It was just a connecting flight.
Lagos to Toronto… then onward to another country.
They weren’t planning to enter Canada — just pass through the airport.
But they never got on the plane.
Many travellers believe that a transit stop does not require any additional checks.
If you’re not entering the country, why would you need permission?
This assumption is one of the most common reasons travellers are stopped at check-in.
Transit rules can apply even when:
Transit rules in Canada are not always straightforward.
Requirements can depend on:
Some travellers may be able to transit without a visa under certain conditions.
Others may need authorisation before travel — even for a short layover.
These differences are not always obvious when booking flights.
Most issues happen before departure — not during the journey.
Airlines are responsible for checking that passengers meet all requirements.
If something is unclear or missing:
This can happen even if everything else appears correct.
Transit requirements are not one-size-fits-all.
They can change based on:
Two travellers on the same flight may face completely different requirements.
And these differences are often only discovered at the airport.
That’s when airlines deny boarding before departure.
If your journey includes a stop in Canada, it’s important to review your full travel route — not just your destination.
👉 Check your transit rules here: Canada transit requirements for Nigerian passport holders
👉 Check entry requirements: Entry requirements for Canada
👉 Check visa requirements: Canada visa requirements