Driving from New York to Toronto, Canada - Transit visa - Indian citizen
I am an Indian citizen studying in America with an F1-visa, and I have a flight that departs from Toronto. I want to drive to the Toronto airport in Canada from New York (NYC), and I will not be visiting anyone. The Canadian visa webpage mentioned that I will require a transit visa because I will be in the country for less than 48 hours.
In addition to using the transit visa at the airport, I wanted to know if the transit visa is valid for an Indian citizen driving into the country from America?
How long does it usually take to obtain a transit visa?
EDIT
- I plan to fly back into Canada, and drive back into America through Canada. Will I need a transit visa on my way back from Canada? I think I will need one in Canada since I should be okay with my F1-visa while encountering the American immigration officials at the American-Canadian border.
Thanks!
Best Answer
Transit visas are for entering the country on the way to some other country. I've never heard of one that was specific as to mode of travel. You could drive, bicycle, or even ride a horse if you were granted enough time to do so. I'd be more worried about what you will do with the car you're driving.
Currently the processing time for Canada visa applications made in the US is listed as 12 days. Canada now updates this information weekly. (At the original time of this post, the processing time was listed as 52 days and listed by visa office.)
You should apply for your visa as soon as possible, or schedule a flight which does not start in or transit Canada.
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Is transit visa required for Canada for Indian passport holders?
Do we need a visa to transit through Canada? We need a transit visa if we are 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 2 international flights at a Canadian airport.Do I need a transit visa when going to Canada via the USA I have a student visa for Canada?
You need an eTA to transit through Canada by air if you're from an eTA-required country. You don't need an eTA if you're transiting through Canada and you enter by train, bus, boat or cruise ship. You do need to bring the right travel documents.Is transit visa required for US for Indian passport holders?
Eligibility for US Transit VisaYou must apply for a visa from India. You must be only passing through the US on your way to your final destination (a third country). You must have no intentions of taking part in tourism or business. For this, you will require a B1/B2 visa.Does Canada allow transit passengers?
You may be permitted to transit through Canada to reach another country. You must make your travel arrangements well in advance if you are transiting through Canada.US Transit Visa ! US Transit Visa for Indian Nationals ! USA Transit Visa!
More answers regarding driving from New York to Toronto, Canada - Transit visa - Indian citizen
Answer 2
The transit visa allows you to transit through the country; it does not have any other restrictions. Some countries (for example, Saudi Arabia) have restrictions on their visas that dictate the method of entry to the country - but Canada does not have such conditions.
Therefore, the visa to transit is as valid for you to enter Canada as it is for you to transit through the airport - as long as the intention of your visit is to transit.
Keep in mind that the decision to let you enter is at the discretion of the CBSA officers at the border. You'll have to convince them of the nature and purpose of your trip. I only mention this because it is highly unusual for someone to cross the land border with a transit visa - but there is nothing wrong (legally) with doing so; but as it is unusual it may warrant further checks/inspections/questions/delays at the border; so be prepared for that.
Assuming you are able to get the visa in time; its a nice 10+ hour drive (given traffic and congestion at the border). Its approximately 500 miles.
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