Travel documents for dual Canadian citizens flying to Canada

10/13/2016

Canada’s new entry requirement

A new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), is now in effect for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. To make sure travelling to Canada stays easy and stress free, leniency will be shown to travellers who are caught unaware until November 9, 2016.

However, starting November 10, 2016, all air travellers, including Canadian citizens, will need to have appropriate documents to travel to Canada before they can board their flight. A valid Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document that provides proof that you are a citizen and have the right to enter Canada without being subjected to immigration screening. Make sure that the expiry date of the passport is well beyond your planned return date.

What this change means for dual Canadian citizens

If you are a Canadian citizen and a citizen of a visa-exempt country (dual Canadian citizen) who currently uses your non-Canadian passport to fly to Canada, you cannot apply for an eTA. This is because eTA was set up to screen foreigners for admissibility to enter Canada on a temporary basis.

Every Canadian citizen has the right to enter Canada and is not subject to immigration screening. Travelling with a valid Canadian passport proves that you are a citizen.

Exception for American-Canadians:

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to fly to Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

Travel documents you will need

Starting November 10, 2016, you will need to show proof you are a Canadian citizen to travel to Canada by air.

Travel documents that prove citizenship are:

  • a valid Canadian passport;
  • a Canadian temporary passport; or
  • a Canadian emergency travel document.

If you don’t have a valid travel document that proves your Canadian citizenship at check-in, you may not be able to board your flight.

If this happens to you:

  • There are no quick fixes to help you get on your flight.
  • You will need to contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to get the appropriate travel document.

Be prepared: Renew or apply for a Canadian passport as soon as you can before November 9, 2016. Find out how long it takes to get a passport and plan your travel accordingly. It also takes time if you need to get documents such as a proof of Canadian citizenship and or supporting identification documents.

Top three benefits of travelling with a valid Canadian passport

A Canadian passport:

  • is accepted worldwide and makes flying to Canada hassle-free,
  • provides you with access to consular assistance from Canadian government offices abroad with minimal delay, and
  • offers protection from identity theft - prevents someone who may try to get a Canadian passport in your name.

Not sure if you are a Canadian citizen?

You may be a Canadian citizen without knowing it. See “Am I Canadian?” to find out.

How to apply for a Canadian passport

To apply for a Canadian passport, you will need proof of Canadian citizenship.

If you have proof of Canadian citizenship

Follow these instructions to apply for a passport if you have an original proof of Canadian citizenship and:

  • you have never had a Canadian passport,
  • your passport has been expired for more than one (1) year, or
  • you are under the age of 16, you are applying from outside Canada and the United States.

CIC