Canada transit visa: do you need one if you're just connecting through an airport?

A short connection through a Canadian airport does not automatically remove travel-document requirements. Whether the stop is two hours or overnight, travelers generally need an eTA or a transit visa depending on citizenship.

Confirm the requirement with the official eligibility tool before booking or traveling.

• Visa-exempt travelers flying through Canada generally need the same eTA used for regular visits.
• Travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt generally need a Transit Visa for a short connection.
• A traveler planning to leave the airport or stay beyond the permitted transit period may need a Temporary Resident Visa instead.
• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have separate rules that should be checked on Canada.ca.

Apply before travel and keep the confirmation accessible. Airlines verify the required travel authorization before boarding, and it normally cannot be obtained on arrival at the airport.