For many Canadians and Permanent Residents (PRs), travel is often viewed through the lens of convenience. If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country or have lived in Canada for years, you might assume that hopping on a flight back home is a simple matter of showing your ID.

However, “visa-free” travel often comes with strict legal fine print that can leave travellers stranded at the airport. At Jennifer Roggemann Law, we frequently see clients surprised by the rigid requirements of the Canadian government. Here is a straightforward guide to the most common myths and the legal realities of travelling as a dual citizen or Permanent Resident in 2026.

Myth 1: “I’m a dual citizen, so I can just use my other passport to fly to Canada.”

The Reality: If you are a Canadian citizen, you must use a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to Canada.

Since the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system was fully integrated, airlines are required to verify that every passenger has the proper documents before boarding. Because you are a Canadian citizen, the system will not allow you to be issued a visa or an eTA on your other passport.

• The Exception: Canadian-American dual citizens can travel with a valid U.S. passport.
• The “Urgent” Loophole: If you have an imminent flight and your Canadian passport is expired or unavailable, you may qualify for a Special Authorization, provided you have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country. This is a temporary measure and is usually only valid for a few days.  In addition, once you have done this, your “valid” Canadian passport may get cancelled – you need to get a new Canadian passport.

Legal Tip: Check your Canadian passport expiry date at least six months before travel. Proving citizenship with a citizenship certificate is not enough to board a plane; you need the passport itself.

Myth 2: “I’m a Permanent Resident; my status is enough to get me home.”

The Reality: Permanent Resident (PR) status is not the same as a travel document. To return to Canada via a commercial carrier (airplane, bus, train, or boat), you must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).

An expired PR card does not mean you have lost your status, but it does mean an airline will likely deny you boarding.

• If your card expires while you are abroad: You must apply for a PRTD from a Canadian visa office outside of Canada. This process can take weeks, which can be a significant legal and financial headache during a vacation.
• The Land Border Strategy: If you are entering Canada from the U.S. in a private vehicle, you can often prove your status using other documents (like your Confirmation of Permanent Residence or an expired card) because the strict commercial carrier boarding rules do not apply.  However, you need to be able to enter the USA legally first, either via a US entry visa or ESTA.  If you are coming from any “dangerous or problem” countries, i.e. Cuba or Russia, you may not be able to receive ESTA— then, you can’t enter into Canada with this method.

Myth 3: “I can just get an eTA if I’m in a hurry.”

The Reality: This is perhaps the most common misconception. Dual citizens and Permanent Residents are not eligible for an eTA.

The eTA is strictly for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries. If you try to apply for one as a PR or a citizen, the system will often flag your profile, and the application will be denied because you already hold a higher status in Canada.

Important Update: Bill C-3 and “New” Dual Citizens

As of December 15, 2025, the implementation of Bill C-3 (formerly Bill C-71) has removed the “first-generation limit” for Canadian citizenship by descent. This means thousands of individuals born abroad to Canadian parents may have automatically become Canadian citizens without even realizing it.

If you recently discovered you are a citizen under this new law, you are now subject to the dual-citizen travel rules mentioned above. You will need a Canadian passport to fly to Canada, even if you have spent your whole life travelling on a different passport.  We recommend that you check first before proceeding with your travel plan.

A Quick Travel Checklist

Before you head to the airport, ensure you have:

1. For Dual Citizens: A valid Canadian passport (unless you are a U.S. citizen).
2. For PRs: A PR Card that is valid for the duration of your trip.
3. For Children: Valid travel documents and a consent letter if the child is travelling with only one parent or a guardian.

How We Can Help

Travel complications can quickly turn into immigration complications. If you are struggling with a PR card renewal, need help applying for citizenship under the new Bill C-3 rules, or are facing issues with your residency obligations, we are here to provide clear, local expertise.
Contact Jennifer Roggemann Law today.