Entering Canada During Transit
 

Hi, I am at PIT checking in for my flight to YYZ and onwards on HND. The agent just said I will not be allowed to clear immigration and customs in Toronto to visit my friend between my flights. Could someone please verify this information is incorrect? I am a Singapore passport holder and do not require a visa to enter Canada. My luggage had been checked through to SIN. Thanks.

Of course you are - just follow the Arrivals signs, go downstairs and clear Immigration - beware that some Canadian Immigration folks are not very friendly. There is no transit without visa in Canada - you always clear Immigration - upstairs for transit, downstairs for entering Canada.

PS. I did it in August flying from IAH via YYZ to WAW.

Check-in agents are clueless about any issues related to immigration and/or security. You would be better off asking a janitor for information.

SIN citizens can come into Canada without visa but you still have to justify your visit. It should not be a problem, just an FYI that YYZ airport is nothing like the beautiful SIN airport. Our airport here is a cold, unwelcoming concrete building.

Compared to JFK, LGA, DCA ... YYZ ain't so bad.