31 July 2009

New trial means some nationals do not need a Canadian visa to transit

The Canadian Government has announced plans to make it easier for international travellers on their way to and from the United States to pass through Canadian airports.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of travellers pass through Canadian airports on their way to the United States and the new program will allow certain international travellers with US visas to transit without a Canadian visa.

Travellers en route to and from the US who have a valid US visa will not longer need to have a Canadian transit visa to transit through Canadian airports.

The new programme is intended to achieve a balance between ensuring security and facilitating the movement of genuine travellers.

The Transit Without Visa program is being implemented in Vancouver following a successful pilot project  at the Vancouver International Airport. Other major Canadian airports will now be able to apply for similar status.

“Removing the requirement for a Canadian transit visa will make Canadian airports more attractive for international travellers going to and from the United States,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“This will help airports expand their business, which will in turn have a positive impact on the local economy.”

At this time, the program only applies to nationals of the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan who hold valid US visas and who are travelling through the Vancouver International Airport to and from the United States on a participating airline.

Currently, the following airlines are eligible to participate in the program: Philippine Airlines, China Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways.

As the Government looks to further expand the Transit Without Visa program, a full assessment of each new request will be conducted before approving any additional airports, airlines or foreign nationals into the program.

In addition and in recognition of the importance of travel from China, a separate Canadian Transit Trial for Chinese nationals has been put in place.

This trial will allow Chinese nationals holding valid US visas to travel to and from the US through the Vancouver International Airport without obtaining a Canadian transit visa.

To qualify, they must travel on one of the pre-authorized air carriers in the Transit Without Visa program and fly on direct, non-stop flights to the Vancouver International Airport, originating from Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Manila and Taipei. The trial will be in place for one year, after which an evaluation will be undertaken.

 

 

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with Canadian visas and immigration.