Travel Documents For Canada: Passports And More

Canada issues around 5 million passports and travel documents annually. The majority of these are regular (blue) passports, which are issued to Canadian citizens for casual travel. Canadian passports are valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the age of the holder. For those immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, it is important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day you apply for permanent residence. In addition to passports, Canada also offers other types of travel documents, such as refugee travel documents and certificates of identity, for refugees, stateless persons, and Canadians abroad in urgent situations.

Canadian passports: blue passports for citizens, and special/diplomatic passports

Canada issues around 5 million travel documents a year, 98% of which are regular (blue) passports. These are issued to Canadian citizens for casual travel and contain 36 pages. The validity of a regular blue passport depends on the age of the passport holder: adults aged 16 and over can choose between a 5- or 10-year passport, while children aged 0-15 are issued passports for a maximum of 5 years.

Canada also issues diplomatic passports to high-ranking government officials and representatives, as well as special passports to Members of Parliament and government employees travelling on official non-diplomatic missions. The issuing office decides the validity period for diplomatic and special passports.

Canadian citizens with an urgent and proven need for a passport may be issued a temporary passport by certain Canadian government offices abroad. These passports are valid for a maximum of 1 year.

Travel documents for refugees and stateless persons

Canada issues around 5 million travel documents a year, 3 types of which are for refugees or stateless persons living in the country. Refugees in Canada can travel outside of the country but must be aware of several considerations. Firstly, it is important that a person who has entered Canada as a refugee does not use a passport from their home country, as this could cause their refugee status to be revoked. Instead, they must apply to the Government of Canada for a Refugee Travel Document. This document can be used as a passport to travel to other countries (except the person's country of origin) but is not the same as a Canadian passport. Some countries that allow Canadians to enter visa-free may require a visa for those travelling with a Refugee Travel Document. The application form for a Refugee Travel Document is the same as that for a Certificate of Identity. The processing time for the travel document can vary, so it is recommended that firm travel plans are made only after the document has been received.

Refugee Travel Documents are issued to residents of Canada who are protected persons, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection. The issuing office decides the validity period of the Refugee Travel Document.

Certificates of Identity are issued to permanent residents of Canada who are not protected persons and are stateless or cannot obtain a national passport or travel document from any other source. The issuing office decides the validity period of the Certificate of Identity.

Identification documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents

Identification documents are crucial when travelling or applying for certain services and benefits in Canada. Here is a comprehensive guide to the identification documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents:

Canadian Citizens

For Canadian citizens, the primary identification document is the Canadian passport, which is universally accepted and proves the right to return to Canada. It is essential to carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling internationally, including visits to the United States. Canadian citizens can choose between a 5-year or 10-year passport, depending on their age.

In addition to passports, Canadian citizens may also use other identification documents, such as a driver's licence, health card, Certificate of Indian Status, or federal/provincial government-issued ID cards. These documents can be used to support identity when applying for a new passport or for various official purposes within Canada.

Permanent Residents

Permanent residents of Canada are required to possess a permanent resident card to re-enter the country. This card serves as proof of their permanent resident status. Additionally, permanent residents may need a passport and proof of permanent residence when travelling, especially if they are members of special programs like NEXUS or FAST.

Permanent residents who are not yet Canadian citizens but intend to travel may be issued a Certificate of Identity. This document is for those who are stateless or cannot obtain a national passport or travel document from any source for valid reasons. However, it is important to note that this certificate is not a valid travel document for the individual's country of citizenship.

Other Important Documents

Other important identification documents for Canadian citizens and permanent residents include:

• Citizenship documents: Canadian citizenship card, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, and various forms of naturalization certificates.
• Provincial or territorial documents: Birth certificate, enhanced driver's licence, enhanced identification/photo card, vehicle registration, etc.
• Other valid documents: Canadian Forces identification, police identification, Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card, vehicle insurance certificate, etc.

It is important to note that specific identification requirements may vary depending on the situation and destination. When travelling, it is always advisable to carry proper identification and ensure that passports or travel documents are valid and accepted by the destination country.

Travel documents for non-Canadians: application forms and requirements

There are two types of travel documents that non-Canadians can use when travelling: a refugee travel document and a certificate of identity. The application form is the same for both types of travel documents.

To apply for a travel document or certificate of identity, you must first contact the relevant authorities and fill out a web form. You will then be contacted and given information on the next steps. While you wait, you can start preparing your application. The application form is the same for travel documents and certificates of identity.

The application form should be completed on a computer and each page must be signed. If you are unable to write, you must include a medical letter explaining your inability to write. If you are unable to open the form, you can contact the relevant authorities online or by phone. Braille instructions and large-print forms are also available upon request.

Once you have completed the form, you will need to gather the necessary documents and get a passport photo. The required documents include:

• Photocopy of your proof of immigration status in Canada
• Document to support your identity (original document or photocopy signed by your guarantor)
• Any valid passport or travel document issued in your name
• Two identical passport photos with specific requirements regarding the information on the back

All documents must be in English or French, and any documents in other languages must be officially translated.

In addition to the above, you will need to find a guarantor and provide two references. The guarantor must meet the requirements for a travel document and sign the back of one of your passport photos. Both the guarantor and the references must have known you for at least six months.

Finally, you can submit your application by mail or in person at one of the designated offices in Canada. It is recommended to use a certified courier or traceable mail service for faster delivery and better protection of your documents.

Visa requirements for entering Canada

To enter Canada, you must travel with a valid passport or travel document. This means that your passport or travel document is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The validity of your passport depends on the program you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying through Express Entry, you should renew your passport if it expires within 6 months from the day you apply for permanent residence.

If you are a visa-required traveller, you need at least one free page in your passport or travel document. This is where your visitor visa or permanent resident visa will be placed. If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa for tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days. However, other types of travel generally require visas.

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US, you must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• A valid passport from your country of nationality or an equivalent acceptable travel document
• A valid green card or equivalent valid proof of status in the US

If you are a foreign national with official Canadian documents, you may not need a visa. For example, if you are a traveller with a valid Canadian visa or valid status in Canada (e.g. as a visitor, student or worker) who is re-entering Canada after visiting the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

If you are a worker or student, you must meet Canada's entry requirements. A work permit or study permit does not count as a visa. In most cases, you will also need a valid visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Frequently asked questions