If you’re traveling to another country and need to transit through Canada, the required documents depend on:
How you will travel (by air, car, bus, train, boat, or cruise ship).
How long your transit will take.
Your nationality.
Other factors, such as being a permanent resident of the U.S. or a U.S. visa holder.
Types of Transit Documents
Visitor Visa: You need a visitor visa if you’re from a visa-required country and:
You plan to visit Canada, even if you’re traveling by air for less than 48 hours.
You’ll stay in Canada for more than 48 hours while transiting.
You’re crossing the border by bus, car, train, boat, or cruise ship.
Transit Visa: You need a transit visa if you’re from a visa-required country and:
Your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country.
You’ll be connecting between two international flights at one or more Canadian airports.
Your transit will last 48 hours or less.
You don’t have a valid visitor visa or aren’t eligible for an eTA.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): You need an eTA if you’re from an eTA-required country and are transiting through Canada by air. You don’t need an eTA if you’re transiting through Canada by bus, train, boat, or cruise ship—just make sure you have the right travel documents.
Transit Without a Visa
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can transit through Canada without a visa, regardless of their travel method (air, car, bus, train, boat, cruise ship). They only need to carry the proper travel documents.
Passport Holders of Certain Countries: If you’re a passport holder from China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, or Taiwan (holders of passports without a personal identification number), you may transit through Canada without a visa, provided you meet certain conditions.
