Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport

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.

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.

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.