Foreign nationals from visa-required countries who are planning to transit through Canada, even if only for a few hours, will need a transit visa. This visa allows travelers to pass through Canadian airports without entering the country or stopping for a visit. Whether you're connecting between international flights or briefly stopping on your way to another destination, understanding how to apply for a Canadian transit visa can ensure a smooth travel experience.
Who Needs a Transit Visa?
A transit visa is required for foreign nationals from countries that require a visa to enter Canada if they are:
- Transiting through Canada between two international flights within a period of less than 48 hours.
- A passenger on an international flight that stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country.
Even if you're only in Canada for a few hours, you'll need this visa to transit through any Canadian airport.
Requirements for a Transit Visa
To obtain a transit visa, travelers must provide:
- Proof of transiting: This could include flight tickets or a confirmed travel itinerary showing that you will be in Canada for less than 48 hours between two international flights.
- A valid visa for your final destination country.
- Evidence that the purpose of your stay in Canada is solely to transit. This means you are not entering Canada for tourism, work, or visiting family, but only for connecting flights.
Types of Transit Visas
Transit visas come in two forms:
- Single-entry visa: Allows the traveler to transit through Canada once.
- Two-entry visa: Allows the traveler to transit through Canada twice, such as when they need to return through Canada after their initial transit.
Exemptions and Fees
- Processing fees for transit visas are waived under paragraph R296(2)(g). This means you won't need to pay a fee when applying for a transit visa.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photos) are still required but are also fee exempt as per paragraph R315.1(2)(e)(i).
- US Transit Exemption: If you're traveling directly to or from the United States and you hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Canada, you do not need to provide biometrics when transiting through Canada for less than 48 hours.
Transit Without Visa Program
Canada offers two programs that allow certain travelers to transit without needing a visa:
- Transit Without Visa Program: Eligible foreign nationals can transit through Canada without a transit visa if they are traveling to or from the US and meet the specific requirements.
- China Transit Program: Allows Chinese nationals traveling to or from the US to transit through Canada without a Canadian transit visa if they meet specific eligibility requirements.
Application Process
The process to apply for a transit visa is similar to applying for a regular visa. You will need to:
- Complete the online application via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Provide the required documents, including proof of your travel plans and a valid visa for your destination country.
- Submit biometrics, which are required but fee-exempt for transit visa applicants.
- Wait for the decision, and once approved, you will receive your transit visa, allowing you to pass through Canadian airports.
FAQs: Canadian Transit Visa
1. What is a transit visa for Canada? A transit visa allows foreign nationals from visa-required countries to pass through Canada without entering the country, typically between international flights, for less than 48 hours.
2. Who needs a transit visa? Travelers from visa-required countries transiting through Canada for less than 48 hours between international flights need a transit visa.
3. Is there a fee for the transit visa? No, processing fees for transit visas are waived.
4. Do I need to provide biometrics? Yes, biometrics (fingerprints and photos) are required but are fee-exempt for transit visa applicants.
5. Can I transit through Canada without a visa? Certain travelers may qualify for Canada's Transit Without Visa Program or the China Transit Program, allowing them to transit without a visa if they meet the eligibility criteria.
If you're traveling through Canada on your way to another country, ensure you meet the transit visa requirements or check if you qualify for one of Canada's transit programs. Proper planning and understanding of the rules will ensure a hassle-free journey through Canadian airports.
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