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Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

October 1, 2022 : COVID-19 emergency border measures ended

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. You must be able to confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

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Residents returning to canada, travel with children and minors, international visitors to canada, electronic travel authorization, fake websites, related links.

Planning travel to Canada? Visit COVID-19 : Entering Canada requirements checklist for information about quarantine and your admissibility to Canada.

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States (U.S.). It is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

Other acceptable documents for establishing canadian citizenship, other acceptable documents to support identity, acceptable documents for establishing registered indian status and identity.

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travellers must satisfy a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, this can be done through questioning and through verifying documentation such as a:

  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian birth certificate
  • permanent residence card
  • citizenship card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship :

  • NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
  • FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
  • Canadian emergency travel document
  • Canadian temporary passport
  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
  • Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
  • Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

The following documents may be used to establish Canadian citizenship . Upon presentation by travellers, the documents should be supported by other government issued photo identification:

  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
  • Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
  • Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

The following documents may be used to establish your identity :

  • CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
  • Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
  • Provincial and territorial driver's license
  • Employment or student card with photo and signature
  • Provincial health insurance card
  • Provincial identity card
  • Canadian Forces identification
  • Police identification
  • Firearms acquisition certificate
  • Credit card
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act .

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2009. Existing versions of the CIS will remain valid until their renewal date.

If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., we encourage you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

For information on Canada-U.S. border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card .

When travelling with a minor, you should:

  • carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
  • arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
  • you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
  • you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

  • telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about any minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad .

More information

  • Children and travel
  • Our Missing Children program

Check Travel health measures

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada . What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country .

When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U.S. are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) to fly to or transit through Canada.

Exceptions, or visa and eTA-exempt foreign nationals, include:

  • U.S. citizens
  • U.S Lawful Permanent Residents
  • travellers with a valid Canadian visa
  • Other exceptions

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for an eTA.

Foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA , if eligible .

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

  • Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization
  • Get help with Electronic Travel Authorizations
  • Dual citizens
  • Canadian permanent residents
  • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application .

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  • Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

Help Centre what do you need help with?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Answers others found useful

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  • How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
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  • Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
  • How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
  • I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
  • What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
  • Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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What You Need to Know About Visiting Canada From the U.S.

travel passport canada

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Passport requirements have been a complicated and ever-changing issue for U.S. travelers to Canada due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which was introduced in 2004 by the U.S. government to strengthen U.S. border security and standardize travel documentation. Visitors from any country other than the U.S. have always needed a passport to enter Canada. On the other hand, because of a friendly border crossing agreement between Canada and the United States, Canada Border Services did not require U.S. citizens to present a passport to enter Canada. This friendly border crossing agreement used to be mutual; however, now the WHTI requires that U.S. citizens have a passport to return home via air.

In this way,  passport requirements  for Canada and U.S. borders are different on paper, but, are in practice, the same. Canada will not allow a U.S. citizen into the country who does not have the proper documentation to return home.

The Canadian government requires citizens of the United States to have a passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, but not to enter Canada by land or by boat. For those travelers, in lieu of a passport, Canada requires that you carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as photo identification.

NEXUS is a voluntary program designed to speed up border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travelers into Canada and the United States. The information you provide is used to determine your eligibility. 

NEXUS members use dedicated processing lanes at certain northern border crossing points, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Pre-clearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website has a list of trusted traveler programs including NEXUS and provides application information. 

Returning to the United States

U.S. citizens and permanent residents traveling to Canada by air are required by U.S. law to present a passport for entry into Canada and will need to present their passport again when returning to the U.S. For those traveling by land or water, you will need a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License, or another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document to enter Canada, and will need to show these documents again to return to the U.S.

Children under 16 need to present proof of U.S. citizenship when entering Canada with their parents. As with adults, the requirements are different for those flying. If minor children (under 18) are traveling alone, with one parent only, or with someone other than their parents, they may need additional documentation . This is for the protection of the children.

All children returning to the United States from Canada by air must hold a valid U.S. passport.

Recommendations 

Follow the most restrictive recommendations because you can't predict where your future travels will take you. Document requirements for travelers to and from Canada by air are required to have passports so even if you are traveling by car this time, consider obtaining a passport in anticipation of future travel plans.

Additional information, as well as current advisories, can be found on the websites of the Canada Border Services Agency and The US Department of State.

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Canada Travel Requirements

A Canadian flag flying in front of a forested mountain and blue sky view

Over the past 20 years of helping readers like you with their travel document needs, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is:

  • Do you need a passport to go to Canada?

Yes. Canadian law requires U.S. citizens to present a passport book or passport card to enter Canada. You also need a valid passport for all international travel by air.

If you don't have a passport , you have the option to use a WHTI-compliant travel document (more on these later). These are the only passport alternatives Americans can use to both enter Canada and re-enter the United States via a land or sea port of entry. Birth certificates and driver's licenses are not good enough .

