Canada expands transit scheme for Chinese passengers

The Canadian government has expanded its China Transit Program (CTP), making it easier for Chinese visitors to transit through Canada en route to and from the US.

The country’s Citizenship & Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, announced that from 1 June 2015, the scheme will allow travellers flying to and from Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Seoul Incheon airports to transit through Canada visa-free.

This brings the total number of Asian airports involved in the programme to nine, following the existing inclusion of Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai Pudong, Manila and Taipei Taoyuan.

“Our government is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and travel, including supporting Canada’s air industry efforts to attract more transit business to the country,” said Alexander.

“This expansion of the China Transit Program will help generate more business for our airlines and airports, and could potentially lead to the opening of new routes and destinations, which would benefit all travellers, including Canadians.”

The CTP is valid for travellers on participating airlines transiting between the US and Asia at Toronto Pearson and Vancouver airports.

The Canadian government said is also simplifying the administrative process by which new airlines can participate in the CTP.

sourced:traveldialymedia.com