Canada Transit Visa / Airport Transit Visa (ATV) 2026
Connecting through a Canadian airport? Some nationalities need a Canadian visa or Airport Transit Visa even for a short layover — before boarding their flight. VMC confirms your requirements and prepares your transit visa application quickly.
Transit visa
$100
Application fee (CAD)
40+
Countries requiring ATV
TWOV
US visa exemption option
Single
Or multiple entry
Related programs
Not sure if you need a transit visa?
VMC checks your nationality and route in minutes.
Book Free Assessment →What Is a Canadian Transit Visa?
A Canadian transit visa (or Airport Transit Visa) is required by citizens of certain countries who are passing through a Canadian airport — even if they never plan to enter Canada itself.
Canada has major international hub airports — Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Montreal (YUL) — that handle millions of connecting passengers every year. If your flight route passes through one of these airports and your nationality requires a Canadian visa, you need the appropriate authorization before you board your first flight.
There are two transit scenarios: Direct Airside Transit, where you connect flights entirely within the secure international area without going through Canadian border control; and standard transit, where you may need to re-check bags or change terminals in a way that requires passing through Canadian customs and immigration.
The key rule: you cannot obtain a transit visa at the airport. It must be obtained before travel. If you arrive at a Canadian airport without the required authorization, you can be denied boarding at your origin or denied entry at the Canadian airport.
Apply before you book or board
You cannot get a transit visa at the airport. Airlines check transit visa requirements at check-in and will deny boarding if you don't have the required documentation. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Standard Transit (TRV)
ProcessingIf you are transiting through Canada and your nationality requires a Canadian visa, you apply for a regular Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa). This covers both visiting and transiting. Mark your application as transit and include your onward travel details.
Most common approach for visa-required nationals transiting Canada
Direct Airside Transit (DAT)
Applies toIf you are connecting flights without ever leaving the secure international transit area of a Canadian airport (never going through Canadian customs or immigration), different rules may apply. Some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for DAT, while others still need a TRV. Verify your requirements based on your specific nationality and airports involved.
Rules differ depending on your nationality and the specific airport
Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
Must connect to/from USA onlyThe TWOV program allows some nationalities who hold a valid US visa (or US green card) to transit Canadian airports without a Canadian visa, provided they are on a direct connection to or from the US and stay in the international transit area.
Strict eligibility — not available to all nationalities even with a US visa
Countries Whose Citizens Require a Canadian Transit Visa
Citizens of the following countries typically require a Canadian TRV or ATV to transit through a Canadian airport. This list is based on IRCC policy and may change.
This list is not exhaustive. Country requirements change periodically based on bilateral agreements and IRCC policy. Always verify your specific nationality and route with VMC or directly with IRCC before booking travel.
Why some nationalities need a transit visa even for a short layover
Canada's transit visa requirements are driven by security concerns, asylum-seeker patterns, and reciprocal visa policy with various countries. Even a 1-hour layover in a Canadian airport falls within the visa requirement for affected nationalities. The rationale is that Canada's customs and border protection applies to all travelers on Canadian soil — including those in transit areas.
Who Is Exempt From the Canadian Transit Visa
Many travelers do not need a Canadian transit visa. Here are the main exemption categories.
Visa-exempt nationals
Citizens of countries that are visa-exempt to enter Canada (e.g. UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan) do not need an ATV. They may need an eTA for air travel.
US citizens
US citizens do not need a Canadian visa, eTA, or ATV for any purpose — including transit.
US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
US permanent residents (Green Card holders) are generally exempt from the ATV requirement for transit connections in Canada, provided they are traveling to or from the US.
Valid TRV holders
If you already hold a valid Canadian Temporary Resident Visa, you do not need a separate ATV — your TRV covers transit.
Diplomatic passport holders
Holders of valid diplomatic or official passports from most countries are exempt from the ATV requirement.
TWOV program eligible travelers
Some travelers who hold a valid US visa and are connecting directly to/from the US may transit under the TWOV program without an ATV — but strict conditions apply.
TWOV program — US visa holders transiting to/from USA
If you hold a valid US non-immigrant visa and are transiting Canada on a direct connection to or from the United States, you may qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program — avoiding the need for a Canadian visa.
TWOV requirements:
- Valid US non-immigrant visa (or US Permanent Resident Card)
- Traveling to or from the United States (direct connection only)
- Transiting through a Canadian airport without leaving the international transit area
- Not all nationalities qualify — check with VMC before booking
Still require a Canadian visa despite having a US visa
Some nationalities require a Canadian visa even if they hold a valid US visa — the TWOV program does not apply to all nationalities. Countries whose citizens are not eligible for TWOV (even with a US visa) include:
- Afghanistan
- Haiti
- Iraq
- Pakistan (some cases)
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Others as determined by IRCC policy
Always verify with VMC before booking travel through Canada.
Not Sure If You Need a Transit Visa?
VMC's licensed RCICs confirm your requirements based on your nationality and travel route — preventing denied boarding or denied entry at the Canadian airport.
How to Apply for a Canadian Transit Visa
The application process is similar to a regular visitor visa. The key difference is you indicate transit as your purpose and include your full onward travel itinerary.
Confirm You Need a Transit Visa
Verify whether your nationality requires a Canadian visa or ATV for your specific transit route. VMC checks this quickly based on your passport.
Gather Your Documents
Collect: valid passport, travel itinerary with all flight bookings, destination country visa (if applicable, e.g. US visa), and proof of purpose for your destination.
Apply Online
Apply through the IRCC secure account portal. Select Temporary Resident Visa, indicate transit as your purpose, and upload all required documents.
Pay the Fee and Submit
The government fee is CAD $100 (same as a regular visitor visa). Pay online and submit your complete application.
Receive Your Transit Visa
Once approved, your TRV will show a transit designation or be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Carry it with your travel documents.
Required documents for transit visa
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel date
- Complete flight itinerary showing all legs of your journey (booked or confirmed)
- Visa for your final destination country (e.g. US visa if transiting to the USA)
- Proof of purpose at final destination (hotel reservation, invitation letter)
- Sufficient funds for your entire journey
- If you have traveled to Canada or other countries before, proof of those visits
Transit visa fees and processing
Application Fee
CAD $100
Same as a regular visitor visa application
Biometrics (if required)
CAD $85
Depending on your nationality and first application
Processing Time
Varies
Check IRCC's current processing time tool. Apply well in advance of travel.
Validity
Single or multiple entry
Multiple entry TRV may be issued for frequent transiting travelers
Connecting Through Canada? Get It Right Before You Fly.
VMC's licensed RCICs confirm your transit visa requirements and prepare your application quickly — preventing denied boarding or denied entry at the Canadian airport.
Transit Visa Frequently Asked Questions
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