Unfortunately, many U.S. citizens realize this too late. If you try to cross the Canadian border by land or sea without proper documentation, you will be turned away by the agents of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to visit Canada for up to 180 days. Anyone seeking to enter Canada for any purpose other than a visit (e.g. to work, study or immigrate) must qualify for the appropriate entry status and should contact the Canadian Embassy (or nearest consulate) and visit the Canadian immigration website .

If you are planning a trip to Canada soon , you need to explore your expedited passport processing options . Otherwise, the processing time for a new passport or passport renewal currently takes 6 to 8 weeks , however it can take longer depending upon demand and world events. Some alternative forms of proof, like the NEXUS card, can take up to 6 months to get.

For the quickest turnaround time, using a registered passport courier service is the best option . These experts can help you apply for and get a passport book or passport card fast -sometimes in as few as 24 hours.

Check out or directory of top passport expediting services . Many of these businesses have multiple offices across the US at the ready to help you get a new passport or renew an existing one quickly and without hassle. With their help, you can save both time and money compared to the costs of getting a rushed passport on your own .

Table of Contents

How to enter canada without a valid passport book.

  • How to Use an Advance CBSA Declaration
  • Requirements for Minors Traveling to Canada
  • Requirements for Business Travel to Canada
  • Requirements for Canadian Dual Citizens

What You Can and Cannot Bring into Canada

Bringing vehicles into canada, how a dui or criminal record can affect entry to canada, final steps to prepare to visit canada.

A Canadian border inspection sign on a chain link fence

U.S. citizens haven't always needed a passport to enter Canada.

Before June 1, 2009 Canadian law allowed all American citizens to enter Canada by showing a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver's license) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, proof of Indian status, or an expired U.S. passport. Those days are over .

Furthermore, even if Canada still allowed entry with only these forms of identification, the United States does not accept these documents as sufficient proof to re-enter the United States. Regardless of what Canadian law requires or what other proof is sufficient for Canadian citizens, American travelers entering Canada must be able to present acceptable proof of US citizenship to re-enter the United States.

Again, a valid passport book is the best and most versatile option for meeting both American and Canadian requirements ; but they are not the only options.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows for several different types of travel documents to be used to cross back and forth across the U.S.-Canadian border. In most cases, these are both more limited in their usefulness and more time consuming to get compared to a passport book.

One of the WHTI-compliant documents for crossing the land border is the U.S. Passport Card. The card may not be used to travel by air. It is only available to U.S. citizens (not green card holders or other non-citizen residents). All eligible American travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport card well in advance of anticipated travel to avoid any problems.

The following items are considered valid WHTI identification documents for traveling to Canada :

  • A U.S. passport card
  • An enhanced driver's license ( EDL )
  • A Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS card SENTRI card, FAST card, or Global Entry card)
  • An enhanced tribal card (ETC)
  • A military identification card (only for members of the U.S. armed services on official maritime business)
  • A Military ID with official orders that require travel to Canada or through the country's borders

While a valid passport book is the only travel document you can use for international air travel , the rest of the options listed above can be used at most land and sea ports of entry to Canada. They are also accepted when you leave Canada and attempt to re-enter the United States via any land border or sea border crossings.

Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers, who must cross the border regularly to join the NEXUS Trusted traveler program.

WHTI documents (like the NEXUS card) simplify entering Canada by land or sea for frequent travelers in a number of ways:

  • Passport books are big. Carrying them around is a hassle when you need to use them often. On the other hand, a passport card, SENTRI card, enhanced driver's license, or any of the other cards issued as part of the Trusted Traveler Program can fit alongside a credit or debit card in your wallet or purse.

The various WHTI cards are made from a durable plastic that is tougher than the current US passport book . However, if your card is significantly damaged, it can be rejected just as a damaged passport book would be.

  • Passport books have limited number of pages. When your passport book is out of usable pages for entry and exit stamps, it must be renewed. There is no way to add pages to a passport book . This means people who need to cross the US-Canadian border often will also need to renew passports more frequently. This is time and an expense that can be avoided by taking advantage of WHTI programs.

If you are an American citizen and plan on entering Canada by land or sea, the WHTI offers a great way to travel to Canada without a passport.

But remember : if you are planning to fly in or out of Canada, you need a passport book. There is no passport card, WHTI document, or Trusted Traveler Program card that will allow you to board a flight.

Use an Advance CBSA Declaration to Save Time at the Border

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced an optional feature called "Advance CBSA Declaration." This program allows travelers to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada, enhancing the speed and ease of entry.

The Advance CBSA Declaration is currently only available for use at selected Canadian international airports:

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 & 3
  • Vancouver International Airport
  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

Entry Requirements for Minors Traveling to Canada

A family with passports at a Canadian airport terminal

There are unique rules for some minors traveling between the U.S. and Canada .

U.S. citizens under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, cultural organization, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate (original, photocopy, or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate to visit Canada. This is also sufficient for re-entry into the U.S.

All citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport book to enter or re-enter the United States via air -regardless of age.

There are also additional requirements a minor's parents or legal guardian(s) need to fulfill.

