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Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Indigenous Peoples can enter Canada by right. However, the Canadian government recommends that Canadian citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport, as it is the only universally accepted identification document. Airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding, and other documents may not be accepted. In addition to a passport, some travellers may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a Canadian passport to enter Canada? | Canadians holding dual citizenship, Canadian permanent residents/landed immigrants returning to Canada from abroad, Canadian citizens |
| Who is exempt from needing a Canadian passport to enter Canada? | French citizens who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon entering Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon |
| What are other accepted documents for entering Canada? | NEXUS or FAST card, Certificate of Canadian citizenship, Certificate of retention, Certificate of naturalization, Registration of birth abroad certificate, Permanent Resident Card, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC), Birth certificate in combination with either a driver's license or a government-issued photo identification |
| What else might someone need to enter Canada? | A visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), biometrics |
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What You'll Learn
Canadians with dual citizenship must have a Canadian passport
Canadians with dual citizenship must have a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada. This has been a requirement since November 2016, when the Canadian government introduced a new electronic system to verify that all passengers have the appropriate travel documents before boarding a flight to Canada.
Canadian citizens with dual citizenship can no longer travel to or transit through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport. This means that even if you have a valid passport from another country, you will still need to carry and present a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada. It is recommended that you carry both passports when travelling to avoid complications at border crossings.
The Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document for Canadians travelling abroad. It proves that you have a right to return to Canada. While other documents may be accepted as proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a certificate of citizenship or a birth certificate, these are not always accepted by airlines and may result in delays or denial of boarding.
It is important to note that the requirements for dual citizens can vary depending on the country they are entering or exiting. For example, some countries may require a passport issued by that country to enter or exit, and there may be additional requirements such as an exit visa. Therefore, it is essential to always check the specific entry and exit requirements for each country when travelling with dual citizenship.
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Permanent residents need a PR card
All international travellers, regardless of age, must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A valid Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document and proves that you have a right to return to Canada.
Permanent residents (PRs) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when entering Canada on a commercial carrier. PRs are usually citizens of other countries, and as non-citizens, they must use the passport of their current nationality in combination with a PR card for international travel. This is because they cannot be issued Canadian passports unless they are stateless and issued a Canadian Certificate of Identity or Refugee travel document.
A PR card is one of the only documents that allows PRs to return to Canada by a commercial carrier. PRs must meet the residency obligation (a minimum of 730 days in every five years) in order to renew their PR cards. All valid PR card holders are deemed to have not lost their permanent resident status and have the right to enter and remain in Canada during the card's validity. If a PR card expires, it does not mean the holder has lost their permanent resident status. It is the date after which the card must be replaced with a new card. It is the responsibility of the PR cardholder to ensure their PR card is still valid when they return from travel outside Canada.
If a PR does not have a valid PR card, they may apply for a single-use PRTD before returning to Canada by commercial vehicle. This is a document that allows a journey to Canada, but it is not a replacement for a PR card.
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Students and workers need a visa or eTA
Canadian citizens are recommended to travel with a valid Canadian passport, as it is the only universally accepted identification document and proves their right to return to Canada. While Canadian citizens do not need a visa or eTA to enter Canada, they may face delays or be barred from boarding their flight if they fail to present their passport.
Canadian permanent residents/immigrants need a valid passport and a Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) to return to Canada. Dual citizens must travel with a Canadian passport even for transit purposes. Certificates of citizenship are no longer accepted for travel by air.
Students and temporary workers in Canada who are citizens of a country for which a visa is required to enter Canada must hold a valid visa to return to Canada from abroad, even if they have a valid study or work permit. Citizens of visa-exempt countries who applied for and/or received their original study or work permit before August 1, 2015, require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Visa-exempt foreign citizens must obtain an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. An eTA is linked to the traveller's passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new eTA is required for a new passport.
To apply for an eTA, individuals need their passport, a credit card, and an email address. The eTA costs CAD $7. Most applicants are approved within minutes, but some applications can take several days to process. It is important to note that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Upon arrival, travellers must convince a border services officer of their eligibility to enter the country.
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US permanent residents need a passport and Green Card
Canadian citizens are recommended to always carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling, as this is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves their right to return to Canada. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, French citizens who are residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon entering Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon do not need to present a passport, their National Identification Card is accepted.
US permanent residents are also exempt from needing a Canadian passport to enter Canada by air. Instead, they must present a valid passport from their country of citizenship and their Green Card/USLPR card. US permanent residents entering Canada by land or water directly from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon must present their US permanent resident card to an officer on arrival.
It is important to note that US permanent residents can travel outside of the US without affecting their permanent resident status, as long as the trip is temporary or brief. However, if a US permanent resident is found to have abandoned their permanent resident status by not intending to make the US their permanent home, they may lose their status. This usually applies to absences from the US of more than a year, but can also include trips of less than a year if the individual is believed to not intend to make the US their permanent residence.
In the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed Green Card while abroad, US permanent residents may need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document. This carrier documentation will allow an airline or transportation carrier to board a lawful permanent resident bound for the US without penalty. Additionally, if planning to be absent from the US for longer than a year, it is advisable to apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before leaving. This will assist in establishing the intention to permanently reside in the US and avoid the need to obtain a returning resident visa while abroad.
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eTA must be linked to your passport
Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel with a valid Canadian passport. Certificates of citizenship and other documents previously used as proof of Canadian citizenship are no longer accepted for travel by air. If you are a Canadian permanent resident with a NEXUS or FAST card, you must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence.
If you are a visa-required traveller, ensure that your visitor visa is valid for re-entry into Canada. If you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you must travel with the passport that is electronically linked to your eTA. An eTA is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals entering Canada. To complete the eTA form, you will need your passport, a credit card, and an email address. You must also answer a few questions.
When your eTA is approved, the passport number included in your eTA approval email must match the number in your passport. This is because, when you check in for your flight to Canada, the airline staff will scan your passport to confirm that you have a valid eTA. If you do not have one, you will not be able to board your flight.
Before booking a trip to Canada, it is recommended that you check the entry requirements by country or territory. You may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an eTA to enter Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport to enter Canada by air.
Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document to enter Canada.
US citizens must carry a valid US passport.
US permanent residents must present a valid passport from their country of nationality and a valid Green Card or equivalent proof of status.
You will need a valid passport from your country of citizenship or nationality. You may also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
