Canada Transit Visa for Nigeria

Travelling Through Canada by Air?

You may need a Canada Transit Visa if you’re from Nigeria. Our expert team of professional lawyers can help you understand your travel requirements and begin your application.

Let us do the heavy lifting and make your travel plans straightforward.

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Overview of the Canada Transit Visa for Nigerians

There are certain countries which are required to apply for a Canada Transit Visa when entering the country during transit. Nigerians are from an eTA-required country and, therefore must apply.

Understanding how to plan your travel, which documents to supply in your application, and how to complete your application is essential to facilitate your travel plans.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand the visa itself and whether you qualify.

What Is the Canada Transit Visa, and When Might You Need One?

A Canadian Transit Visa is a visa that inserts into your passport. It tells Canadian airport authorities that you are permitted to stay in Canada for up to 48 hours between flights. The visa is required to prove that you meet the requirements to stay in the country for a short period. It is valid for 1 or 2 entries into the country, depending on your application, but you must use it before the date of expiry.

Before travelling to Canada, you must check which visa you need. You could be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa, depending on the following factors:

• The type of travel document you will be using for your travels.
• The country which issued your travel document.
• Your nationality.
• The means of travel to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Transit Visa for Nigerians

Overview

If you come from a visa-required country, like Nigeria, you must meet the following criteria to apply for a Transit Visa:

• You have a flight which stops at a Canadian airport on the way to another country.
• You have 2 connecting flights, arriving and departing from a Canadian airport.
• Your transit will last fewer than 48 hours.
• You aren’t the holder of a valid Visitor Visa.

If you meet these requirements, you can begin the application process.

Who Isn’t Eligible for the Canada Transit Visa for Nigerians?

If you are from a visa-required country, you will not be able to apply for a Transit Visa if the following apply:

• Your transit through Canada will last longer than 48 hours.
• You wish to tour Canada.
• You are travelling though Canada not via any air route ie crossing the border in a car, boat, train or cruise ship.

If the above applies, you must apply for a different type of visa. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers at IAS will be able to advise you on the next steps to take and can help you to develop a strong application portfolio.

Travel Requirements for the Canada Transit Visa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK Tourist Visa. Note that visa application processes can change, so always refer to the official UK government website for the most current information on your chosen Tourist visa before you apply:

Overview

There are certain guidelines you must adhere to during your time in a Canadian airport.

Before Your Flight

Before you travel to Canada under a Transit Visa, you must take the following steps:

• Provide your information using ArriveCAN, a customs and immigration declaration app, 72 hours before your arrival.
• Adhere to quarantine guidelines unless you are fully vaccinated.
• Submit proof of vaccination to ArriveCAN.

In Canadian Airport

You must stay within the secure transit area during your time in Canada. You are not permitted to stay for more than 48 hours. You can only collect your belongings and check in at your gate, but otherwise, you must stay in the transit-through area.

If your flight is cancelled, the Canada Border Services Agency will help you to reschedule your flight. You can only leave the airport to find accommodation with a Visitor Visa.

If you intend to stay in the airport for longer than 48 hours or leave the airport during your stay, you should apply for a Visitor Visa.

How To Apply for the Canada Transit Visa

Overview

To apply for the Canada Transit Visa, you must first prepare the required supporting documents. Once you have done this, you can begin the application process by visiting the IRCC portal. The online portal allows you to submit digital copies of your documents and provide your personal information. The Canada Transit Visa is free, so you will not need to provide your credit or debit card information.

Application Processing Time and Fees

Most Transit Visas are processed in fewer than 4 weeks. It is important to submit your application at least 6 weeks before your flight to ensure your Transit Visa is approved on time. There is no processing fee for the Canada Transit Visa, and it is completely free to apply online.

Required Documents for the Canada Transit Visa for Nigerians

To be issued a Transit Visa you will need to provide the following documents:

• Your current and previous passports and any documents relating to your travel history
• Entry and exit stamps from any countries you have visited previously
• All expired or valid visas
• Details regarding your travel itinerary (flight information, hotel reservation)
• Bank account statement
• Biometric information

You may still be asked by Canadian immigration authorities to provide a criminal record check, medical examination, or interview, depending on your circumstances.

If you need assistance in providing your biometric information or acquiring certified translations of your supporting documents, you can rely on our team of immigration lawyers at IAS.

Who Can Transit through Canada with a Passport?

If the following conditions apply, you can transit through Canada as a Nigerian citizen with just your passport:

• U.S. permanent residents
• People with Canadian dual citizenship
• Citizens of countries signed up to the Transit Without Visa program – China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan
• Canadian Airport Authorities (Calgary International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1 Ontario, Vancouver International Airport, Winnipeg International Airport).
• Air Carriers (Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air China, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines, Jazz Air, Philippines Airlines, WestJet, Xamian Airlines).

How Can IAS Help?

When travelling through several countries, you must know your visa requirements to ensure a seamless trip. The Government of Canada requires you to provide a Transit Visa upon travelling through a Canadian airport.

If you struggle to understand your obligations, the required documents, and travel instructions for this visa type, you can rely on our expert immigration lawyers here at IAS.

Our team can help you with each step of the application process, ensuring you provide the correct information to prevent any delays.

We have offices in Lagos, Nigeria, allowing us to offer hands-on support to Nigerian citizens throughout the visa application process. We can direct you to the resources for medical examinations, criminal record checks, and certified translations of your documents.

Contact our team today at +2342013306361 or +44 (0) 3316300929 to access support from experienced immigration lawyers – we have extensive knowledge of Canadian immigration law to ensure a successful application.