If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor who is not your child or for whom you do not have full legal custody, the Canada Border Services Agency may require you to present a notarized affidavit of consent from the minor's parents or legal guardian(s).

There is no specific form for this document, but it should be a signed statement that includes:

  • Dates of travel to Canada
  • A description of the travel itinerary
  • Names of parents or legal guardian(s) with full legal custody and photo copies of their government issued photo IDs (like a driver's license, passport, passport card, etc.)
  • Names of the supervising adult(s) responsible for the minor while abroad.

You can use our minor travel consent form and save yourself the time and effort of drafting one on your own.

Minors aged 16 through 18 (that are not part of one of the aforementioned traveling groups) must follow the same rules as adults to enter the United States via sea and land borders. They can show either a valid passport, passport card, Enhanced Drivers License, or another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document at the border.

Flying to Canada as an Unaccompanied Minor

There are also unique considerations for unaccompanied minors traveling by air to Canada without a parent or legal guardian.

Just like with adult air travel, a passport book is required for a minor flying internationally .

Most airlines comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation's general guidelines for unaccompanied minors traveling by air. That said, each airline can set its own guidelines.

You can expect additional fees when booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, but it usually comes with additional perks like preferential seating, personal escorts on and off the plane, and additional attention and supervision throughout the flight.

For more, be sure to check out our guide to unaccompanied minor travel . There you will find more specifics about the rules, documentation, and options for helping a child travel to Canada (or any international destination) on their own.

Entry Requirements for Business Travel to Canada

A business woman approaching a Canadian airport

Canada defines a "business visitor" as anyone who enters the country to "take part in international business activities without being part of the Canadian labor market."

The term business activities includes travel focused on:

  • developing business interests
  • acquiring business investments
  • buying or taking orders for goods or services on behalf of a non-Canadian business or government
  • attending meetings or trade fairs
  • training Canadian employees or receiving training for work outside of Canada
  • other acceptable business practices under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

For business travel, Canada requires a list of documents and authorizations before you can enter the country:

  • a valid passport
  • Official proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a passport or green card)
  • a visitor visa
  • an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
  • letters of support from your parent company
  • a formal invitation from the Canadian host business or a Letter of Recognition from the Canada Border Services Agency
  • any other documents such as warranty or service agreements, or contracts, if relevant to your visit
  • contact details of your business host in Canada (must provide contact(s) that can be reached 24 hours a day for the duration of your trip)
  • proof that you have enough money for both your stay in Canada and your return home

Attempting to conduct business affairs in Canada without the proper documentation and permissions can lead to fines, detention, and deportation depending upon the severity.

Entry Requirements for Canadian Dual Citizens

An American and Canadian flag on the same pole

It is possible to be both a U.S. and Canadian citizen. This dual-nationality status allows people the opportunity to be permanent residents of both countries.

Dual citizens are expected to follow the rules and laws of the country where they physically are. For instance, Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to or through Canadian airports. American citizens need a passport to do the same at American airports.

There is one notable exception for American-Canadian dual citizens: the combination of a U.S. passport and proper proof of Canadian citizenship can be used to enter Canada by air, land, or sea.

Acceptable proof includes items such as:

  • a permanent resident card
  • a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • a Naturalization Certificate
  • a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card
  • A WHTI or Trusted Traveler Program card (e.g. a NEXUS card satisfies this requirement)

a suitcase being packed with clothes, accessories, and a passport

There are specific rules regarding what American citizens entering Canada are allowed to bring across the border. Canadian law is very clear about these regulations. Failure to comply can lead to substantial fines, deportation, and even a permanent bar from Canada altogether.

Please note that regulations and restrictions are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to consult the official website of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

What you can bring into Canada:

  • Pets - There are specific requirements for bringing a pet from the U.S. into Canada. For instance, most dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Consult the USDA website 's guide for the specific regulations about specific pet species, breeds, and ages.
  • Prescription medication - You can bring prescription medication for personal use, but the medication should be in its original bottle or container. You should also bring a copy of your current prescription and/or a letter from your healthcare provider.
  • Food - You can bring most commercially packaged and labeled food items for personal consumption (e.g. snacks and canned goods). However, there are restrictions on certain food items like fresh produce, meat, dairy, and plants. Check the CBSA website for specific restrictions and limits.
  • Alcohol and tobacco - You are allowed to bring a limited quantity of alcohol and tobacco products into Canada for personal use. Some specific limits and duties may apply.

What you cannot bring into Canada:

  • Drugs and illegal substances - Narcotics, illegal drugs, and restricted or controlled substances are prohibited. Do not attempt to bring any across the border or you could be subject to harsh penalties from both the Canadian and U.S. government.
  • Endangered species and byproducts - Items made from endangered species, such as ivory, certain animal skins, and products made from protected plants, are generally prohibited.
  • Certain agricultural products - Many types of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and certain animal products are restricted. This is to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases to Canadian agriculture and ecosystems.

It is important to remember that customs officers at the border have the final authority to determine what can and cannot be brought into Canada. To ensure a smooth entry, be sure to declare all items you are bringing with you and comply with the regulations and restrictions in place.

