Canada transit visa application: Prices, procedure and eTA

If your itinerary includes a stopover in Canada, you may need to apply for a Canada transit visa before you travel. This document is required for certain nationalities to transit through a Canadian airport, even if you are only there for a few hours and not leaving the terminal. Other travellers may need to complete an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application instead. In this guide, we explain how to apply for a Canada transit visa, the official fees, eligibility rules, and the online application process. Whether you are a frequent flyer or planning your first trip that includes a layover in Canada, you will find all the details you need — including Canada transit visa requirements, processing times, and tips to make your airport transit smooth and stress-free.

📌 Canada transit visa: Key points to remember

• Required depending on nationality: Depending on your passport, you must obtain either an eTA (for a fee) or a transit visa (free of charge).
• No choice available: The type of document is determined by Canadian immigration rules.
• Exceptions: No document is required if you arrive by train, coach, boat or cruise ship.
• Online application: Simple procedure via the official government website or an assistance provider.
• Required documents: Valid passport, passport photo, proof of travel and sufficient funds.
• Processing time: 72 hours on average for an eTA, up to 10 working days for a transit visa.
• Official price: eTA CAD 7, transit visa free (excluding any service fees).

What is a transit visa for Canada and when should I apply for one?

The Canada transit visa is an official document that allows a traveller to pass through a Canadian airport en route to another destination. It only authorises a stay in the international area of the airport, without entry into the country.

Depending on your nationality, itinerary and length of stopover, you may need to apply for a Canada transit visa or obtain an eTA.

• Transit visa: required for certain nationalities, free of charge, valid for air transit of less than 48 hours. It can only be requested if your nationality is eligible.
• eTA: Required for all visa-exempt travellers, even for a short transit through Canada. If you qualify for an eTA, you must complete an eTA application online. Travellers who are eligible for an eTA cannot submit a Canada transit visa application or apply for a Canadian transit visa instead.

If you are on a direct flight with no change of aircraft, a visa may not be necessary. However, if you have a stopover in Canada involving security and customs checks, you will probably need a visa or eTA.

Nationalities affected by the eTA and Canada transit visa application

According to Canadian immigration rules, the document required for transit depends solely on your nationality and type of travel.

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Required for visa-exempt travellers, such as citizens of the European Union (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, etc.), the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. Even for a short transit, an eTA must be obtained before departure.
• Canada Transit Visa: Free but only issued to travellers from countries subject to visa requirements (e.g. India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, etc.). This document allows air transit of less than 48 hours without entering Canadian territory.

💡 Important: You cannot choose between an eTA and a Canada transit visa. The type of document you need is determined by your nationality. A Canada transit visa application can only be submitted if you are from a country subject to Canadian visa requirements.

How long does it take to obtain a transit visa for Canada?

The processing time for a Canada transit visa application is generally around 10 working days. It is recommended to apply for your Canada transit visa online well in advance of your trip to avoid delays.

However, it is important to note that this processing time may vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The volume of applications received by the Canadian government: During busy periods, processing times may be longer.
• The complexity of your application: If your application requires additional verification, the processing time may be longer.
• Exceptional circumstances: Events such as pandemics or natural disasters may also cause delays in the processing of visa applications.

It is therefore recommended that you submit your transit visa application well in advance of your planned travel date, at least 3 months is recommended.

Process for obtaining a transit visa or eTA for Canada

Depending on your nationality, you will need to apply for a Canada transit visa or submit an eTA application. The type of document is determined by Canadian immigration rules — you cannot choose between them.

✈️ If you need a transit visa

• Check your eligibility: consult the list of countries subject to visa requirements on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Fill out the form: available online or through the Canadian embassy/consulate in your country.
• Prepare your documents: Passport valid for the entire duration of the trip, Proof of airline ticket(s) confirming the stopover in Canada, Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses, Letter of invitation (if required)
• Submit the application: the transit visa is free, but processing can take up to 10 working days.

💡 In summary: the transit visa is free but only granted to travellers from countries subject to Canadian visa requirements.

🛫 2. If you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

• Check your eligibility: applies to most visa-exempt travellers (France, Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, etc.).
• Apply online: on the official Canadian government website or through a service provider with assistance.
• Prepare your documents: Valid passport, credit card for payment (official fee: 7 CAD), email address to receive the eTA
• Receive your authorization: average processing time 72 hours (often within a few minutes).

💡 Tip: Apply as soon as your trip is confirmed. Without a valid document, the airline may refuse to allow you to board, even for a simple transit.

Can I leave the airport with a transit visa or eTA in Canada?

As a general rule, the Canada transit visa does not allow you to leave the airport or enter the country. It is designed solely for you to remain in the international zone during your stopover and catch your next flight.

For the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), the situation is different: if you are eligible and have one, you can pass through immigration and enter Canada, even in transit, provided you meet the conditions of stay (short stay, tourist visit, etc.).

Transit visa exceptions:

• Transit Without Visa (TWOV) programme: certain nationalities can stay for up to 48 hours for tourism, business or visits.
• Visitor visa: allows you to leave the airport during transit.
• Emergencies: exceptional authorization in case of medical or humanitarian need.

ℹ️ Remember: With a valid eTA, you can enter Canada during your stopover. With a transit visa, you normally remain in the airport, except in rare cases decided by immigration officers.

Practical advice for travellers in transit through Canada

Even a short transit through Canada requires a minimum of preparation. Whether you need a Canada transit visa or an eTA, a few precautions will save you stress and delays.

→ Before departure

• Check your requirements: make sure you know what document you need (eTA or transit visa) and obtain it before departure.
• Prepare your documents: passport, ticket confirmation, proof of funds, and any other supporting documents required.
• Allow plenty of time: leave a comfortable margin between your flights to allow for security checks and other requirements.

→ During your layover

• Keep your documents handy: passport, eTA or visa, boarding pass.
• Follow security rules: liquids, prohibited items, and procedures specific to Canadian airports.
• Take advantage of services: lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange offices, rest areas and, in some airports, showers or guided tours.

Useful tip

📌 Keep an electronic copy of your important documents (passport, eTA or visa) in case of loss or theft.