Canadians with dual citizenship will need to use their Canadian passport to return here by plane from September 30, or they will not be allowed to board their flight.
The change is part of new government rules requiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for all people flying into Canada, whether to visit directly or in transit.
Canadian citizens are exempt from the requirement, but it means they will need to prove their citizenship before they board a flight.
For more information on the eTA, click here.
The eTA was implemented in March 2016, with a period of leniency introduced that will end on September 30.
Guidance issued by the government said Canadian citizens and permanent residents would not require the authorisation. However, this means they will have to travel using their Canadian documentation.
Here is the clarification on the Canadian government website:
“Starting September 30, 2016, all air travellers will 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 and use the right travel documents.”
Previously, Canadian dual citizens were able to travel using their other passport provided they had some proof of their Canadian citizenship, including a driving licence or a citizenship card.
Passport holders from visa-exempt countries require the eTA to travel to Canada by air. Land and sea arrivals do not require the authorisation. A full list of visa-exempt countries is available here.
Those applying for an eTA need a valid passport or travel document if coming from the US. You also need a credit card to pay the $7 fee and a valid email address. You can apply by clicking here.
A number of fake eTA websites have sprung up since the Canadian government introduced the new requirement, asking for several times more money to process the application.
Travellers are advised to use only the official Canadian government website.
The eTA was introduced as part of Canada’s harmonization of its travel security with the US. The two countries recently agreed to share entry and exit information. It means Canadians need to be a bit more careful how long they spend in the US.
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Recent News Articles:
- What is an Electronic Travel Authorization?
- Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Period of Leniency Ends Soon
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