Again, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, including the most current downloadable forms, please consult the CBSA website or contact them directly.

a van driving alone on a curvy, snowy road in Canada

As an American citizen, you can bring your car into Canada and drive it using your state-issued driver's license and valid car insurance.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is only required if you plan on renting or purchasing a vehicle while in Canada. Some provinces also require an IDP if you plan on using your own vehicle from the U.S. for more than 90 days.

You must follow all local traffic laws while driving in Canada. Some of the most important rules include:

  • Follow metric road markings and speed limits . Remember: Canada uses kilometers, not miles.
  • Do not drive with or under the influence of alcohol or drugs . A DUI is a serious offense in Canada. It can lead to expensive fines, loss of your vehicle, and even imprisonment.
  • Wear seatbelts . Everyone in a car should be properly buckled in. This includes car seats for children under the age of 9 or less than 145 cm (about 58 inches) in height.
  • Put your cellphone down . You can receive a ticket and fine for using an electronic device while driving. Use of hands-free connections to your vehicle or an earpiece is allowed.

If you plan to drive into Canada, be sure to check out our guide to the 5 Huge International Road Trip Mistakes Americans Make .

In Canada, the statute for DUI covers equivalent U.S. charges of DUI, physical control of a vehicle-moving or not-under the influence, and DUI as a minor. These are indictable offenses and, therefore, grounds to deny entry to the country if you are a foreign national.

You are considered rehabilitated ten years after the completion of your DUI sentence and are eligible to apply for rehabilitation five years after the completion of your sentence. If you're awarded rehabilitation, you're allowed into the country The process can take several months to complete.

If you've ever been convicted of a DUI or significant crime in the United States, and you're planning a visit to Canada you will likely be turned away. Approaching a Canadian land border without researching the current entry requirements ahead of time, or going through the proper process of a rehabilitation application is a roll of the dice.

You can try to enter by applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) at the border. This is a complicated process that requires proof of why you should be granted access (e.g. a family emergency). If you are denied a TRP request, you cannot appeal. The decision is final.

While it's possible to gain admittance to Canada with a temporary resident permit, the Canadian government rarely grants these requests. More often than not, you'll be refused entry, and lose your non-refundable $200 application fee.

If you are traveling to Canada and have a criminal record of any kind, the best idea is to first contact an experienced immigration lawyer in the province where you plan to travel. This will help you avoid any legal surprises at the border or upon arrival.

Visiting Canada is one of the most popular forms of international travel for U.S. citizens. As with all travel abroad, the key to a successful trip is being prepared.

While you don't need a passport to visit Canada, it is, by far, the most versatile and useful form of travel documentation you can have. If you plan on travelling soon and need to get a passport quickly , you can schedule an appointment at the nearest regional agency or rush your passport application with the help of a registered passport courier service. Be sure to visit our directory of the top passport expediting services to find trusted and reliable help for your travel document needs.

It is also important to know where to find the nearest Canadian embassy and consulates are located:

  • The Canadian Embassy is located at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC.
  • Canadian consulates can be found in Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Juan or Seattle.

These are crucial contact points for any American abroad in Canada as they represent your most direct contact with the United States.

If you are still planning your trip, be sure to check out The 5 Best Canadian Cities for Americans to Visit so that you can experience everything Canada has to offer. While you're at it, be sure not to miss our 10 Canadian Travel Planning Tips to be sure you are fully prepared for your visit to our neighbor to the north.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

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Applying for a passport in Canada? What you need to know

As summer grows ever closer, Canadians are becoming more and more interested in travelling again — but with reported delays in acquiring or renewing a passport unlikely to end any time soon , understanding the process is key.

At the moment, if you visit the page on the government website pertaining to passports, a notification at the top of the page reveals that they are “experiencing very high call volumes right now.”

“Wait times are longer than usual,” the alert states. “If you do not have travel plans in the next 2 weeks, we suggest you wait to call us.”

Some of the delays are due to the increased interest in travel compared to the last two years of the pandemic. Between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, Service Canada issued around 363,000 passports, but from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, the agency issued 1,273,000 passports, according to a spokesperson.

One family that began renewing their passports in February told CTV News that they didn’t receive the last one until April, just days before a trip for which passports were required.

  • Have you had to cancel travel plans over passport delays? We want to hear from you

So how does one renew or acquire a passport in Canada, and how are those processes currently being affected?

RENEWING A PASSPORT

Only adult passports can be renewed, according to the Canadian government’s website. Those under 16 will need to apply for a new child’s passport instead of a renewal.

Adult passports can only be renewed if they have were issued within the last 15 years, and have the same gender marker, name, date of birth and place of birth as you would like on your new passport. Otherwise, an adult must apply for a new passport.

If you’re still unsure if you qualify for renewal, the government has a quiz you can take on their site to ensure you fit the requirements.

