Traveling to or Through Canada as an Indian Dual Citizen

Essential Requirements for Holders of Indian and Canadian Citizenship

Mandatory Travel Documents

As a dual citizen of India and Canada, your entry into Canada is governed by Canadian law. Here are the essential travel documents:

• Valid Canadian passport (for air travel): Canadian law requires Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, to enter Canada using a valid Canadian passport when arriving by air.
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (for land/sea travel): If entering Canada by land or sea, you may be able to use other forms of proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a citizenship certificate or a birth certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory. However, carrying a valid Canadian passport is always the most reliable option.
• Valid Indian passport: While not required for entry into Canada as a Canadian citizen, your valid Indian passport will be essential for your travel from India and for any requirements upon your return to India.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Emergency Travel Authorization for Dual Citizens

In exceptional circumstances where a Canadian dual citizen traveling by air does not have a valid Canadian passport, they may be able to apply for a Special Authorization to travel to Canada.

Eligibility Process Validity
• Urgent need to travel to Canada by air
• Do not possess a valid Canadian passport
• Can provide proof of Canadian citizenship		 1. Complete the online application form on the IRCC website.
2. Submit any required supporting documents as requested.
3. Await the processing of your application.		 • Usually valid for a single entry.
• Processing times can vary.
• It is expected that you will apply for a full Canadian passport upon arrival in Canada.

For more details and to apply, visit the official Special Authorization to Travel to Canada page on the IRCC website.

Entry Methods Comparison

The required documents can vary depending on how you enter Canada:

Method Accepted Documents (for Canadian Dual Citizens) Additional Notes
By Air Valid Canadian passport Using your Canadian passport is mandatory for air travel into Canada if you are a Canadian citizen.
By Land/Sea • Valid Canadian passport
• Canadian citizenship certificate
• Birth certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory		 While other documents may be accepted, a valid Canadian passport is the most universally accepted proof of citizenship.

Always check the latest guidelines from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the most current information.

Advance Customs Declaration

To expedite your arrival process at Canadian airports, you can use the Advance CBSA Declaration option:

Feature Details Benefit
Submission Window You can submit your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada. ✔ Save time at the airport and reduce wait times.
Required Information • Your travel details (flight information)
• Declaration of goods being brought into Canada
• Currency reporting (if applicable)		 ✔ Streamlines the border clearance process.
Participating Airports Currently available at major Canadian international airports, including:
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)		 ✔ Access dedicated express lanes for pre-declared travellers at participating airports.

How to Submit:

  1. Download the CanBorder – eDeclaration mobile app.
  2. Complete your declaration within 72 hours of your flight to Canada.
  3. Receive a QR code upon completion.
  4. Present your QR code to the primary inspection kiosk or eGate upon arrival at a participating airport.

⚠️ Each traveller needs to complete their own declaration (for families residing at the same address, up to 5 declarations can be linked).

⚠️ The declaration is valid for the specific entry declared.

⚠️ Ensure the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.

Learn More About eDeclaration

Canadian Passport Application Timeline (for reference)

While you should already possess a Canadian passport as a dual citizen, here's a general timeline for new applications:

Service Type Current Estimated Processing Time Where to Apply
Standard Application Varies; please check the official IRCC website for current estimates (typically several weeks) Online or by mail
Urgent Service Available for urgent travel needs; processing times vary based on the urgency and appointment availability In-person at a passport office with proof of travel
Emergency Service For dire emergencies; assessed on a case-by-case basis In-person at a passport office with proof of emergency

Always refer to the official IRCC processing times page for the most accurate information.

Key Considerations for Indian Dual Citizens Traveling to Canada

  • Ensure your Canadian passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. It is generally recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining for international travel.
  • Be aware of any specific entry requirements or health advisories issued by the Canadian government. Check the official travel and COVID-19 updates.
  • If you are traveling with children who are also dual citizens, ensure they have their own valid Canadian passports.
  • Familiarize yourself with Canadian customs regulations regarding items you can bring into the country. Refer to the CBSA website.

Pre-Travel Checklist

Before you travel to Canada, ensure you have the following:

✓ Valid Canadian passport.
✓ Valid Indian passport.
✓ Checked the latest travel advisories and entry requirements for Canada.
✓ Considered completing the Advance CBSA Declaration if arriving at a participating airport.
✓ Ensured any accompanying dual-citizen children have their valid Canadian passports.