News & Events

"TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA" TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESS AT CANADIAN AIRPORTS
 On July 30, 2009, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
Minister Jason Kenney, Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan, and International
Trade and the Asia-Pacific Gateway Minister Stockwell Day announced the news of
making it easier for international travelers on their way to and from the United
States to pass through Canadian airports.

This new program will allow certain international travelers en route to and
from the US with valid US visas to transit through Canadian airports without a
Canadian transit visa. The Transit without visa program is being implemented in
Vancouver following a successful pilot project which intends to achieve a
balance between ensuring security and facilitating the movement of genuine
travelers.

"Removing the requirement for a Canadian transit visa will make
Canadian airports more attractive for international travelers going to and from
the United States," said Minister Kenney. "This will help airports expand their
business, which will in turn have a positive impact on the local economy."

The program only applies to nationals of the Philippines, Indonesia,
Thailand, and Taiwan who hold valid US visas and are travelling through
Vancouver International Airport to and from the United States right now. The
following airlines are eligible to participate in the program: Philippine
Airlines, China Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airways.

The program expansion will mean expansion to the economic benefits to Canada,
such as more revenue from airport fees.

There will be an evaluation after one year of trial.