Dual Citizen? Better Update Your Canadian Passport

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Are you a Canadian with dual citizenship? Better update your Canadian passport or there could be a rude awakening waiting for you next time you fly into Canada.

That’s because a new policy by the Government of Canada, which goes into effect on Sept. 30, requires that Canadian citizens with dual citizenship must carry a Canadian passport to enter the country by air. Previously, dual citizens needed only to carry their non-Canadian passport as well as a government-issued ID card, such as a driver’s license or Canadian citizenship card.

The move is part of new entry requirements to help increase border security. Late last year, the Government of Canada rolled out the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which requires travellers from visa-exempt countries to receive electronic authorization before travelling to Canada. Although the eTA program hit some early glitches, and subsequently announced a leniency period, the program now appears to be on track for a full implementation as of Sept.  30, 2016.

The new legislation will likely be most problematic for dual citizens residing overseas, who travel using the passport of their country of residence. They will now be required to carry a Canadian passport in order to enter Canada or they could be denied boarding privileges on their Canada-bound flights.  

Many Canadians are puzzled by the regulation. Some call it a blatant “cash grab.”

For its part, the Government of Canada website states “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.”

Still, there is a question as to why the policy only affects air travellers and does not (yet) apply to travellers entering Canada by land, rail or sea.

Normally, processing time for Canadian passports can take up to 20 business days plus mailing time, although some agencies are reporting wait times of up to 40 days as Canadians scramble to get their paperwork in order to meet the September 30 deadline.

For more information, visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp.