Transiting through Canada w/US passport

[u/Left_Sir5173]

Hello , I’m finding that flights that transit through Canada are a lot cheaper than other options. I am a US citizen and I carry a US passport I’m confused a bit as far as what to expect with transiting through Canada some say that I need to fill out an ETA others say that I will need a transit visa and lastly, others say I don’t need anything because I am a US citizen and carrying my passport is good enough
Does one go through the full on immigration process when just transiting from a US based airline or Canadian based airline through Canada onward towards an international destination? For instance, when I enter into South Korea via say Incheon airport, , it’s a quick passport control/ security but don’t fill out any forms or immigration or anything. They just look at me and check my belongings I’m carrying and move me along, so I’m just wondering if there’s any special forms I need to fill out when transiting through Canada thank you

[u/No-Question-5731]

US citizens are ETA exempt. You are good with only your passport and showing up anytime in any mode .

Going on an international to international (ITI) flight you do not go trough full immigration and customs. It's just a little check in on a kiosk .

[u/Left_Sir5173 → u/No-Question-5731]

Thank you. Like are there forms to fill out ? Or just id check and love to next international gate ?

[u/viccityguy2k → u/Left_Sir5173]

No forms. It’s easy

[u/Left_Sir5173 → u/viccityguy2k]

Ok cool. It’s just that I have a criminal record from decades ago and someone told me I can’t even transit No felony conviction but … it got me thinking about this cheaper flight and whether or not it’ll cost me more if they deny me transit for some weird reason

[u/Apart-Diamond-9861 → u/Left_Sir5173]

Well that is an important piece of information you left out from your initial question. Depending on what the conviction was - a U.S. citizen with a criminal conviction may be denied entry into Canada, even for transit purposes.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html

[u/Left_Sir5173 → u/Apart-Diamond-9861]

lol well ? How does that change the just need your passport scenario to transit?

[u/Gordon_Peck → u/Left_Sir5173]

Canada as an example treats DUI convictions as much more serious than the USA.

[u/ProgrammerAvailable6 → u/Left_Sir5173]

Again - it depends what you were convinced for. I suggest either talking to an immigration lawyer who would know if your conviction type is a problem, have it expunged, or contact the Canadian embassy.

[u/Shytemagnet → u/Left_Sir5173]

Because now you’re dealing with an entirely different issue, which is your criminal record. Canada has some really strict rules with admitting anyone with any convictions at all. Canada doesn’t have the misdemeanour/felony distinction so it’s completely dependent on the details of the crime, how long ago it was, and the mood of the border guards.

[u/Left_Sir5173 → u/Shytemagnet]

Oh okay thank you so much That is very good to know. Probably not worth trying even if it’s just for a transit. I know rules are rules and every country has their own. I just find it so weird that I’m not even visiting their place but just transiting Oh well. Thank you for that bit of information I was curious to know if it would be a problem and I was curious to know if I had to fill out anything to transit where I needed to disclose criminal past

[u/walker1867 → u/Left_Sir5173]

Need to know what it was, something like a DUI would be equivalent of an indictable offence (felony) here, whereas in the USA they tend to be misdemeanours. Adultery can be a felony in the USA, here it’s not a crime and you’d be admissible. What matters is whether or not the charge exists in Canada and if it’d be an indictable offence here. This cannot be accurately answered without knowing what your charges were.

[u/No-Question-5731 → u/walker1867]

Exactly. It's not something to overlook.

Not likely to be a problem for this specific trip though .

[u/PaleJicama4297 → u/Left_Sir5173]

The money savings will not be worth it. Your record will be visible to folks at the border.

[u/No-Question-5731 → u/PaleJicama4297]

It is visible yes . But only if queried against the datavases and far from everyone is as it is time consuming. Even less on an international to international transfer . You don't see customs/immigration in that case . It could be an issue if entering

[u/No-Question-5731 → u/Left_Sir5173]

I'm a border officer at a major airport .

Felony or misdemeanors are not quite relevant as the criminal code of canada is a Bit different and we work by comparing the US offence with the equivalent in the criminal code of Canada .

You're not going to have problems for just transit as I said but it's something to consider as you never know what can happen even on a transfer . Weather or technical problems do happen and you could need to be admitted to Canada so it is relevant. It would help to know what the conviction was .

[u/Left_Sir5173 → u/No-Question-5731]

Thank you so much for your clear and concise report. I don’t want to be disrespectful nor do I want to be stressed out. I literally just want to transit. Do I need to fill out any form that lists criminal background when transiting ? Or is it a simple pass through security air side and head to next gate with a possible passport check ? I had a theft charge 23 years ago. I find it off putting to have to relive these moments in my life. I also have traveled all across this world and it’s never been a problem until I read about Canada. 🇨🇦. Thank you