WHAT YOU NEED ON YOUR APPLICATION

All applicants for a renewal need to fill out an application form (which can be found online) , have passport photos taken, and find two references who are not a family member and who have known you for at least two years. They also can’t be a spouse or common-law partner, or anyone related to a spouse or common-law partner, and they must be older than 18 and agree to you using their name and contact information on your application.

The photographer who takes the passport photos must write their name, their complete address and the date when the photos were taken on the back of one of the photos.

You must also turn in your old passport with the application, with the exception of cases in which it was lost or stolen.

This is a new development – prior to last month, if your passport was stolen, lost or had expired more than a year ago, you would have to apply for a new passport. Part of this was because the renewal application asks for the date your passport was issued, as well as the expiration date and the passport number, which many would not know without their old passport at hand. But at the end of March, the government announced that if your passport was stolen, lost, damaged, or had expired within the last 15 years, you would now be able to apply for a renewal, which is much simpler than applying for a new passport.

“As international travel resumes, we need to continue to modernize and improve our passport services to make sure we meet the needs of Canadians,” Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said in a press release at the time.

To renew a passport or apply for one, it costs $120 or $160 , depending on whether you are applying for a five or ten year passport.

For those who need a passport quickly, there are additional fees associated with obtaining a passport in under 10 days. If you are required to show proof of travel , this can include an airline ticket, a travel itinerary with proof of payment, or proof of death or illness in the family that requires immediate travel.

“Depending on the reason for your travel, you may need to show further proof that your situation is urgent,” the website states.

APPLYING FOR A NEW PASSPORT

To qualify for a new passport, you must be a Canadian citizen and older than 16 years of age to apply for an adult passport. Children under the age of 16 can receive a child’s passport, which last for a maximum of five years and cannot be renewed.

Always check first to see if you qualify to renew your adult passport, as it is a simpler process than applying for a brand new one.

There are many more requirements for a new passport than for a renewal.

The first thing all applicants need is to fill out a passport application form, which can be found online.

Then you’ll need one piece of proof of Canadian citizenship. Crucially, you have to submit original documents, not photocopies or photos, which will be returned to you once verified. Things that count as proof include a birth certificate if you were born in Canada, a Canadian citizenship certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of registration of birth abroad or a certificate of retention of Canadian citizenship.

There may also be province or territory-specific documents which can be accepted as proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can have either your new or old name on it if you are seeking a passport with a new name.

Aside from the proof of citizenship, you also need to provide at least one document proving your identity (more are required if you are changing your name). Documents that count include driver’s licenses, health cards, military IDs, and foreign passports, among others. These should include your name, date of birth, photo and signature, and if you have no one ID with all of these, you can submit more than one piece of ID to fill the gap as long as they have a common element to link them.

A passport application also needs two identical passport photos taken to the proper photo requirements. A detailed list of what makes an acceptable passport photo can be found on the government’s website, but many businesses offer passport photography to cut down the risk of having an improperly formatted picture.

Like with a renewal, you need two references, but you also need a single guarantor. This person can be anyone, including a family member or member of your household, as long as they fit the other requirements.

The guarantor must have known you for at least two years, be available to contact, be a Canadian citizen older than 18, have a five or 10-year Canadian passport of their own and be willing to provide their own passport information.

Your guarantor must sign your application, one of your passport photos and all copies of any supporting identity documents.

Depending on why you are applying for a new passport — such as if you want to omit your place of birth , have changed your name or are updating your gender marker — you may be required to submit other documents pertaining to those issues alongside the base requirements. Details on these extra documents can be found on the government’s website.

WHERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR A NEW PASSPORT OR RENEWAL

The process itself depends on if you are applying for a passport from within Canada or from the U.S. or abroad elsewhere. If you are outside of Canada, you may be able to apply by mail, but otherwise should inquire at the nearest Government of Canada office in the region you are in.

In Canada, there are a few different ways to process an application, and officials recommend different strategies depending on how quickly you require a passport. For far off trips greater than 26 business days or more, you can apply by mail or by either booking an appointment online at a Service Canada Centre or by just walking in if the Service Canada isn’t very busy.

However, Service Canada won’t be of any help if you need a passport acquired or renewed urgently. For those who need a passport within the next two business days, you must apply in person at a passport office — and while some Service Canada locations are consolidated and include a dedicated passport office, many passport offices are separate. A tool online can help you find a passport office near your location.

If you are applying for a new passport urgently, you must provide proof that you require it in two business days or less.

In the case of needing a passport within 3-25 days, officials recommend making an appointment at one of the 35 specialized passport service locations. You must have proof of travel or need, and you can find a list of all of these specialized passport sites in each province on the government’s website.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TRYING TO APPLY NOW

It already sounds like a lot of work, but according to reported delays, it’s particularly difficult right now to acquire or renew a passport.

Some have reported waiting in long lines at passport offices to try and file an application or renewal — something you can avoid by applying early enough in advance. If you apply at least 26 business days in advance, you can attend a Service Canada Centre instead of a specialized passport site.

But if possible, you should try to apply earlier than that to minimize the risk of delays affecting your plans.

