Canada Transit Visa Requirements (2026)

If your flight connects through a Canadian airport and you hold a passport that is not visa-exempt for Canada, you may need a Canada Airport Transit Visa. This applies even if you remain airside and never clear Canadian immigration. This guide explains who needs a transit visa, who is exempt, the fees, and how to apply.

Last updated: June 2026

Do I Need a Canada Transit Visa?

Whether you need a transit visa depends on your passport nationality and whether you will be passing through the secure transit area (without clearing customs/immigration) or entering Canada.

You DO need a Canada transit visa if:

• Your passport nationality is on Canada's visa-required list, AND
• You have a connecting flight through a Canadian airport (Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, etc.)
• This applies even if you stay airside and never pass through Canadian immigration

You do NOT need a Canada transit visa if you:

• Hold a valid Canadian TRV, Visitor Record, Work Permit, or Study Permit
• Hold a valid US visa (B1/B2 or other) or US Permanent Resident Card and are travelling to/from the US
• Are a citizen of a country that is visa-exempt for Canada (UK, EU, Australia, etc.)
• Hold a valid eTA (for transit flights to/from visa-exempt countries)
• Are transiting from one connecting gate directly to another on the same airline with no customs or immigration clearance

Always verify your specific situation on the IRCC transit visa checker before booking a Canadian connection.

US Visa Holder Transit Exemption

A commonly used exemption: holders of a valid US visa (including B1/B2) or US Permanent Resident Card are exempt from the Canadian transit visa requirement if they are travelling to or from the United States. This allows Indian, Pakistani, and Nigerian passport holders with valid US visas to connect through Canada without obtaining a separate Canadian transit visa.

Important: The US visa or PR card must be valid — expired US visas or cancelled visas do not qualify. Verify your eligibility on the IRCC website for the most current rules.

Canada Transit Visa Fees

Transit visa fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required for Canada Transit Visa

• Valid passport
• Confirmed flight itinerary showing the Canadian connection point and onward destination
• Digital photograph — 35×45mm, white background
• Visa or entry document for your destination country (if required)
• IMM 5257 — Temporary Resident Visa application form (select "Transit" as purpose)

Biometrics are not required for a transit visa — only for visitor, student, and work permit applications.

How to Apply for a Canada Transit Visa

1. Create an IRCC My Account at canada.ca
2. Complete the IMM 5257 form — select "Transit" as your purpose of entry
3. Upload your flight itinerary, passport copy, photograph, and destination visa/permit
4. Pay the fee online (CAD $7 single or CAD $14 double entry)
5. Submit and track via IRCC My Account
6. If approved, a visa counterfoil is added to your passport (you may need to visit a VAC)

Major Canadian Transit Airports

• Toronto Pearson International (YYZ) — largest hub, major connections to Europe and India
• Vancouver International (YVR) — hub for Asia-Pacific routes
• Montréal-Trudeau International (YUL) — major hub for European connections
• Calgary International (YYC) — western Canada hub

Transiting Canada vs. Entering Canada

If you hold a transit visa and your layover is longer than 24–48 hours, or if you wish to leave the airport, you would technically be entering Canada — in which case you need a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), not just a transit visa. A transit visa is only valid for passing through the secure airside area en route to a third country.

Official References

• IRCC — Transit Through Canada
• IRCC — Entry Requirements by Country

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an Indian passport holder need a transit visa for Canada?

Yes, in most cases. Indian passport holders require a Canadian transit visa for connections through Canadian airports — even if staying airside. The exception: if you hold a valid US visa (B1/B2), you are exempt from the transit visa requirement for flights transiting Canada to/from the US.

How long does a Canada transit visa take to process?

Transit visas follow the same processing timeline as visitor visas — typically 14–60 days online. If you have a connecting flight booked soon, apply as early as possible. The transit visa requires the same IRCC My Account application process as a regular TRV.

Can I leave the airport on a Canada transit visa?

No. A transit visa only authorises you to remain in the secure airside transit area to board your connecting flight. If you want to leave the airport and enter Canada (even briefly), you need a full Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

Is a Canadian transit visa the same as a tourist visa?

No. A transit visa is issued specifically for passing through Canada to a third country. It does not permit you to enter Canada as a visitor or stay overnight outside the airport. For a holiday or family visit, you need a full TRV visitor visa (CAD $185), not a transit visa (CAD $7).

Do Pakistani passport holders need a Canadian transit visa?

Yes. Pakistani passport holders require a Canadian transit visa for connections through Canadian airports. The US visa exemption applies: if you hold a valid US visa, you are exempt from needing a Canadian transit visa for flights transiting Canada between Pakistan and the US.