same as that for all three types. You can check to see if your country is visa-exempt here. If you need a transit (or other type of) visa fill out the application and gather the necessary documents then submit them to the Canada Visa Office covering your current residence. Visitors to the US will typically still need to apply to their home country rather than an office within the USA. You may not apply for a visa upon your arrival in Canada.

Many of the details needed in preparing your application and gathering your documents can be found on the Canada Immigration website here.

If you are either a citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder of the USA you will not need a transit visa or even a temporary resident visa to travel through or spend up to six months visiting in Canada. However, if you have ever been charged or convicted of a criminal offense during your adult years you may have a problem. Refer to our Admissibility pages here for more detail.

Applications for a transit visa for Canada should be submitted at least 30 days in advance of your departure if being submitted in person or at least eight weeks if being mailed.

Remember, unless you are told otherwise, travel agents or cruise lines will typically not take care of your transit visa - it is your responsibility.