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.

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.
✓	Ensured any accompanying dual-citizen children have their valid Canadian passports.