Canadian Citizenship - Consular Affairs

Due to increased scrutiny of international travellers by airlines and immigration authorities around the world, Canadian citizens attempting to travel to Canada without a valid Canadian passport will be subject to additional verifications that may delay or prevent travel. To avoid delays and other problems that will hinder their return to Canada, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating international travel and to use their Canadian passport at all times for international travel. Before attempting return travel to Canada, Canadian citizens who do not hold a valid Canadian passport should contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad to apply for one.

Canadians born outside Canada to a Canadian parent may be subject to loss of citizenship after February 14th, 2005, if certain conditions are not met. Canadians born outside Canada after February 14th, 1977 who are part of the second or a subsequent generation born abroad (i.e. born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent) can lose their Canadian citizenship at age 28 if they do not take the necessary steps before turning 28 years of age to retain it. Further information is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site.

If you are in Canada, contact a Citizenship and Immigration Call Centre.

If you are outside Canada, contact the nearest Canadian visa office abroad for the country or region in which you are located.