According to Service Canada, the standard processing time for regular passport applications submitted in Canada is 10 business days when submitted in person at a passport office and 20 business days when submitted by mail or in person at a Service Canada Centre, not including mailing time.

As of April 18, Employment and Social Development Canada says the average processing time is five and 25 days respectively.

If you have submitted an application over 20 business days ago and still haven’t heard back, there is a tool to check the status of your application. 

Get in touch

Have you had to cancel travel plans due to passport processing delays? Email [email protected] .

  • Please include your name, location, and contact information if you are willing to speak to a journalist with CTV News.
  • Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.

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Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada?

Everything you need to know about travel requirements to visit the united states’ northern neighbor..

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Pyramid Lake at Jasper National Park, Canada, reflecting sunrise clouds

What documents are necessary to visit Canada’s wild places?

Photo by Shutterstock

Canada, the sprawling neighbor to the north, has it all: breathtaking national parks (like Banff and Jasper ), vibrant cities , culture, and Indigenous stories. As an American contemplating a visit across the northern border, you might be wondering about the travel requirements involved, particularly whether a passport is necessary.

Do you need a passport to enter Canada?

Yes, Americans need a passport to go to Canada, or an appropriate alternative document. And that’s whether you’re flying, driving, sailing, biking, taking the train, or walking into the country from the United States.

The policy that requires Americans to have a passport or equivalent document for transiting between the United States and Canada was passed by Congress in 2009 as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) “ to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States. ”

Under this initiative, a passport is considered the standard document for international travel. It replaced previous forms of identification, such as a standard driver’s license or birth certificate, which were previously accepted for crossing the U.S.–Canada border.

Acceptable alternative documents for crossing the U.S.–Canada border

If you don’t have a passport, you can use a few other documents to enter Canada as an American citizen.

Passport card

One such option is a passport card . Like a passport book, the card includes information about the carrier, including full name, nationality, place of birth, gender, issue date and expiration date, a unique identification number, and a photo, though it looks more like a driver’s license. However, it’s important to note that passport cards can only be used for land or sea travel between the United States and Canada—they will not be accepted as an appropriate form of identification for international flights.

Another option is a NEXUS card. The NEXUS program, jointly administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers. To acquire a NEXUS card, there is an application process (made through CBP), which includes an in-person interview. The NEXUS card can be used for air, land, or sea transportation.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

Some U.S. states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses , which contain additional security features and can be used in place of a passport for travel to Canada by car. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

Boat, train, and foot crossings

For those traveling by boat into Canada (most Alaska cruises, for instance, stop in Canada), a passport or passport card are necessary. Same goes for trains.

If you’re traveling by foot and go through a border control area, you’ll need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. You could skirt that by crossing in a remote area, but we would highly recommend against that.

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
  • Pre-board testing is not required
  • COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
  • Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
  • to save time at the border, you can use the ArriveCAN customs and immigration feature to complete your declaration in advance if you’re flying into a participating international airport
  • Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
  • As always, travel documents are required
  • Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
  • It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

  • inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
  • avoid taking public transportation
  • check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

  • International travel advice and advisories
  • COVID-19 and international travel
  • Proof of vaccination
  • Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

  • It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

  • COVID-19 guidance, vaccines, limiting the spread
  • Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

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travel passport canada

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK Health Security Agency) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to Canada

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Canada. Avoid travelling if you have symptoms of COVID-19. See the Government of Canada’s website for more information on COVID-19 and travel.

Public spaces and services

The Government of Canada recommends that all travellers wear a face mask on public transport.

You may be asked to wear a face mask indoors, such as in hospitals or on public transport. You may need proof of vaccination to visit settings such as care homes.

Local authorities in Canada can introduce restrictions or measures at short notice. Comply with the rules and advice of the local authorities. Check the COVID-19 guidance for each province and territory .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Visa requirements

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada – not both.

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to six months). You will need an eTA instead. Check entry requirements and find out if you need a visa or an eTA for your visit using this tool.

You may need to provide fingerprints and photos at a visa application centre to apply for permanent residence or a study or work permit. Find out if you need to give biometrics. If you do need to give biometrics, see the list of biometrics collection points .

When you arrive, you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

You must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter or transit Canada by air, unless you’re exempt. Read the list of exemptions on the ETA website . If you enter Canada by land or sea, you don’t need an eTA. However, you must travel with acceptable travel documents and identification .

If you have British-Canadian dual nationality, you cannot apply for an eTA. You need a valid Canadian passport instead.

The eTA website has information about the eTA system and how to apply .

Visa and eTA scams

Some  unauthorised websites  charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Government of Canada.

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, use the eTA Check Status tool to confirm if your eTA is valid. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received a confirmation of your application, complete this enquiry form .

Transiting through Canada

You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to transit Canada, unless you are exempt.

If you have questions, contact:

  • your airline
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Travelling with children

If only one parent is present, carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For further information, check with Canada’s High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into - and out - of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be fined. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for more information.

If you visited a farm, or had contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and intend to visit a farm during your stay, you must complete the relevant section in your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s website on biosecurity .

