Transit in Canada (Canada)? Important notes for transit

Introduction to the journey to Canada from Vietnam

Canada, the second largest country in the world with majestic nature from the Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls, multicultural cities like Toronto-Vancouver, and the highest quality of life in the world, requires a 15-25 hour journey with at least one transit from Vietnam. Choosing the right flight route and important - understanding the mandatory Canada visa requirements is the key to a successful trip.Where is the best place to transit to Canada from Vietnam?Northeast Asia transit to Canada – The best option

Tokyo (NRT/HND) with ANA, JAL, Air Canada

have direct flights to Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ), with a flight time of 9-13 hours.

Seoul (ICN) with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air Canadaoffers excellent connections to Vancouver with a flight time of 10 hours.Hong Kong (HKG) with Cathay PacificTaipei (TPE) with EVA Air, China Airlinesalso have many direct flights to major Canadian cities. and Taipei (TPE) with EVA Air, China Airlinesalso have many direct flights to major Canadian cities.

Outstanding advantages:No transit visa required when staying in the international transit area for less than 24 hours with the same ticket number, reasonable total flight time of 15-20 hours, modern airport with high-quality services, more convenient time zone for adapting to jet lag.

Transiting North America to Canada – US Visa Required

San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Vancouver (YVR)with United Airlines, Delta, Air Canada have short flights of 2-5 hours to Canada.Serious disadvantage: US visa (B1/B2 or C1) is MANDATORYeven if just transiting because you must complete full US entry procedures, collect baggage, and go through security again.

Transiting Europe to Canada – Longest Route

London (LHR) with British Airways, Air Canada, Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, Paris (CDG) with Air France, Amsterdam (AMS) with KLMhave direct flights to Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal.

Disadvantages:Very long flight time of 20+ hours, may require a Schengen transit visa (Type A), costs are usually higher than the Asian route.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT WARNING about Canadian visa

Canadian visa (TRV) IS MANDATORY for Vietnamese citizens – NO EXCEPTIONS

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Vietnamese citizens are REQUIRED to have a valid Canadian visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)to enter Canada,even if only transiting through a Canadian airport and remaining within the airport vicinity.

Reason:Canada requires all transit passengers to go through a full immigration process, including passport control, fingerprinting, and usually having to collect checked baggage, go through customs, and then re-check in for the next flight.

No valid Canadian visa = denied boarding in Vietnam.

eTA does NOT apply to Vietnamese citizens

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)only for citizens of visa-exempt countries like the EU, Australia, New Zealand, or those with a valid US visa and meeting other strict conditions.Vietnamese citizens are NOT included in this category.

TWOV (Transit Without Visa)is also not applicable to Vietnamese citizens in most cases.

Canada Visa Application Process (TRV)

Submit application:Online via the official IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.

Cost:100 CAD (visa) + 85 CAD (biometrics) =185 CAD(approximately 140 USD).

Processing Time:2-8 weeks depending on the season and application type.Strong recommendation: Submit your application at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date.

Required documents:Passport valid for 6 months, standard passport photos, strong financial proof, clear travel purpose, flight tickets and reservations, travel insurance.

Transit visas for other countries

Northeast Asia (Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei):No transit visa required when staying in the international transit area for less than 24 hours with the same ticket number.

North America (USA): US visa MANDATORYeven if only transiting.

Europe:A Schengen transit visa (Type A) may be required depending on the airport, waived if holding a valid Schengen/US/Canada/UK/Japan visa.

Middle East:No transit visa required at Dubai, Doha when staying within the transit area with the same ticket.

Major Canadian Airports and Special Procedures

Toronto Pearson (YYZ)– the largest airport, 25km from the city center.UP Express25 minutes for 12.35 CAD, taxi 60-80 CAD, Uber 40-70 CAD.

Vancouver (YVR)– the Pacific gateway, 12km from the city center.Canada Line SkyTrain26 minutes for 5.45 CAD, taxi 35-50 CAD.

Special Note:Even when transiting, you must go through the full Canadian immigration process, collect baggage, clear customs, and re-check in for your next flight.Allow a minimum of 4-6 hoursbetween flights.

Climate and practical expenses

Summer (June-August)ideal with 15-25°C, long daylight hours.Autumn (September-October) wunderschön mit goldenen Ahornblättern.Winter (December-March) kalt -10 bis -30°C.

Canadian Dollar (CAD): 1 CAD = 18,000-19,000 VND.High costs:

• Meals: 15-35 CAD
• Hotel: 120-250 CAD/night
• Transportation: 3-4 CAD/trip
• Tip 15-20% mandatoryat the restaurant

Effective Canada transit tips

Prepare early:Apply for a Canadian TRV visa at least 2-3 months in advance.Book through ticketsto protect luggage in case of flight delays (though it must still be collected in Canada).Transit time:Minimum 4-6 hours in Canada due to complex procedures.

Where is the fastest and most convenient transit point to Canada?

Tokyo and Seouloptimized with direct flights, reasonable transit time of 15-18 hours, no transit visa required, and high-quality service.

Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Canada?

Yes, a Canadian visa (TRV) costing 185 CAD is MANDATORYeven for transit only. eTA does NOT apply to Vietnamese citizens.

Is a transit visa required for Northeast Asia?

No needin Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei when transiting for less than 24 hours within the transit area with the same ticket number.

How long does it take to apply for a Canadian visa?

2-8 weeksdepending on the season. It is recommended to submit the application 2-3 months in advance as it may be rejected and require reapplication.

Do I have to pick up my luggage when transiting in Canada?

Yes, it is mandatory.in most cases, you must pick up your luggage, clear customs, and re-check it for your next flight.

Is it expensive to travel to Canada?

Very expensivecomparable to Europe. A budget of 150-300 CAD/day is needed. A mandatory tip of 15-20% significantly increases the cost.

Conclusion

Tokyo and Seoulis the most optimal transit option with direct flights, reasonable transit time, and no transit visa required.Most important point to remember: Vietnamese citizens MUST have a Canadian visa (TRV) costing 185 CAD, even for transit only– this is a strict requirement with no exceptions.

Canada offers a world-class North American experience with majestic nature, modern cities, and the highest quality of life in the world.Prepare your Canadian visa early (2-3 months in advance), have a high budget, and pack appropriate seasonal clothing will ensure a smooth and memorable trip to explore the “Great White North”.