Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know

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Dual citizenship occurs when a person is the citizen of more than one country. Canadian law permits this: you can remain or become a citizen of another country and still be recognized as a Canadian.

But dual citizenship (also called dual nationality) is not legally recognized in all countries. This can lead to serious difficulties for Canadians when they are in the country of their second citizenship. It can also create problems in third countries if there is any confusion over what citizenship was used to obtain entry.

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How is dual citizenship obtained?

In some cases, you may not be aware that you're a citizen of another country. A second citizenship may result from:

• an application for citizenship
• place of birth
• family connections, including place of birth of one of your parents or even grandparents
• marriage
• extended residency

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Advantages

Many Canadians remain or become citizens of another country because of the advantages, including:

• employment opportunities
• entitlement to social programs, such as pensions
• property ownership
• unrestricted residency

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Risks and problems

There are also risks and problems associated with having more than one citizenship.

Recognition of Canadian citizenship: The most important of these is that your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your second citizenship. The authorities of that country may not recognize Canada's right to provide you with consular assistance.

There could also be problems in other countries, especially if you used the travel document of the country of your second citizenship to gain entry. In such circumstances, the local authorities could decide that Canada does not have the right to provide consular assistance.

Military service: Many countries still have compulsory military service. If you are a citizen, and you meet other conditions, you may be legally required to register for military service and to respond to call-up orders. This legal obligation may exist even if you do not reside in the country of your second citizenship. Your obligations could be enforced even if you're just visiting at some point in the future.

Some countries do not accept ignorance as an excuse for failure to comply. The consequences could be imprisonment or immediate induction into military service the next time you arrive in the country or attempt to leave. Even dual citizens who have passed the age for military service may be considered defaulters for failing to report at the required time.

Taxation: Taxation arrangements between countries are complex. If you have dual citizenship, you may encounter obligations in both countries. These obligations should be discussed with your financial and/or legal advisers.

Travel: If you travel with two passports, you could be subject to increased scrutiny by immigration and security officials. You could be questioned about missing entry or exit stamps, as well as your reason for having two travel documents. In some countries, possession of a second passport could result in its confiscation or a fine. You may even be prevented from leaving the country.

Marriage, divorce and child custody: Canada recognizes the legality of marriages performed in other countries. However, marriages performed in Canada may not always be considered legal in other countries. Similarly, divorce and child custody documents issued by Canadian courts may not be recognized.

Education: If the country of your second citizenship provided you with free education, especially at the secondary or professional level, you may be held liable for reimbursing the costs. This is particularly the case if you obtained the education outside the country of your second citizenship.

Inheritances: Some countries may not permit the transfer of inheritances to nationals with a second citizenship.

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What you can do

Preparation and knowledge are the keys to avoiding problems associated with dual citizenship. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the country of your second citizenship before you travel. Formally establish whether you are subject to any outstanding obligations such as military service, taxation or education repayment. This information should be confirmed in writing. Carry this document with you when you travel -- some dual citizens have received inaccurate or incomplete information from officials representing the country of their second citizenship.

If you do run into problems abroad because of your dual citizenship, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate immediately. If you're unable to make contact and require immediate assistance, place a collect call (where available) to the Emergency Operations Centre, Consular Affairs Bureau, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, at (613) 996-8885. You can also contact us by
e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca.

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Always use your Canadian passport

The Canadian government strongly encourages you to use your Canadian passport when travelling abroad, especially when entering the country of your second citizenship. Using your Canadian passport may provide the basis under which Canada can provide you with consular assistance if you run into difficulties. You should also obtain a visa, if that is required for entry by Canadian citizens, and always present yourself as a Canadian when dealing with local authorities.

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Renunciation of foreign citizenship

All countries have procedures through which a person can formally renounce citizenship. These procedures can be complex and lengthy. If you wish to formally renounce your second citizenship, contact the embassy of the country concerned in Canada.

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Renunciation of Canadian citizenship

If you are a citizen of another country and are living outside Canada , you can renounce your Canadian citizenship by applying through any Canadian embassy or consulate abroad. The procedures can take many months to complete.

If you renounce your Canadian citizenship, you cannot travel on a Canadian passport or seek Canadian consular assistance. Moreover, you will not be able to return to Canada without going through immigration procedures.

If you are overseas and have questions concerning your Canadian citizenship status, contact any Canadian embassy or consulate. If you are in Canada and want to obtain information on your citizenship status in another country, contact the embassy or consulate of that country.

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Consular Services

Canadian government offices abroad
www.voyage.gc.ca/alt/canoffices.asp

• Users exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced;
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada be identified as the source department; and
• the reproduction not be represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or with the endorsement of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

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