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Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico. We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection. Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a vital example of the mutually beneficial migration that we seek to promote regionally and globally. Canada is ready to work with Mexico to build on this program, through the modernization of a new SAWP bilateral agreement, to offer Mexican workers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood and primary food processing into the program. This will benefit workers and businesses on both sides of the Canada–Mexico relationship.

Canada is continuously monitoring the impacts of its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, as well as asylum claim trends. These challenges are not limited to one country. Any adjustment to Canada’s travel requirements are made to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.

More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website .

“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.

In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023). 

All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA —if they are eligible.

Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA). 

Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.

The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements .

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  • Link to News Release in Spanish

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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The World's Most Powerful Passports In 2024 Were Revealed & Here's How Canada Stacks Up

Owning a Canadian passport comes with a host of benefits, including the ability to travel to many countries visa-free.

But how does Canada's passport compare to other countries?

A new ranking has revealed the top passports in the world for 2024, and how the Canadian passport stacks up against them.

While it isn't the world's most powerful passport, Canada's passport offers several benefits that would make any Canuck proud to own it.

Nomad Capitalist, which created the ranking , says its index goes beyond evaluating passports based on the number of countries they can visit.

"While most indices–and most people–think of a passport only in terms of travel privileges, we understand that citizens of different countries deal with very different requirements to pay tax, live freely, comply with regulations, and avoid scrutiny when travelling," they say.

The company looked at 199 passports and ranked them based on the criteria of visa-free travel, taxation laws, global perception, dual citizenship and personal freedom to determine the most powerful.

What is the most powerful passport in 2024?

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According to the ranking, Switzerland possesses the world's most powerful passport for 2024.

Swiss passport holders can travel to 121 countries visa-free and can enter a total of 176 destinations either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA.

Nomad Capitalist says the country affords citizens "exceptionally high levels of liberty and privacy," and the country’s neutrality ensures that Swiss nationals remain "some of the most respected travellers in the world."

The country also freely allows residents to hold dual citizenship and allows citizens to relocate to avoid tax.

How strong is the Canadian passport?

Jaimie Harmsen | Unsplash

A person holds Canadian passports.

Canada's passport is tied for 36th place in the ranking alongside Slovenia and Japan.

"[Canada's] passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by relying on the Canada government's approach not just to travel, but also to international taxation laws, global perception, dual citizenship, and personal freedom as just the number of countries Canada passport holder may visit won't tell the whole story," says Nomad Capitalist.

Canadian passport holders can visit a total of 172 destinations, either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. Of these, citizens can visit 119 countries visa-free.

Canada also received a taxation score of 20, meaning that the country allows citizens to relocate to avoid tax.

For perception, which is used to determine how each country's citizens are received and recognized, Canada received a score of 40, meaning that Canadian citizens experience intermediate hostility when travelling.

When it comes to dual citizenship, however, Canada fared quite well, receiving a score of 50 (the highest score) which indicated that citizens are almost always allowed to hold other citizenships.

Finally, Canada received a score of 30 for freedom, meaning that citizens "have intermediate freedom," according to Nomad Capitalist.

This is the lowest the Canadian passport has ranked in 2024.

The passport was ranked the seventh most powerful in the world by the Passport Index in January. A subsequent ranking by Henley and Partners placed it in the 6th spot for top passports globally.

The World's Most Powerful Passports In 2024 Were Revealed & Here's How Canada Stacks Up

Passport Canada apologizes after 90-year-old woman mistakenly told she can't have 'Palestine' on passport

Applicants can still list 'palestine' as a place of birth on canadian passport applications.

travel passport canada

Social Sharing

An apparent clerical error by the federal government caused a Palestinian-Canadian woman to be told mistakenly she couldn't list "Palestine" as her place of birth on her passport — and the error has been driving the spread of misleading online posts ever since.

CBC News is identifying the woman's granddaughter only by her first name, Blair, because she said she fears for her family's safety. Blair said that after applying to renew her passport earlier this year, her 90-year-old grandmother received a voicemail from a Service Canada representative on Feb. 21 telling her that her new passport would have no country of birth listed.

Blair took to social media to express her dismay. She posted two TikToks on Feb. 23, which quickly went viral. In the  second video , which has over four million views, she said Canadians are "not allowed to be from Palestine anymore" and accused the government of "erasing the Palestinian identity" and perpetrating "cultural genocide."

The reaction was strong and swift on social media and various websites . Former UN special rapporteur Leilani Farha called the case an example of "anti-Palestinian racism."

But there have been no changes to government policy or to the passport application form, Ottawa said.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said that, upon request, "Palestine" can be listed as a place of birth on Canadian passports by someone born there before May 14, 1948 — a decades-old policy the department says remains unaltered.

'Inappropriate and traumatizing'

Blair told CBC News mistakes were made by multiple government agents in her grandmother's case.

