What are the Canada eTA requirements for travellers with multiple citizenships?

Updated: Jan 04, 2024 | Tags: Canada eTA Questions, Canada eTA Multiple Citizenships

As a Canadian citizen, am I required to have an eTA to visit Canada?

No, you do not need an eTA if you are a Canadian citizen. This also applies to individuals who are dual citizens, such as those holding a Canadian passport and a passport from an eTA eligible country. If you attempt to apply for an eTA as a Canada passport holder, the system will either prevent you from submitting your application or your eTA request will be cancelled as you will be deemed to be a Canadian citizen.

If you wish to travel to Canada without an eTA or a visa, will need a valid Canadian passport or obtain an authorization under special circumstances (see below).

A Canadian passport proves a traveller has the right to enter the country without the need to go through the eTA or visitor visa application process. The Canadian passport must be valid and extend beyond the date when you plan to return to your non-Canadian home country.

What are the Canada eTA requirements for travellers with multiple citizenships?
What are the Canada eTA requirements for travellers with multiple citizenships?

As a citizen of Canada, as well as a citizen of another country, am I able to fly to Canada using a passport that has not be issued by Canada?

Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, must fly to Canada on a valid Canadian passport. There are special circumstances where Canadian citizens can travel to Canada without a Canadian passport.

Imminent departure date

One circumstance is when a Canadian citizen is due to enter Canada within a few days, or the traveller is at the airport and does not have a Canadian passport. These individuals can make an application for a special authorization. In the event that approval is granted, permission will be given to board a flight using a non-Canadian passport as long the passport is valid.

Dual American-Canadian citizens

Anyone who is entering Canada using a valid U.S. passport does not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to fly to Canada. Citizens of America, including those with dual American-Canadian nationality, must carry suitable identification and ensure they comply with the basic standards and requirements to enter Canada.

As an American citizen, what do I need to show border authorities to enter Canada?

American citizens, including those with dual American-Canadian citizenship, must provide suitable identification and ensure they comply with the basic requirements in order to fly to Canada. Anyone who is traveling using a valid U.S. passport does not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter the country.

As a dual citizen of the U.S. plus another country, am I required to apply for an eTA?

An eTA is not required to enter Canada, providing you travel using a valid U.S. passport.

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry suitable identification and meet the basic requirements in order to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to fly to Canada if you are traveling using a valid U.S. passport.

As a lawful permanent U.S. resident and a Green Card holder, what documents must I have when applying for an eTA?

When applying for an eTA, you must have a passport from your country of citizenship, as well as proof of legally-valid permanent residency, such as a valid U.S. Green Card proving permanent residency or a valid ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunications System).

When making an eTA application, enter your Green Card number or your ADIT stamp number in the box reserved for the U.S lawful permanent resident alien registration card number, or Green Card number.

What you need to take to the airport: An eTA is linked electronically to a passport, so you do not have to print off any documentation as proof of having an approved eTA. However, in order to board a flight to Canada you must have the passport that you used when applying for your eTA as well as proof of legal U.S. permanent residency, such as a valid Green Card or a passport with a valid ADIT stamp.

As a lawful permanent U.S. resident and Green Card holder, my home country will not issue a passport to me. Am I able to submit an eTA application using another type of document?

Yes, you can. As a lawful permanent U.S. resident and Green Card holder, if you are unable to obtain a passport from your home country because the authorities will not issue passports to those who are permanent residents of other countries, you can submit an eTA application using an I-571 U.S. Refugee Travel Document or an I-327 Permit to re-enter the United States.

The eTA application field reserved for the passport number can be used to enter the relevant travel document. An electronic link will then be made between the travel document and your eTA application.

If your eTA application is approved, you will be able to travel to Canada without the need of a visa. Please note that when traveling to Canada, no matter how you travel, you should always have your valid Green Card with you to prove you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

As a lawful permanent U.S. resident and Green Card holder traveling by car to Canada, must I obtain an eTA?

You do not need an eTA when crossing into Canada by car or by sea. You only need an eTA when flying to Canada.

When travelling to Canada, always carry proof of your lawful permanent U.S. residency status, such as a valid and un-expired Green Card or an ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunications System) in your passport.