Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport
Dual Canadian citizens can no longer travel to or transit through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport. You need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight.
If your country needs you to enter and exit that country using a passport issued by its government, you will still need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada. Make sure to carry both passports when you travel. Find out more about why you must travel with a valid Canadian passport when travelling by air.
Canadian-American dual citizens
To fly to Canada, you need
- either your valid U.S. passport or your valid Canadian passport
- to meet the basic requirements to enter Canada
If you travel with just your valid U.S. passport, you
- will need to carry identification that shows your Canadian citizenship
- may be asked to go through immigration screening
Even though you only need one of your passports to enter Canada, you should travel with both. Having both passports makes travel between Canada and the United States easier. Your passports prove
- your citizenships
- that you have the right to enter Canada and the U.S. without immigration screening
Flying in a few days or at the airport without a Canadian passport?
You may have the option to board your flight if you qualify for a special authorization. Otherwise, you will have to reschedule your flight and get a valid Canadian passport.
Apply for a Canadian passport
Find out how to apply
Not sure if you are a Canadian citizen?
If you were born outside Canada to a parent who is Canadian or are just not sure about your status, see Am I Canadian? to find out
Find out if you are eligible for a special authorization to board your flight to Canada
You can apply for a special authorization if you:
- have not been issued a Canadian passport that is valid on the day of your travel
- have a flight to Canada that leaves in less than 10 days
- have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- are not a Canadian-American dual citizen
And one of the following:
- have previously received a certificate of Canadian citizenship, or
- held a Canadian passport in the past, or
- were granted Canadian citizenship after having been a permanent resident of Canada.
Your information will be verified in our electronic systems to confirm that you are a Canadian citizen. This authorization will be valid for only 4 days from the date of travel you select on the form. If you don’t use it within this time, you will need to apply for a new authorization.
The Government of Canada will perform updates to its online system from 12:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Eastern time. The special authorization application form will not be available at that time. We apologize for the inconvenience. To apply for a special authorization, please return after 5:30 a.m. ET on January 30.
If you are not eligible for the special authorization
There are no quick fixes to help you get on your flight.
Contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out what your options are. Only under strict conditions and on a case-by-case basis will temporary passports or emergency travel documents be issued.
Need help? Find answers to your questions about the Canadian passport.
Why you must travel with a valid Canadian passport
Starting November 10, 2016, a new Government of Canada electronic system will verify that all passengers have an appropriate travel document before they can board a flight to Canada. This process will happen automatically when your travel document is scanned during check-in for your flight.
This change is part of a broader Government of Canada initiative aimed at ensuring that all Canada-bound passengers have appropriate travel documents to enter the country before they board their flight.
For Canadian citizens, including dual Canadian citizens, you must present an acceptable travel document that shows that you are a Canadian. This means you need a valid Canadian passport (or a Canadian temporary passport, or a Canadian emergency travel document) to allow airline check-in staff and border officials to confirm that you are Canadian.
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.
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