The voicemail informing her grandmother that no country of birth would be stated on her passport was "jarring and unexpected," Blair said — especially since her grandmother confirmed her place of birth as "El Bassa, Palestine" while reviewing her application with an agent in person at the passport office in Kitchener, Ont., on Jan. 30.

"The agent (in the voicemail) alluded to some policy that claims that this current passport up for renewal has to match the old one," she said.

Blair said her grandmother's last three passports listed Palestine as her place of birth. Blair provided CBC News with photos of those old Canadian passports that showed "El Bassa, Palestine" printed as the birthplace.

An image of a Canadian passport with some identifying information blacked out.

After receiving the voicemail, Blair said her grandmother called Passport Canada to ask why Palestine would not be listed on her passport, even though it's what she wrote on her application form.

It was then, her granddaughter said, that an agent suggested she could write down "Israel" instead.

"(The suggestion) is not only insensitive, but is a completely inappropriate and traumatizing suggestion to someone born in Palestine before 1948," Blair said.

A 1947 United Nations plan proposed partitioning Palestine into two states — one Jewish, one Arab. Arab leaders adamantly rejected the plan; Jewish leaders approved it and the State of Israel's independence was proclaimed on May 14, 1948.

As hostilities escalated, Palestinians fled to the neighbouring countries of Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Some were forced out of their homes, some fled on their own out of fear and some escaped violence that had reached their cities and villages. More than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced by the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and the hostilities leading up to it, according to UN estimates.

No change to birthplace policy, department says

"Palestine" is not in the drop-down list of countries applicants can choose from when filling out a passport application form online. Canadians who were born there before May 14, 1948 can still have Palestine listed but need to choose the "Other" option and manually type in "Palestine" in the "Please Specify" field, an IRCC spokesperson told CBC News in an email on Feb. 26.

The spokesperson also said that "there have been no recent changes to the country list available in the Canadian passport application form."

The matter of countries of birth and Canadian passports was the subject of a 2006 Federal Court case . That decision was upheld a year later by the Federal Court of Appeal .

The court decision noted that Passport Canada's security bureau has a "special policy" with respect to Palestine, Jordan, the Gaza Strip, Israel and Jerusalem.

"If applicant was born before May 14, 1948, Palestine may be entered upon request," says the January 2002 version of the policy, quoted by the Federal Court.

"But applicant should always be encouraged to have the place of birth entered as it is presently known. Palestine is to be used in place of, not in combination with, Jordan, Israel, Gaza Strip or Jerusalem. Palestine usually stands alone but may be entered in conjunction with a city (except Jerusalem).

"If applicant was born on or after May 14, 1948, Palestine cannot be entered as the country of birth. The country must be entered as Jordan, Israel, Gaza Strip or Jerusalem as the case may be."

  • 'Jerusalem, Israel' shouldn't appear on passports, court rules
  • Top court won't hear appeal to get Jerusalem, Israel, on passport

Canada isn't the only country with this policy. A similar policy is in place to allow American citizens born prior to 1948 to list Palestine as the place of their birth, according to the U.S. State Department .

The Passport Canada policy also makes clear that the place of birth listed on a Canadian passport is "neither an official recognition by the Canadian government of any country, nor support by the Canadian government of either faction where the (place of birth) indicated is a territory the sovereignty over which has not been finally settled under international law."

Canada recognizes the Palestinian territories as entities separate from Israel, but not as a state unto themselves. For decades, successive Liberal and Conservative governments have endorsed the eventual creation of a Palestinian country that exists in peace alongside Israel — the essence of what's known as the two-state solution.

travel passport canada

The Breakdown | Why a two-state solution is so elusive

While it is the norm to have both the city and country of birth written in a passport, Canadians have the option to name only the city or the country in their passport — and could opt not to have their place of birth listed at all.

Passport Canada policy states that those born in Jerusalem are issued passports listing only the city, because Ottawa considers the city's status unresolved . Since July 2003 , Canadian passports issued to citizens born in Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan simply include the name of the city, without a country, as they may be refused entry to mainland China otherwise.

90-year-old's new passport will say 'Palestine'

On Feb. 26, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller took to X — apparently in response to Blair's videos — to rebuff claims that Passport Canada had stopped allowing the use of Palestine as a place of birth.

"I'd like to correct recent claims circulating on social media related to the selection of Palestine as the country of birth on the Canadian passport," he wrote, restating his department's policy that those born there before 1948 can continue to ask to do so.

If an applicant was born before May 14, 1948 and requests Palestine as their country of birth, they can do so by going into the application drop down menu and clicking on the “Other field” followed by entering “Palestine”. This can also be done by hand, as always. — @MarcMillerVM

Blair said that after Miller issued his statement, a Passport Canada agent called her grandmother, apologized and said she would be issued a new passport that would say "Palestine."

"She has been in Canada for 50 years and this has never been an issue. She wasn't asking for any kind of change. She was just asking for it to read the exact same as the last passport did," Blair said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

travel passport canada

Jenna Legge is a fourth-year student at Carleton University, where she studies journalism and law with a minor in political science. She is graduating in April 2024.

With files from Raffy Boudjikanian

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