Conflict in Sudan: Measures for Canadian citizens and permanent residents

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are affected by the conflict in Sudan are eligible for a fee exemption when applying for

• certain types of Canadian travel documents, such as
  • 1-year limited validity passports
  • temporary passports
  • emergency travel documents
• a Canadian citizenship certificate
• a permanent resident travel document

On this page:

• Apply for a Canadian travel document
• Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate
• Apply for a permanent resident travel document
• How to contact us

Apply for a Canadian travel document

If you’re a Canadian citizen who is affected by the conflict in Sudan and you need passport services to travel, you can apply for any of the following documents for free:

• 1-year limited validity passport
• temporary passport
• emergency travel document

How to apply

1. Complete an application for a Canadian passport(opens in a new tab) .
2. Write and sign a letter that explains how you’re affected by the conflict in Sudan and how you qualify for these special measures. Your letter must include the keyword “SD2023.”
3. Include the letter with your application.
4. Submit your letter and application by following the instructions for your situation.

If you have questions about applying for your travel document, contact the closest government of Canada office abroad.

Apply for a citizenship certificate

You’re eligible for a fee exemption when you apply for a citizenship certificate if

• you’re a Canadian citizen who is affected by the conflict in Sudan
• you need to replace your Canadian citizenship certificate
• you need to confirm your Canadian citizenship to get a Canadian passport or travel document

How to apply

1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply online(opens in a new tab) .
   • If you’re not able to apply online, you can apply on paper.
2. If you can apply online, you’ll see a Create an account or sign in button.
   • If you don’t already have an IRCC secure account, you need to create one.
3. You can choose the electronic citizenship certificate or a paper citizenship certificate. If we approve your electronic citizenship certificate application, you’ll get instructions on how to download your certificate in your IRCC secure account.
   • If you choose to get a paper citizenship certificate, it’s important to know that mailing times will impact the time it takes to get your certificate. A delay may impact the type of passport or travel document you receive.
4. Write and sign a letter that explains how you’re affected by the conflict in Sudan and how you qualify for these special measures. Upload this letter under Client Information in the “Supporting Documents” section.

How to apply on paper for a citizenship certificate

If you can’t apply online, follow these steps to apply on paper:

1. Complete the paper application for a citizenship certificate(opens in a new tab) .
2. Write and sign a letter that explains how you’re affected by the conflict in Sudan and how you qualify for these special measures. Include this letter with your application.
3. Don’t pay the fee or include a receipt.
4. You can choose the electronic citizenship certificate or a paper citizenship certificate. If we approve your electronic citizenship certificate application, we’ll send instructions to the most recent email address you gave us on how to download your certificate.
5. If you choose to get a paper citizenship certificate, it’s important to know that mailing times will impact the time it takes to get your certificate. A delay may impact the type of passport or travel document you receive.
6. Write “SD2023” on the envelope and on the first page of your application or covering document.
7. Submit your application to a Government of Canada office by
   • dropping it off (walk-in appointments are not available)
   • using a third-party courier (you can’t send your application by regular mail)

How to submit your paper application

If you’re applying from Canada or the US

Mail your application to the appropriate address below.

If you’re applying from a country that’s not Canada or the US

Submit your application to a Government of Canada office by

• dropping it off (walk-in appointments are not available)
• using a third party courier (you can’t send your application by regular mail)

Apply for a permanent resident travel document

If you don’t have a valid permanent resident card, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document for free if

• you’re a permanent resident of Canada who is affected by the conflict in Sudan
• you need a permanent resident travel document to travel

You can apply online or on paper

How to apply online

1. Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal.
2. Complete the application for a permanent resident travel document(opens in a new tab) .
   • If your request is urgent, select “Yes, my request is urgent.” In the “Reason” box, select the reason that most closely fits your situation. Upload a document that explains your situation (for example, a written letter with details of the situation).
   • If you don’t have a valid passport or valid travel document, upload a letter explaining why you don’t have it in the “Supporting documents” section.
3. In the “Proof of payment” section, upload a document that includes the phrase “I am exempt from paying fees under the Sudan special measures.” Include “SD2023” at the top of the letter.
4. Submit your application.

If you apply on paper

1. Complete the application for a permanent resident travel document(opens in a new tab) .
2. Write “SD2023” on the envelope and on the first page of your application or covering document.
3. Write and sign a letter that explains how you‘re affected by the conflict in Sudan and how you qualify for these special measures. Include this letter with your application.
4. If you don’t have a valid passport or valid travel document, include a letter explaining why you don’t have it.
5. Submit your application to the visa application centre (VAC) nearest you.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or if you have questions, fill out the web form(opens in a new tab)  and:

• Complete all required fields.
• Include “SD2023” in the text box.

If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the

• closest Government of Canada office or
• Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Related links:

• Canada’s response to the crisis in Sudan