What are the Travel Rules For Canadians With Dual Citizenship ?

I am a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country. Can I still fly to Canada with my non-Canadian passport?

Effective November 10, 2016, the answer to this question in one word is “No” ! 

According to Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website, All air travelers need to have appropriate documents to travel to Canada before they can board their flight. Canadians, including dual citizens, will need to show proof they are Canadian citizens.

If you are a dual Canadian citizen who previously used to travelling to or transiting through Canada by air with a non-Canadian passport, you will no longer be able to do so as of November 10, 2016. You will need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight. 

If your other 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 so Make sure to carry both passports when you travel.

However there is an Exception: If you are an American-Canadian dual citizen with a valid U.S. passport, you don’t need a Canadian passport to fly to Canada. You will still need to carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

Find out if you are eligible for a special authorization to board your flight to Canada

Until January 31, 2017, you can apply for a special authorization if you:

• have a flight to Canada that leaves in less than 10 days, and
• have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country.

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.

Apply for Special Authorization